Expert Analysis • Updated Daily

FCA News & Analysis

Beyond the headlines: Impact analysis, sector insights, and actionable intelligence from ex-FCA regulators. Monitor consultations, enforcement, and policy changes affecting your firm.

View Priority Updates Get Expert Analysis

Intelligence Coverage

• Impact assessment for every FCA publication
• Sector-specific analysis and deadlines tracking
• Consultation summaries with response guidance
• Enforcement action insights and trends

FCA news & analysis

565 FCA publications, newest first, 16 of them priority (score 90+). Our own commentary is in Our analysis Showing 81–120 of 411.

News & SpeechesFCA sets out steps to support small businesses' access to financeSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could access finance more easily after the FCA sets out practical steps to help. An FCA review found no evidence that its regulation is a major barrier for SME access to finance. Many of the challenges identified relate to wider market, information and capability challenges.The review found that the challenges are often greatest for microbusinesses, which make up 95.5% of all SMEs and are less likely to use external finance. Limited awareness of finance options, complex application processes, duplicated checks, and difficulties accessing products suited to businesses with limited collateral or largely intangible assets were all highlighted as issues.As part of its commitment to supporting growth, the FCA is focusing its next steps in three areas to help reduce friction:Supporting a more proportionate regulatory regime through Consumer Credit Act reform.Helping unlock the benefits of open finance, including prioritising SME lending as a key use case.Monitoring...PaymentsConsumer Credit17 September 2026
News & SpeechesFS26/2: Supporting SME access to financeOur review finds FCA regulation is not a major barrier to SME finance, but highlights frictions we and others can help address. ... Read the Feedback Statement (PDF)Why we asked for feedbackSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – businesses with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover under £44m – account for 60% of employment and 51% of turnover in the UK private sector. Their ability to access finance is, therefore, important for economic growth. Yet only 21% of the total value of UK business loans are provided to SMEs and 54% of SMEs are not using external finance in any capacity.Supporting SME access to finance aligns with our 2025 to 2030 strategy, including our commitment to support growth it is a key area of the Government’s growth mission. We therefore asked stakeholders whether our regulation creates significant barriers to SME access to finance and whether there may be opportunities...PaymentsConsumer CreditMortgages17 September 2026
News & SpeechesPayments firms: delivering good outcomes for consumers in vulnerable circumstancesRead our findings on good practice and areas for improvement in payments firms’ approaches to supporting consumers in vulnerable circumstances. ... The Consumer Duty (the Duty) sets a high standard for retail consumer protection. We reviewed a sample of payments firms to assess how they are supporting consumers in vulnerable circumstances and whether they are delivering good outcomes. We found many examples of positive practice but also opportunities for firms to strengthen how they identify vulnerability, monitor outcomes and improve support.The examples we outline below are intended to help firms learn from the experiences of others. This publication sets out our findings and highlights practices which can help firms to meet their obligations under the Duty and support customers in vulnerable circumstances. What firms should do nowFirms should consider these findings when assessing whether their own approaches are effective. This publication does not introduce new requirements or prescribe a particular...17 September 2026
News & SpeechesFCA opens investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK LtdWe are investigating potential offences by Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd (EES). The reason for opening the investigation is that it appears to us that, between 1 February 2020 and 4 June 2026, EES may have committed offences under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (the MLRs).EES may have failed to take appropriate steps to identify and assess the risks of money laundering, including in relation to its customers, the countries or geographic areas where it operated, its services, its transactions and delivery channels, and sufficiently document and update that assessment.It may also have failed to establish and maintain policies, controls and procedures to mitigate and manage effectively the risks of money laundering identified in the risk assessment (as above), including in relation to:customer due diligenceongoing monitoring controls internal governance and oversightresourcing and allocation of responsibilitiesrecord-keeping and escalation/reporting mechanismsWe have not...PaymentsConsumer Credit17 September 2026
