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FCA News & Analysis
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FCA news & analysis
565 FCA publications, newest first, 16 of them priority (score 90+). Our own commentary is in Our analysis Showing 161–200 of 411.
- News & SpeechesFCA cracks down on illegal promotions and market abuse in first year of new strategyThe FCA led an international crackdown on illegal finfluencer promotions – resulting in 3 arrests and 650 social media takedown requests. It also secured a combined 11 years in prison for 2 cases of insider dealing in the first year of its 5-year strategy, according to its Annual report and accounts published today. The FCA has focused its efforts on the most serious risks and harms. It has taken decisive action to protect consumers, fight financial crime and uphold market integrity, delivering an estimated £5.6bn in benefits to consumers, firms and the wider economy.Helping consumersThe FCA significantly strengthened consumer protection through the launch of Firm Checker, a tool that helps consumers quickly check whether a firm is authorised and avoid dealing with fraudulent firms. It’s estimated that the tool has been used over 1.9 million times since its introduction in January 2025. Following a successful advertising campaign at the start...PaymentsInvestmentInsurance9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA charges individual with insider dealingRichard Bloomfield has been charged by the FCA with 5 counts of insider dealing. The FCA alleges that in his role as a solicitor at a law firm, Mr Bloomfield worked on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC and used inside information obtained through his role to deal in securities of Seraphine Group PLC on 5 occasions between 28 March 2022 and 10 January 2023.Mr Bloomfield appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and gave no indication of plea. The case was sent to Southwark Crown Court, and his next appearance will be on 5 August 2026. Mr Bloomfield has been released on unconditional bail.The FCA is not investigating the law firm or Seraphine Group PLC in this case.Notes to editorsRichard Bloomfield was born on 23 May 1988.Insider dealing is an offence under section 52 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993.8 July 2026
- News & SpeechesShowing our workings: solving for growth, risk and trustSpeech by Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive, at a Breakfast Briefing at The Whitehall & Industry Group. As everyone who has wrestled with a problem knows, getting to the right answer is about more than just understanding the question.It’s about having a firm grasp on your constants.We’re working with 2. And they are, admittedly, significant. The first is our vision: deepening trust, rebalancing risk, supporting growth and improving lives.We want to see a fair, thriving financial services market that works for consumers and the wider economy.The second is our priorities: supporting growth, fighting financial crime, helping consumers and being a smarter regulator.We’re now in the second year of our 5-year strategy (PDF), which shapes how we engage, prioritise and make decisions.But it isn’t a fixed formula. Markets are always shifting. New threats and opportunities emerge daily, and with AI, faster than ever.So, while our strategy to 2030 provides consistency and...8 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA appoints new members to the Secondary Markets Advisory CommitteeThe FCA has appointed members to its advisory committee on secondary markets for the period July 2026 to July 2028. The committee will increase from 25 to 27 members. The Secondary Markets Advisory Committee supports the FCA’s work in wholesale secondary markets in equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and commodities markets across securities, futures, swaps, and options markets. The committee includes representatives from firms operating from across the different segments of financial markets. It supports the work of the FCA by:Helping to develop reforms that improve market competition, increase consumer protection, and enhance the integrity of markets.Identifying market changes, trends, and risks that may affect the proper functioning of secondary markets.Providing data and analysis to support policy reforms.The Secondary Markets Advisory Committee members are: Jamie Turner (Chief Operating Officer & Head of Trading at London Metal Exchange)Gary Chia-Hsing Li (Head of Regulatory Affairs, EMEA & APAC at MarketAxess)Laurence Walton (Head...InvestmentBanking8 July 2026
- News & SpeechesBanks told to improve access to basic accountsPeople struggling should find it easier to access basic bank accounts, after nine banks committed to improving widespread poor practice identified by the FCA. Nine of the biggest UK banks and building societies are legally mandated to offer basic bank accounts. They exist to serve people who may not otherwise be able to access standard current accounts - providing access to essential services with no fees and no overdraft.A mystery shopping exercise by the FCA found a third of experiences with basic bank accounts rated as poor or very poor. The mystery shop revealed that the bank account providers were not consistently offering these accounts to customers who could benefit from them. This included people facing financial hardship or without standard identification, and especially those with no fixed address. The firms often failed to mention basic bank accounts at all and pushed customers in vulnerable circumstances towards online applications unsuitable...Banking7 July 2026