News & SpeechesBetter outcomes begin when payment firms understand customers’ needsDuring our review of consumer vulnerability, we saw how relatively simple changes can make a real difference. One payments provider serving small business customers found that some customers were struggling to set up and manage their accounts because of limited IT literacy.The firm responded by arranging callback support to help customers set up their accounts. As a result, customers were able to manage their accounts successfully, without needing to invest in expensive new systems or roll out elaborate new processes.17 September 2026
News & SpeechesFCA opens investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK LtdWe are investigating potential offences by Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd (EES). The reason for opening the investigation is that it appears to us that, between 1 February 2020 and 4 June 2026, EES may have committed offences under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (the MLRs).EES may have failed to take appropriate steps to identify and assess the risks of money laundering, including in relation to its customers, the countries or geographic areas where it operated, its services, its transactions and delivery channels, and sufficiently document and update that assessment.It may also have failed to establish and maintain policies, controls and procedures to mitigate and manage effectively the risks of money laundering identified in the risk assessment (as above), including in relation to:customer due diligenceongoing monitoring controls internal governance and oversightresourcing and allocation of responsibilitiesrecord-keeping and escalation/reporting mechanismsWe have not...PaymentsConsumer Credit16 September 2026
News & SpeechesCrypto firms get guidance on how the new regime appliesNew FCA guidance will help firms understand how the law underpinning the UK's future cryptoasset regime applies to their business. It also sets out which activities may require FCA authorisation. The regime comes into force on 25 October 2027. With applications for authorisation opening from 30 September 2026, firms need this guidance now to help them prepare. The guidance covers activities including issuing qualifying stablecoins, operating cryptoasset trading platforms, dealing and arranging deals, safeguarding cryptoassets and arranging cryptoasset staking.David Geale, executive director of consumers, payments and competition at the FCA, said: 'We are building a crypto regime that firms, consumers and international partners can trust. Getting ready for regulation starts with understanding how the regime applies to your business. This guidance gives firms the clarity they’ve asked for so they can prepare with confidence.'This guidance follows the FCA's extensive work to prepare for the new regime, including finalising its rules...Banking16 September 2026
News & SpeechesFinancial regulator bans former law firm owner from financial servicesThe FCA has banned Nurul Miah, also known as Neil Mia and Neil Miah, from working in financial services. The FCA acted after the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) found that Mr Miah, who was a non-legal manager at Kingly Solicitors Limited, dishonestly caused or allowed more than £28m of client money to be taken from client accounts without permission between April 2019 and July 2020.The SRA also found that more than £10m of client money was missing and had been used by Mr Miah for his own benefit.Mr Miah was approved by the FCA in 2016 to work in senior management roles at an unconnected firm, Oracle Consultants Ltd.The FCA has concluded that Mr Miah’s actions showed he lacked the honesty and integrity needed to work in financial services.Therese Chambers, executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said:'Mr Miah dishonestly used client money for his own benefit. He has no...Consumer Credit15 September 2026
News & SpeechesPremier Payment Solutions Ltd enters liquidationOn 10 September 2026, Premier Payment Solutions Ltd, which traded as PPS Money and MTBS (together, 'PPS Money'), entered liquidation. Bai Cham and Gary Shankland of BTG Begbies Traynor were appointed joint liquidators. PPS Money is registered as a small payment institution under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (the PSRs). The firm provided money-remittance services, primarily supporting money service businesses to make cross-border payments, including through its network of FCA-registered agents, which are businesses or individuals registered to provide payment services on its behalf. See a list of PPS Money’s current and former agents.PPS entered liquidation after the directors determined that the firm could no longer continue trading. The joint liquidators are responsible for assessing customer claims against the firm and distributing funds back to customers where possible.If you have any questions regarding the liquidation process, please contact: premier.ps@btguk.com.We will continue to engage with the joint liquidators and take any...Payments14 September 2026

Show 31 more on this page