- News & SpeechesBasic Bank Accounts: The problems we found and how industry is committing to changeOur findings from mystery shopping with Basic Bank Account providers, and what they’ve committed to do to help consumers more.Banking7 July 2026
- News & SpeechesEldens Finance Limited enters administrationOn Monday 6 July 2026, Eldens Finance Limited (Eldens) was placed into administration. Antony Batty and Hugh Jesseman of Antony Batty & Company Ltd were appointed as Joint Administrators. Eldens provided pawnbroking loans, primarily secured against high-value and luxury assets.The Joint Administrators are responsible for winding down the firm in an orderly way in the interests of its creditors.On 19 June 2026, Eldens agreed to enter into a voluntary requirement to restrict its ability to deal and dispose of assets and its permissions to carry out regulatory activities. More information about these requirements can be found on the FS Register.Eldens holds a number of customer items that were used as security for pawnbroking loans (these are known as pledged assets). We are engaging with Eldens and the Joint Administrators to support appropriate outcomes for customers in relation to these items.Customers who are struggling financially can get free and impartial guidance...Consumer Credit7 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA publishes landmark review into impact of AI on retail financial servicesThe review sets out how AI could reshape retail financial services for consumers, firms, markets and regulators by 2030 and beyond. Led by FCA executive director Sheldon Mills and commissioned by the Board, The Mills Review is the first work of its kind initiated by a regulator globally.Drawing on views from across the financial services landscape, the report identifies 4 major AI‑driven shifts likely to impact retail financial services: the transformation of firm operations; the evolution of consumer journeys; the reshaping of competition and market power; and the amplification of fraud and cyber risks.The report finds there is already consumer appetite for the use of agentic AI in personal finance, with research commissioned by the FCA showing that a fifth of people – equivalent to 11 million UK adults – are likely to use AI that can act autonomously within pre-set goals. But consumers in the survey are concerned about...Consumer CreditBanking6 July 2026
- News & SpeechesAI and the future of retail financial services (The Mills Review)The Mills Review sets out how AI could reshape retail financial services by 2030 and beyond, and makes priority recommendations to the FCA on how it could respond. ... Read The Mills Review (PDF) ... Purpose of the reviewIn the future, firms and consumers are likely to delegate more financial decision-making to AI systems. AI will not only be a technology to assist people, but will recommend actions, initiate transactions, and execute decisions within agreed parameters.The FCA Board asked executive director Sheldon Mills to lead a review into how these advances in AI could transform retail financial services. The review builds on the FCA's existing work on AI, while recognising that agentic AI has the potential to fundamentally change how financial services operate. ... How the review was carried outThe review was based on a blend of analysis, research and engagement.This included feedback gathered from firms, trade bodies, consumer groups,...6 July 2026
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- News & SpeechesPension firms must do more for customers in older pensions and fund savingsThe FCA has found that peopleholding legacy pension products,now closed to newsavers, could be receiving poorer value than those in newer ones. The regulatoridentifiedsome good practices,butcomplexcharging structures,older product design andweakness infirms'datameantsome pension savers are not getting as much value as they could.What good looks likeSomeunit-linked non-workplace pension providers are working tosimplifyor rationalise their legacyproductsandfunds,orhaveplans to do so. There was evidence of firmscappingor reducingchargesfor customers in legacy products.Some were also comparing outcomes acrossdifferentcustomergroups andproducts, andmovingcustomers to better-value alternatives.The FCA is now calling on all pension providers toconsiderthe reportandtake on the good practiceidentified. The regulatoris also engaging with firms onbarriersthey face in improving the valuefor customers, particularly in closed books.Charlotte Clark, director of cross-cutting policy and strategyat the FCA said:'Consumers in older products shouldnot be left behind,and the good news is that some firms are already showing it doesn't have to be this way. We want to see that progress reflected right...Banking2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesMotor finance scheme partially suspendedThe Upper Tribunal has made an order suspending parts of the scheme. We set out what the partial suspension means for firms and consumers. The Upper Tribunal has confirmed it will hear the legal challenges to our motor finance scheme on 14 to 18 December 2026 or 16 to 26 February 2027. The final dates depend on whether any of those involved in the case apply for further expert opinion or disclosure of information, and whether any such application is successful.The Tribunal has also made an order suspending parts of the scheme on terms agreed by us with the 4 commercial