News & SpeechesUpper Tribunal upholds Crispin Odey banCrispin Odey’s ban from the financial services industry has been upheld by the Upper Tribunal, which found he lacked integrity. Mr Odey was the founder and majority owner of Odey Asset Management (OAM). He faced an internal disciplinary process for breaching a final written warning relating to repeated and persistent inappropriate behaviour towards female employees.In response, Mr Odey bullied and threatened his executive directors. He then twice dismissed OAM’s executive committee (ExCo) when they did not give in to his improper pressure. Mr Odey was only willing to answer to a governing body that would make a decision he agreed with, which was not to sack him. By removing them, he brought the internal disciplinary process to a halt.Mr Odey’s only purpose was self-preservation and to avoid being held to account for his behaviour. He abused his power and disregarded the impact that his actions had on the firm and...14 September 2026
News & SpeechesCall for Input: Tokenised gold – opportunities and risk for UK wholesale marketsWe’re seeking views on whether tokenising gold could improve how it is traded, transferred, pledged and held in UK markets. ... Read the Call for Input (PDF)Why we are consultingTokenisation means creating digital tokens that represent ownership of physical gold, which can then be transferred electronically. There is an opportunity for the UK to lead on the next generation of gold-market infrastructure in an innovative, responsible and risk-aware way.We want to understand whether tokenising gold could boost efficiency and competitiveness, while maintaining market integrity and protecting consumers.We’re particularly interested in understanding:use cases in wholesale marketsspecific areas which may prove challengingthe impact of perceived uncertainty around the collective investment scheme (CIS) and alternative investment fund (AIF) regulatory perimeter ... Who this is forGold market participants, including clearing members.Firms developing or considering tokenised gold products.Asset managers and firms operating gold CISs or AIFs.Technology and infrastructure providers working on digital asset platforms.Consumer groups...PaymentsBanking14 September 2026 · deadline 23 Oct
News & SpeechesFS26/1: Tokenisation in wholesale marketsWe asked for views on tokenisation in wholesale markets. Read what we heard from industry and our next steps, including a new roadmap. ... Read the Feedback Statement (PDF)Why we are consulting In May 2026, we and the Bank of England published a joint Call for Input on the future of tokenisation. We wanted to understand industry views on the benefits, priorities and barriers for tokenised securities in UK wholesale markets, so we can give firms the regulatory clarity they need to invest and scale up. We received 123 responses, including from industry bodies, firms and legal academics.Respondents supported our proposed approach. Most agreed that post-trade is the main opportunity, particularly improving how collateral moves between parties.This feedback will help us build a practical roadmap to support safe and effective adoption.Who this is forThis publication is relevant to:banks, investment firms and asset managersfinancial market infrastructure providers, such as central securities...PaymentsInvestmentBanking14 September 2026
News & SpeechesMan pleads guilty to fraud and forgery offences relating to fake takeover approachChristopher Woolcott has pleaded guilty to 4 counts of fraud and forgery after creating a fake takeover bid for Touchstone Exploration Inc. Mr Woolcott held shares in Touchstone Exploration Inc and stood to benefit financially from any upward movement in the share price had the fake takeover bid been announced to the market.Mr Woolcott admitted creating a fictitious takeover approach for Touchstone Exploration Inc using multiple false identities and forged documents, in an attempt to lend credibility to the approach.He will be sentenced at a later date.Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said:'Fake bids, forged documents and false identities have no place in our markets.'Investors must be able to trust information that affects share prices. The FCA will take action against those who use deception and threaten that trust.’Tackling market abuse and financial crime is a priority under the FCA's 5-year strategy.Notes to editorsChristopher...InvestmentCorporate Finance10 September 2026
News & SpeechesThe UK alternative investment fund market: evidence from regulatory reportingOur research explores the UK's alternative investment fund (AIF) market using our regulatory data. ... Read the research (PDF) ... This research looks at the UK AIF market, how it has changed over time and how risks and vulnerabilities are distributed across the market.The UK AIF market has grown significantly, with the value of funds managed in the UK reaching £1.8tn in 2025. Growth in funds marketed in the UK has been broadly spread across fund types, although private credit has emerged as one of the fastest growing segments of the market.The findings have informed our proposals to modernise the UK Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). The findings provide a snapshot of the market before our proposed regulatory reforms, setting a baseline to help us evaluate future regulatory changes.Our other key findings include:Professional investors remain at the centre of the market.Leverage and liquidity risks are concentrated in certain fund...Consumer Credit3 September 2026
News & SpeechesFrontier AI and cyber resilienceRead insights for firms on how frontier AI may affect cyber resilience, governance and vulnerability management for firms.2 September 2026
News & SpeechesFCA urges young adults to check for unclaimed Child Trust FundsThousands of young adults could be sitting on a forgotten pot of savings as they head back to college and university. As students return to college and university this month, the FCA is urging young adults and parents to check whether they have a forgotten Child Trust Fund waiting to be claimed – potentially worth thousands of pounds.Figures from HMRC show that 760,000 matured Child Trust Funds, worth an average of £2,000 each, remain unclaimed. That means hundreds of thousands of young people could be missing out on money that could go towards new laptops, textbooks, rent deposits or the everyday costs of student life – or setting them up with savings for their future.Some companies, including those advertising on social media, are offering to 'find' and claim Child Trust Funds on people's behalf – often for a hefty fee or a cut of the final payout. The FCA has...InsuranceBanking1 September 2026
News & SpeechesYoung investors trust AI more than TV or celebritiesFour in 5 less experienced investors have used AI for help with investing – and around two-thirds report doing so occasionally or regularly. New research focused on 18- to 40-year-olds who own or are considering investments showed that 56% trust AI tools, more than TV and radio (47%), press (46%) or social media influencers (29%).And people are getting more comfortable, with two-thirds expecting to lean on AI even more over the next year.But the research from the FCA also revealed that these investors may be misunderstanding the level of protection if they rely on AI to support their investing decisions:Almost half (44%) mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated.More than 1 in 3 (38%) believe it’s fine to make an investment decision based solely on the outputs of AI.Around a third (32%) wrongly think they'd get compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or Financial Ombudsman Service if AI...PaymentsInvestment27 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA bans trio behind £35.5m scheme designed to bypass visa rulesThe FCA has decided to ban 3 former senior figures at Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited (Dolfin) after finding they ran a scheme that helped clients bypass UK visa rules. Former chief executive Denisz Nagy has been fined £324,800 and former finance director Sanjay Maraj £122,000 for their roles in the scheme. Both have been banned from working in financial services. The FCA has also decided to ban Dolfin co-founder, Roman Joukovski, from working in financial services. Between 2016 and 2019, most clients using the scheme paid a fee of £400,000 instead of investing £2m of their own money in UK companies, as required under the Home Office investor visa rules. The FCA found the scheme was deliberately designed to create the false impression that the visa requirements had been met. The scheme enabled at least 99 individuals to obtain investor visas and generated at least £35.5m in fees for Dolfin-connected...Consumer Credit26 August 2026
News & SpeechesEGR Wealth Limited enters administrationOn 24 August 2026, EGR Wealth Limited (EGR Wealth) entered administration. Robert Goodhew and Geoff Bouchier of Kroll Advisory Limited were appointed joint administrators. The joint administrators are responsible for managing the affairs of the firm during the administration process. They are officers of the court and need to comply with all insolvency law.EGR Wealth is authorised by the FCA. It provided discretionary investment management services, managed client investment portfolios, and facilitated the transfer and administration of client investments.On 24 July 2026, EGR Wealth agreed to a voluntary requirement which restricted the activities it can carry out.Below we set out for customers:How to contact the joint administrators.Information about the administration.What to do if you are concerned about your investments.What to do if you have a complaint with the firm.How to protect yourself from fraudsters claiming to act on behalf of the firm, the joint administrators or the FCA.Consumer Credit26 August 2026
News & SpeechesConsumers warned to beware of risky mini-bonds and loan notesThe FCA is warning consumers about the risks of investing in loan notes and mini-bonds issued by unregulated companies, after continuing to see people lose money in these high-risk investments. The recent failure of Woodville Consultants Ltd, a litigation funder that raised capital from retail investors through unregulated loan notes, shows the potential risk to investors.A loan note or mini-bond usually involves lending money to a company for a set period in return for interest. If that company fails, consumers could lose every penny.The FCA permanently banned the marketing of speculative illiquid securities, including mini-bonds and loan notes, to retail investors from 1 January 2021.But consumers may still come across adverts for loan notes and mini-bonds in everyday places, including social media, online adverts or websites promoting high fixed returns.The adverts can look simple and safe, but warning signs include pressure to act quickly, unclear explanations of how money could...Consumer CreditBankingCorporate Finance20 August 2026