parties that have challenged (Consumer Voice, represented by Courmacs Legal, Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes Benz Financial Services, and Crédit Agricole Auto Finance).The partial suspension enables firms to keep preparing for the scheme and progress complaints as far as possible, while avoiding work that may need to be repeated if...2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesPayments Vision Delivery Committee update on future retail payments infrastructureThe Retail Payments Infrastructure Board (RPIB), led by the Bank of England, recently published a consultation on the future retail payments infrastructure.To support the consultation, the Payment Vision Delivery Committee (PVDC) which comprises representatives of HM Treasury, the FCA, Bank of England and the PSR, has published further context to support stakeholders' reading of the consultation. It covers issues such as how the commercial model for the infrastructure should work and how the new infrastructure can support consumer protection and the fight against financial crime.Both the PVDC and RPIB were set up to deliver the government’s National Payments Vision of a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem delivered on next generation technology, where consumers and businesses have a choice of payment methods to meet their needs.Further informationThe Retail Payments Infrastructure Board (RPIB) is a senior advisory board that is chaired by the Bank of England. The PSR/FCA is an observer of the...PaymentsBanking2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesUnit-linked pensions and savings: Multi-firm review of Consumer Duty price and value practicesOur findings on insurance firms’ price and value practices for unit-linked non-workplace pensions and savings, including good practice for firms and our expectations.InsuranceBanking2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFinancial regulator to simplify investment disclosure regimeThe FCA is proposing to simplify how platforms, advisers and wealth managers communicate the costs of investing while reminding firms to communicate with consumers about investing in plain English. The move will bring all investment cost disclosures into line with previous investment product disclosure reforms and create a more consistent framework for firms to give customers clearer, more useful information.The proposals will allow firms to innovate, test and compete to inform and engage retail investors, communicate clearly in plain English, not jargon and give information in engaging ways. This will also help consumers compare products more easily and invest with greater confidence, supporting a stronger investment culture.Consumers struggle to understand investment costs and their impact on returns, for example, 30% of non-advised platform users said they did not know how much they are charged for investing.To help give consumers a clear and balanced understanding of costs and charges, the FCA...PaymentsInvestmentInsurance2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesReview of how well pre-sale investment disclosure documents work for consumersWe have reviewed current pre-sale investment documents issued by firms to consumers to see if they communicate effectively before new rules come into force in 2027. ... Current pre-sale investment disclosure documents are too difficult to read and understand for most consumers.2 July 2026
- News & SpeechesStatutory panel chair appointments confirmed for FCA listing authority and practitioner panelsThe FCA has announced Kirsty Cooper will take up the role as Chair of the Listing Authority Advisory Panel (LAAP). Clare Woodman and Matt Hammerstein have been reappointed as Chair of the FCA Markets Practitioner Panel and Chair of the FCA Practitioner Panel. The panels play an important role helping the FCA develop policy – representing the interests of consumers and financial services firms, including smaller regulated firms.Welcoming the appointments, FCA Chair Ashley Alder said:'I am pleased to welcome Kirsty to the role of Chair of the LAAP at a time of profound change across markets. Clare and Matt will continue their great work leading the practitioner-focused panels enabling input from practitioners and market participants. 'Also, thank you to the outgoing Chair of the LAAP, Mandy Gradden. Mandy has worked tirelessly supporting the FCA’s ambitious programme of innovation and reform of the market.'Kirsty Cooper, Non-Executive Director, Scottish Widows Group and...Consumer CreditInsuranceBanking1 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA sets landmark crypto rules to cement the UK’s place as a global hubFirms supporting people to buy, trade and hold crypto will need to meet clear standards under landmark rules set out by the FCA. All firms must meet financial resilience requirements including capital and stress testing. The FCA is also introducing new market integrity rules covering areas such as insider trading and market manipulation.The new framework also sets out specific rules for stablecoins, a type of cryptoasset designed to maintain a stable value, typically by being linked to a currency such as the pound. Stablecoins will be subject to clear, strong and transparent standards, helping to build trust in how they are used over time.Following consultation, the FCA has simplified key elements of the regime to make it more workable in practice including simpler capital requirements for stablecoin firms and tailoring trading rules to better reflect how crypto markets operate.The FCA drew upon international best practice, applying established financial services standards...PaymentsBanking30 June 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA and the Bank of England set out approach to joint regulation of systemic stablecoin issuersThe Bank of England and the FCA have published a joint approach setting out how they and where relevant other authorities will work together to regulate systemic stablecoin issuers in the UK.It explains how responsibilities will be split between the authorities, and how UK stablecoin issuers may move from FCA supervision to joint regulation once recognised as systemic by HM Treasury.The approach aims to provide clarity and predictability for firms as the market develops.Read the paperPaymentsBanking30 June 2026