News & SpeechesUnregulated loan notes and mini-bonds: don't risk your savings on promises of high returnsThese high-risk investments should not usually be advertised widely to the public. We banned the marketing of speculative mini-bonds and loan notes to ordinary retail investors from 1 January 2021.We did this because these are complicated investments, not suitable for most people. The ban means these high-risk investments should not usually be advertised widely to the public.But some unregulated firms may still try to sell them by using legal exemptions. You should be on alert if you’re offered these types of investments by someone not regulated by us. They may ask you to tick a box saying you are a sophisticated, experienced or high-net-worth investor before you can invest. Most people don’t meet these criteria.Be very careful before ticking any boxes, as it could mean you lose important protections if things go wrong. You’re unlikely to be able to take complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service or make a claim...20 August 2026
News & SpeechesFeedback on motor finance redress scheme implementation plansTo help firms strengthen their motor finance redress plans, we provide examples of good and poor practice from our review of implementation plans. ... The motor finance redress scheme is currently partially suspended, but firms must comply with all rules which are not suspended.19 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA bans senior manager for lack of honesty and integrityThe FCA has banned Howard Roland Duckett from working in financial services due to a serious lack of honesty and integrity. Mr Duckett was a senior manager at Beauforce Corporation Limited, a debt management firm. The High Court has disqualified Mr Duckett from acting as a company director for 10 years. It found that he had failed to maintain adequate records while director of an unrelated company.The Court also found that Mr Duckett repeatedly lied and attempted to rely on fabricated evidence to distance himself from the company and deny that he was a director. This included falsely claiming that a fictitious individual was responsible for running the business.Mr Duckett failed to tell the FCA about his disqualification.Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said:'Mr Ducket constructed an elaborate fiction in his attempt to avoid disqualification and did not disclose his disqualification to the FCA. He deserves...Consumer CreditBanking18 August 2026
News & SpeechesWealth management survey report – 2026The UK wealth management sector plays a central role in helping people invest with confidence.Investment18 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA expands global presence with new attachés in India and UAEThe FCA has announced Sabina Saini and Darine Obeid as the financial services attachés for India and the UAE. Sabina will be based at the British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai and Darine will be based at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.These appointments expand the FCA's global presence, joining a global network that includes the FCA's existing attachés in Washington DC, Brussels and Singapore, as well as the Asia-Pacific, supporting international co-operation, exports and investment into the UK.Ruairí O’Connell OBE, director, international, said: 'Our new financial services attachés in India and the UAE will advance the UK's interests on financial services policy and help drive investment into our open market.'The FCA's global network is vital to delivering across all parts of the FCA strategy. Just as the UK is a global financial services centre, the FCA is a globally connected regulator and international leader in financial regulation. Our new...Banking17 August 2026
News & SpeechesCEO banned for false and misleading statements made in attempt to buy bank and football clubPaul Taylor, former CEO of Blue Horizon Asset Management (BHAM) has been fined £489,000 and banned from working in financial services by the FCA. The former managing director of the firm, Esmeralda Toni, has also been fined £121,200 for serious misconduct and banned by the FCA.During his time at BHAM, Mr Taylor made misleading statements and falsified information during 2 separate attempted acquisitions.While attempting to acquire a UK bank, Mr Taylor falsified, or arranged to be falsified, documents claiming to be the owner of a bond portfolio worth approximately €200m. Ms Toni knowingly assisted Mr Taylor by making misleading statements to the bank and by helping falsify the documents. Mr Taylor knew, and Ms Toni understood that it was likely, that these statements and documents would be relied upon by the FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) as part of their assessment for the proposed acquisition.Ms Toni was interviewed as...Consumer CreditBanking14 August 2026