- News & SpeechesRefining the Consumer Duty to give greater confidence to wholesale firmsWhen the FCA introduced the Consumer Duty, we set out to do something simple but transformative: ensure financial services work better for consumers. It was, by design, ambitious. And it is working. For example, most investment platforms have improved how they treat interest on clients’ cash and public confidence in banks has grown since the Duty was introduced. Wherever possible, it is also helping us to avoid prescriptive new rules.The Duty’s foundations are simple harmonising concepts that apply across sectors and value chains. But it was novel, and a big undertaking for firms to implement, so it is only natural that we should reflect on how it’s been working three years on.Tailored to wholesale standardsWe have heard from some firms that uncertainty about the Duty causes friction in wholesale markets. The combination of a new regime and understandable caution by firms has, in practice, generated unnecessary cost and complexity for...Consumer CreditBankingCorporate Finance29 June 2026
- News & SpeechesNon-UK business removed from Consumer Duty scope to reduce burdens on wholesale businessesWholesale financial businesses involved in retail markets will find it easier to comply with the Consumer Duty, following proposals from the FCA. The changes are part of the FCA's plans to give wholesale firms the confidence to apply the Duty proportionately. Under the proposals, firms will benefit from:Removing business for genuinely non-UK customers from the Duty’s scope where there is no clear UK link or reasonable expectation of UK protection.Clearer boundaries around what is out of scope, so they can focus on running their business rather than having to show that the Duty does not apply.More clarity on firms’ responsibilities when they work together, including across distribution chains and in the design of complex products.Simon Walls, executive director of markets, said:'The Consumer Duty is helping deliver good outcomes and build confidence for retail consumers, but it was never intended to become a Wholesale Duty imposing on deals between sophisticated parties....Consumer CreditInsurance29 June 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA consults on targeted changes to listing rules for closed-ended investment fundsThe FCA has published a consultation paper on proposed changes to its UK Listing Rules for closed‑ended investment funds, focused on the management of conflicts of interest. Closed‑ended investment funds have a distinct structure, operating as both listed companies and investment vehicles. Shareholders appoint a board, which in turn appoints and oversees the investment manager responsible for delivering returns. Shareholder rights are central to this model, enabling investors to hold boards to account and to influence key decisions.The review, announced in March as part of the FCA's ongoing work on the UK Listing Rules, considers how its rules support strong shareholder rights and effective management of conflicts of interest in a range of potential future scenarios. As part of good regulatory practice, the FCA has been stress testing how the rules would operate in different hypothetical situations to ensure they remain robust over time and as markets evolve.This has included...Corporate Finance26 June 2026 · deadline 14 Aug
- News & SpeechesEngaging and enabling retail shareholders to vote: good practiceWe share examples of good practice to increase retail shareholder engagement and reduce barriers to voting.26 June 2026
- News & SpeechesCACEIS UK censured and to pay £31.7m to WealthTek clients for weak financial crime controlsCACEIS UK, an asset servicing bank, has been censured by the FCA and will make a £31.7m voluntary payment to WealthTek clients for failing to act on information that left clients exposed to the risk of financial crime. The FCA has now secured over £57m in total for WealthTek clients in just over a year, with action taken against CACEIS UK, Sapia Partners and Barclays Bank UK.CACEIS UK became WealthTek's sub-custodian in November 2020, meaning they were responsible for keeping its client’s assets safe. WealthTek was then known as Vertus Asset Management LLP.On three occasions, CACEIS UK checked the Financial Services Register which showed that WealthTek wasn’t authorised to hold certain client assets but did not take sufficient action. The firm also did not spot that WealthTek was not allowed to hold client money. However, it went on to open client accounts for WealthTek to use, then failed to monitor...Consumer CreditBanking25 June 2026
- News & SpeechesWhy stronger Buy Now Pay Later protections are the right step for consumersBNPL can help people to manage their cash flow. It can allow them to spread the cost of purchases and smooth their finances. But, as with any borrowing, BNPL also carries risks. Let me be clear about this: BNPL has an important role to play. We don’t want to reduce or remove access to credit, but to ensure it is offered in a way that works for consumers. That's why we are introducing protections for consumers using BNPL. Consumers will benefit from clearer information before they borrow, proportionate affordability checks, and access to support if they get into difficulty with their repayments.They will also be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong, and in some cases the right to a refund from their lender under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. At its heart, this is about people getting the protections they would reasonably...Consumer Credit25 June 2026
- News & SpeechesShaping the future of the credit market – the road aheadSpeech by Alison Walters, director of consumer finance at the Credit Week: Powering the Future of Finance event. We all recognise that consumer credit plays a vital role in the real economy and in people’s everyday lives, supporting households, enabling opportunity, and helping people manage financial pressures. But the world around us is changing, the credit market is changing and so are consumer demands and needs. With that in mind, it is important to consider whether the market today is fit for the future.If the consumer credit market still feels like a caterpillar – complex, multi-limbed, a bit prickly and lumpy in places – then our shared task is to guide it through its metamorphosis, from chrysalis to butterfly.To become a butterfly, the credit market needs to transform from one that is less prickly for some, fragmented and with areas of brittleness, to one that is more cohesive, resilient, and...Consumer Credit25 June 2026
- News & SpeechesRethinking regulation for the age of AISpeech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive at techUK's Agents of Change: Generative and Agentic AI in Financial Services 2026. On joining the FCA over five years ago, I said we would become as much a data and tech regulator as financial services regulator.Being invited to speak here today reflects that.We’re building the future together, and nowhere is that clearer than on AI.Studies suggest more than 80% of financial services firms are already adopting AI.So the question now is about scale.And if we are serious about being a leading AI economy, financial services have to sit at the heart of our approach.Only financial services can provide the investment, infrastructure, and trust that will accelerate AI adoption across the economy.But with the pace of change brought about by AI challenging many of the assumptions on which our markets and regulation were built, the question isn’t simply how we regulate for AI.It’s...24 June 2026
- News & SpeechesCommodity traders offer £1m to crisis fund after FCA competition probeThe FCA is concerned 11 traders may have shared sensitive information or coordinated trades, potentially restricting competition. Following an investigation, the FCA is concerned 11 traders may have hindered competition in commodity futures markets and infringed competition law by exchanging potentially sensitive information about their trading and/or coordinating their trading strategies with each other.The traders have proposed commitments to change the way they handle sensitive information, undertake annual competition law training and arrange a £1m ex gratia payment. The money will be given to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which provides support to low-income families and individuals in financial hardship.Graeme Reynolds, director of competition at the FCA said:'Competition law exists to ensure markets work well. We consider all competition concerns and, where appropriate, we investigate and take action.'The individuals under investigation were day traders in global commodity futures markets. Day traders play an important role in maintaining competition by providing...Consumer Credit24 June 2026
- News & SpeechesInsurance financial crime controls – multi-firm reviewWe set out our findings and what insurance firms can do to improve their financial crime systems and controls.Insurance23 June 2026
- News & SpeechesMonevium Ltd enters special administrationOn 18 June 2026, Monevium Ltd (Monevium) entered special administration. Adam Henry Stephens and Christopher Allen of S&W Partners LLP (S&W) were appointed as special administrators. Monevium is authorised by the FCA to provide payment services. On 28 February 2024, Monevium agreed to a voluntary undertaking, which restricted the activities it can carry out. See details on the Financial Services Register.Payments22 June 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA consults on proposals to support strong, consistent standards in the SIPP marketThe FCA has set out plans to drive greater consistency of standards in self-invested pensions (SIPPs), while maintaining the flexibility and broad investment choice they offer. Most SIPP providers are already doing the right thing and providing a good service to their customers. However, the FCA has historically found cases of poor due diligence, weak record keeping and gaps in how firms protect money and assets. To drive greater consistency, the FCA is proposing clear standards of due diligence. This is intended to secure better outcomes for consumers by improving consistency and adequacy of due diligence across all SIPP operators.The FCA is also proposing stronger requirements for the handling of pension scheme money and assets. The targeted and proportionate proposals reduce the risk of consumer harm when firms fail or wind down.The proposals will bring greater certainty to the industry, improve confidence in the SIPP market and help ensure consumers...Banking22 June 2026