News & SpeechesT+1 Settlement: are firms ready for 2027?Why T+1 matters and what we’ve been doing so farThe UK’s move to a T+1 securities settlement cycle on 11 October 2027 is a fundamental shift in how securities transactions are settled.To prepare, market participants will have to rapidly speed up their post-trade processes, including automating their operations as appropriate.We’ve found that some are more ready than others – and some have a lot to do to meet deadlines, and our expectations.Participants should view T+1 as an opportunity. It will make the UK market more efficient and reduce risk – ultimately freeing up funds for investment.Our work on the T+1 transition is helping support growth in the UK financial market. We’re testing how ready market participants are for the transition, and where implementation challenges and bottlenecks remain.This forms part of our approach for T+1 we set out last year, alongside an active communications strategy and market monitoring.We’ve been speaking to...13 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA boosts support for innovative firms as they scale and growFive fast-growing firms have joined the FCA’s Scale-up Unit, receiving tailored support to help them innovate, navigate regulation and grow sustainably. ClearScore, Modulr, Teya, Urban Jungle and Zilch, spanning payments, consumer finance, credit information and insurtech, are the first firms regulated solely by the FCA to take part. The Scale-up Unit gives firms tailored regulatory support as they develop new products, respond to policy changes and manage the challenges of rapid growth. Insights from a recent pilot with 15 high-growth firms, published on 10 August 2026, show that early investment in governance, risk management and controls helps firms manage the opportunities and challenges of growth, as well as scale sustainably.‘High-growth firms play a vital role in driving economic growth across the UK,’ said Jessica Rusu, chief data information and innovation officer, FCA. ‘We want the UK to remain one of the best places in the world to start, grow and...Consumer CreditInvestment10 August 2026
News & SpeechesHigh-growth firms: good and poor practiceRead our review of good practice and areas for improvement identified through our Early and High Growth Oversight pilot with high-growth firms. ... Firms that grow rapidly can benefit consumers and markets by increasing choice and access, improving services and supporting innovation. High growth firms can also contribute to economic growth through job creation and investment in infrastructure and technology. But if firms prioritise expansion ahead of developing governance, risk management and control frameworks, this can increase the risk of harm. Between July 2025 and March 2026, we engaged with 15 firms across asset management, wealth management and payments as part of a high-growth pilot. This was to identify rapidly growing firms earlier and support them as they establish and evolve their business. We assessed whether their governance, risk management and control frameworks were developing in line with their growth. Below, we set out examples of good and poor practice...Investment10 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA applying increased scrutiny to Annex 1 firmsWe are concerned about a number of risks among unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies (Annex 1 firms). Firms including unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies, need to be registered with us for anti-money laundering purposes.If you’re carrying out these activities without being registered, you should submit an application for registration.We are concerned about a number of risks we’ve identified among Annex 1 firms, in particular the potential for them to facilitate financial crime.We have seen firms rely too heavily on the financial crime controls of their parent company. Each individual firm within a group must assess whether these controls are appropriate for their financial crime risks, governance and operations. They also can’t rely on off-the-shelf procedures designed for a different company. Each must have controls tailored to the way they operate and the risks they need to manage.We are...Consumer Credit7 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA simplifies IPO rules to support UK listingsCompanies will benefit from easier initial public offering (IPO) listings thanks to changes to the rules from the FCA. This will allow the UK listings market to compete more effectively with global markets.The reforms will reduce execution risk for issuers, lower compliance costs and make it easier for companies to access public markets. As part of the changes, the FCA will remove the 7-day waiting period for connected research during an IPO and simplify information-sharing requirements for issuers and firms.These changes support the FCA's aim of enabling growth, investment and innovation, while continuing to uphold high standards of market integrity and investor protection.Jon Relleen, director of infrastructure and exchanges at the FCA, said:'We want the UK market to be an attractive place for companies to raise capital and grow. By making the UK listing regime more efficient, we are supporting the growth and competitiveness of UK capital markets.'Notes to editorsRead...Corporate Finance5 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA finalises rules to cut firms' transaction reporting costs by over £100m a yearTransaction reporting requirements become smarter, simpler and more proportionate under new rules from the FCA. Transaction reports are critical to the FCA’s ability to detect and investigate market abuse, monitor market functioning and supervise firms effectively.The new rules are designed to ensure the FCA continues to receive accurate, high-quality data while eliminating duplicative or low-value reporting. By removing unnecessary reporting the changes will reduce regulatory burden and support growth and competitiveness. The changes will save firms more than £100m a year.Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said: 'Transaction reports are the backbone of our market oversight work – they help us catch financial crime, monitor market stability and supervise firms effectively. 'By taking a smarter, streamlined approach to reporting, we're giving firms meaningful cost relief while ensuring we continue to receive the accurate, high-quality data that keeps UK markets clean and competitive.'Key changes include:Reducing the number...InvestmentBanking3 August 2026
News & SpeechesFCA advances package of equity market transparency reformsThe FCA has published a package of reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen access to market-wide information and support confidence in UK equity markets. The package confirms the framework for a future equity consolidated tape, consults on targeted market structure reforms and introduces an interim market activity reporting tool for shares.UK equity markets offer investors a wide choice of trading options. The FCA's assessment is that competition and innovation have delivered significant benefits for market users, helping create liquid and resilient markets.However, greater choice has also increased fragmentation. Obtaining a complete picture of trading activity can be complicated and expensive, meaning market-wide data is often under-used. It also means the depth and liquidity of UK equity markets is often under-appreciated.A consolidated tape brings together trading information from across the market into a single source. This package puts us on a path to deliver an equity consolidated tape within 18 months,...31 July 2026
News & SpeechesTrial date set for individual charged with illegal promotionsOn 30 July 2026, Lucy Beck attended Southwark Crown Court for a hearing in relation to unauthorised promotions on social media. Ms Beck entered a not guilty plea and the date of her trial has been set as 12 June 2028.It is alleged that Ms Beck promoted buying and selling Foreign Exchange Contracts for Difference through social media accounts and websites, without being authorised to do so, contrary to sections 21 and 25 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.Notes to editorsLucy Beck’s date of birth is 30/04/1994.Anyone who believes they may have suffered loss in relation to this matter is encouraged to contact the FCA consumer contact centre on 0800 111 6768. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles.Fighting financial crime is central to the FCA’s 5-year strategy (PDF).Consumers can use the FCA’s Firm Checker to see whether a firm is authorised and has permission to offer...30 July 2026
News & SpeechesBlue Motor Finance Limited enters administrationOn 30 July 2026, Blue Motor Finance Limited (BMFL) was placed into administration. Simon Edel, Richard Barker and Alan Michael Hudson of Ernst & Young LLP were appointed as joint administrators. BMFL (firm reference number 737682) operated as a motor finance lender.The firm had been running at a loss for a number of years and faced significant compensation liabilities it could not meet.Simon Edel, Richard Barker and Alan Michael Hudson have been appointed as joint administrators. They are now responsible for BMFL while it is in administration. They will contact all affected customers.BMFL in administration is no longer lending. However, all outstanding loan agreements remain in place and will continue to be serviced by BMFL in the short term. You should continue to make payments as usual.BMFL remains liable for any compensation it owes, including under the FCA's motor finance compensation scheme (the scheme).We are engaging with BMFL and the...Consumer Credit30 July 2026