- News & SpeechesInvestors get real-time view of UK bond market activity for the first timeFor the first time, investors and market participants can access a single, real-time source of prices and trading activity across the UK bond market, following the launch of its bond consolidated tape, operated by ETS Connect UK. Until now, data on bond trades was scattered across multiple sources, making it difficult to get a clear and complete picture of market activity. The new service brings it all together in one place.The launch builds on changes to the UK's bond market transparency rules that came into force in December 2025. Those changes have already made a real difference. The share of corporate bond trades reported in real time rose from under 5% to over 75%, and for government bonds from around 30% to approximately 80%. In some smaller parts of the market, real-time reporting increased more than 50-fold. The consolidated tape is the final step, giving users a single, comprehensive view...22 June 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA closes investigation into Drax Group PLCDrax Group PLC (Drax) has announced the FCA has closed its investigation into the company.We undertook an extensive investigation following concerns raised regarding disclosures to the market about the sustainability of Drax’s Canadian biomass. We did not find evidence that justified any further action.Thousands of pages of complex material were reviewed as part of the investigation, and individuals from the company interviewed. Our focus was on areas within our remit, specifically whether Drax’s annual reports and accounts between 2021 and 2023 contained misleading statements or left out important information investors needed to know. Accurate reporting is crucial to the integrity of our markets, and vital so investors can make informed decisions.Where evidence supports proportionate action, we take it. Where it does not, we close cases as swiftly as possible.BackgroundThe FCA confirmed it was opening an investigation on 28 August 2025 following enquiries made in the wake of the announcement by...PaymentsConsumer Credit18 June 2026
- News & SpeechesBeyond the headlines: the unseen fight against financial crimeSpeech by Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight, delivered at the International Bar Association (IBA) Anti-Corruption Conference. I’ve been practising law for over 3 decades now.Starting out, I thought every case would be like the ones on US television: dramatic, with a big reveal and resounding outcome, all packed into a single 30-minute episode. But real law looks nothing like television. Hollywood doesn’t show the months, if not years, of work before we even step into a courtroom. Or the drawn-out disclosure exercises!Like many of you, I have had cases that led to high-profile trials and newspaper headlines. Cases that exposed wrongdoing and visibly held people accountable, like:Fining Nationwide £44m for anti-money laundering failings.Securing €250m for investors from H2O Asset Management for their due diligence failures – and trying to conceal them.Another 7-figure fine and a ban for former Barclays CEO Jes Staley, who tried to...Consumer CreditCorporate Finance17 June 2026
- News & SpeechesAreas of research interestThe priority research questions shaping our work, and where we want to collaborate and build evidence with you. ... Foreword by Kate Collyer, FCA chief economistFinancial markets are changing rapidly and in interconnected ways. New technologies are reshaping how consumers borrow, save, invest and engage with financial services, while demographic change is influencing savings, investment and retirement outcomes. At the same time, pressures on household finances are evolving alongside wider structural shifts in the economy, affecting consumer needs, resilience and institutional trust. Understanding these dynamics – and getting ahead of them – is central to how we deliver our strategic outcomes, and support good results for consumers, markets and growth. The FCA’s strategy for 2025 to 2030 sets out a vision to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives. It is underpinned by four priorities: being a smarter regulator, supporting sustained economic growth, helping consumers navigate their financial...PaymentsBanking17 June 2026
- News & SpeechesLater life lending: building the fourth retirement pillarSpeech by Emad Aladhal, director of retail banking at the Later Life Lending Summit. IntroductionIn the years ahead, housing wealth will become an increasing part of how many people provide for their retirement. But it continues to be seen as an option of last resort, if thought about at all.Knowing I had this speech, as an experiment at a recent BBQ I had a conversation with my friends about retirement and savings – none of whom work in financial services. They talked about their employers’ pensions, SIPPs, ISAs, investments, and potential business ventures to supplement income in retirement. None brought up later life lending, or how they could use their home to help.I don’t believe my friends are unique in this.When consumers begin to consider their options for funding their retirement, they usually look to pensions: their state pension, workplace pensions, and personal pensions. The 3 pillars.But why should it...Consumer CreditBanking16 June 2026