News & SpeechesFCA censures Equity for Growth (Securities) LimitedThe FCA has censured Equity for Growth (Securities) Limited (EFG) for approving financial promotions relating to minibonds that were unfair, unclear and misleading. EFG approved financial promotions which failed to disclose very high commission fees charged by its appointed representatives and other introducers for marketing the minibonds to investors. Appointed representatives carry out regulated activities under the responsibility of an authorised firm, known as ‘the principal’.The promotions also failed to state that these fees would be deducted from investors’ money. This meant they could not make a fully informed decision before investing.Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, said:'Investors cannot make informed decisions without key information. Firms must make sure that the financial promotions they are approving are transparent about the high commissions taken from people’s money and the impact those charges have on their investments.’On 25 March 2026, following an FCA petition and...Consumer Credit30 July 2026
News & SpeechesRegional financial development and growth in the UKRead our independent FCA-commissioned research exploring how UK financial services hubs relate to regional growth, productivity and SME access to finance. ... OverviewWe commissioned two independent research papers examining the relationship between financial services, regional economic outcomes, and the geography of finance in the UK. The research was commissioned under the FCA’s secondary international competitiveness and growth objective (SICGO), to develop the evidence base on two questions:Through what channels do financial services hubs contribute to UK GDP growth?Do regional financial services hubs generate distinct growth benefits compared with additional growth in London?The papers explore how the location, type and distribution of financial activity may shape firm performance, access to capital, and regional productivity. Together, the papers contribute to the evidence base on the relationship between financial services and UK growth.The papersPaper 1: Regional financial development and growth in the UK (PDF) – Dr Stefanos Ioannou and Dr Andra Sonea (Oxford...Consumer CreditBankingCorporate Finance29 July 2026
News & SpeechesStrengthening resilience across an increasingly interconnected financial systemThink of the last time you made a payment, transferred money, used a banking app or logged on to online financial services. Did you give much thought to the infrastructure that makes those essential everyday transactions possible?Let’s be honest, you probably didn’t. Most people don’t – until something goes wrong.Financial services rely on a network of providers working behind the scenes – including technology, data and operational service providers.These are so important to the resilience of the financial system that the government granted us powers to implement a new oversight regime, and has now designated the first critical third parties (CTPs).That means, the Bank of England, PRA and FCA will together directly oversee these providers, with a targeted, proportionate focus on ensuring the services they provide to UK financial firms and financial market infrastructures (FMIs) are resilient.Our oversight aims to address system level risks, where many firms rely on the...InsuranceBanking28 July 2026
News & SpeechesFCA secures majority of victims’ money back from convicted fraudsterVictims of convicted fraudster John Burford are set to recover the majority of the money they invested after the FCA obtained a confiscation order against him. In September 2025 Mr Burford, 86, was sentenced to 2 years in prison for defrauding over 100 investors out of £1m.He offered trade alerts and investment opportunities in managed 'funds', despite lacking FCA authorisation. The FCA found he repeatedly misled investors about fund performance, concealed losses and used their money for personal gain, including buying a property.At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 27 July 2026, Mr Burford was ordered to pay £655,951.40. This amount represents the total value of assets the court determined were available to be recovered. The funds will be returned directly to victims of his crimes.Together with payments previously made by Mr Burford to investors, nearly all the money, an estimated 99%, originally invested by the approximately 70 known...Consumer Credit27 July 2026
News & SpeechesFCA and Bank appoint members to their Transaction and Post-trade Reporting Harmonisation TaskforceThe FCA and Bank of England (Bank) have appointed members to their Transaction and Post-trade Reporting Harmonisation Taskforce. The taskforce will inform our long-term approach to harmonising transaction and post-trade reporting requirements across UK Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (UK MiFIR), UK European Market Infrastructure Regulation (UK EMIR) and UK Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (UK SFTR).The taskforce comprises 3 separate working groups: a main Policy working group, supported by a Strategy working group and an Architecture working group. The objectives of the working groups were set out in the terms of reference.The Policy working group is chaired by Helen Packard (head of market oversight data & intelligence at FCA) and Julia Giese (head of financial markets infrastructure analytics at the Bank). The members of the Policy working group are:Giulia Pecce (head of secondary capital markets & wholesale investor protection at AFME)Adam Jacobs-Dean (managing director, global head of markets, governance and...PaymentsConsumer CreditInvestment27 July 2026