- News & SpeechesCourt orders appointment of special administrators for Euro Exchange Securities UK LimitedThe High Court today confirmed the appointment of special administrators for Euro Exchange Securities UK Limited (EES). EES did not seek to overturn the court’s initial decision, which saw the firm cease trading with immediate effect last week.In light of the FCA's actions, EES agreed it is not in the company’s interests to seek to return to normal trading and will work with the appointed special administrators to ensure client money is returned as quickly as possible.Duncan Perring and James Bennett of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited have been appointed as joint special administrators, under the Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021.Since being provisionally appointed last week, they have taken control of the firm, secured a significant amount of material and frozen funds.This is the first of its kind case for the FCA, and it will continue to use its powers to their fullest extent to protect consumers and...PaymentsConsumer Credit11 June 2026
- News & SpeechesAmplifi Capital (U.K.) Limited enters administrationOn 9 June 2026, Amplifi Capital (U.K.) Limited (Amplifi) entered administration. Robert Spence and Gareth Slater of Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators. Amplifi is authorised by the FCA. Amplifi trades under the names Reevo Money and My Community Finance. Reevo Money provided personal loans to consumers. My Community Finance acted as a credit broker, introducing customers to credit unions; My Community Bank (MCB) and Castle Community Bank (CCB) which issued loans and savings products. All existing loan agreements remain in place and will not change because of the administration. However, Amplifi can no longer issue new loans.Loans or savings with MCB or CCB will not change because of the administration.Customers should continue to make repayments toward any outstanding loans held with Reevo Money, MCB and CCB as usual. Not making repayments is likely to impact your credit score and future borrowing ability.Consumer CreditBanking11 June 2026
- News & SpeechesEmerging Technology Horizon Scan 2026Our Technology Horizon Scan explores how emerging technologies could reshape financial services – and what that means for consumers, firms, and markets. ... Read our report (PDF)SummaryWe want to understand technological change to anticipate its outcomes and gain early insight on what it may mean for financial services and for us as a regulator.Key findings include: Personalised intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more embedded in consumers' financial lives, which could change how people budget, save and make financial choices. This may empower people but also raises questions around autonomy, digital exclusion and harm.Synthetic crime: Synthetic media is becoming harder to tell apart from real content. AI may manipulate not only what we see and hear (for example, audio and video deepfakes) but also our capacity to discern fact from fiction. This could expose consumers and firms to new forms of fraud and deception.Programmable finance: the underlying ‘plumbing’ of...10 June 2026
- News & SpeechesOpening the door to mortgages: rules focused on better outcomes for peopleBuying a home is different now to even a decade ago.People are living longer, the way they work has changed and, for many, how much they earn can vary month-to-month. People will also carry mortgage debt for longer and use it more flexibly across their lives.That’s why we’re proposing changes to help more people to access a mortgage – including first-time buyers, older borrowers and the self-employed.More flexibility for how people live nowWe want to give mortgage lenders the flexibility to take a rounded view of someone’s finances – so they can offer a mortgage that fits real people’s real lives, not a standard template. This should help unlock access for some people who can afford a mortgage but find it difficult to access one.It could mean people with variable incomes – like the self-employed – can get a mortgage with more flexible repayments.And older homeowners may find it easier...Consumer CreditMortgages9 June 2026
- News & SpeechesFCA proposes changes to help more people access mortgagesFirst-time buyers, older borrowers and the self-employed could find it easier to get a mortgage, as the FCA sets out next steps to help reform the market. Its proposed mortgage rule changes would give lenders more flexibility to consider individual circumstances and develop products that better meet people's needs – while maintaining strong consumer protections.They include:Reducing barriers for lenders to offer flexible repayments for people with variable income, like the self-employed, and lend to those paid in foreign currency.Encouraging lenders to assess affordability based on a person’s full and current situation, rather than automatically excluding people because of minor or past credit history issues.Making it easier for older homeowners to unlock wealth built up in their property by updating affordability guidance for retirement interest-only mortgages.Updating rules on interest-only (or part interest-only) mortgages to give lenders more flexibility, while ensuring most borrowers have a clear plan to repay (unless they’re borrowing...Consumer CreditMortgages9 June 2026 · deadline 28 Jul