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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.
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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 201–240 of 561.
- News & SpeechesRI-M07RI-M07: Number of listed entities on UK exchanges (Total + change in period)Mar 23 Sep 23Mar 24Sep 24Mar 25Sep 25Mar 261,048 listed issuers1,016 listed issuers976 listed issuers946 listed issuers906 listed issuers885 listed issuers872 listed issuersChange in the period-32-40-30-40-21-13Source: UK Official List/London Stock Exchange public dataThe figures include issuers with equity related securities on the UK Official List, comprising of the following listing categories:certificates representing certain securities (depository receipts)closed-ended investment fundsequity shares (commercial companies) equity shares (international commercial companies secondary listing)equity shares (shell companies)equity shares (transition)non-equity shares and non-voting equity sharesopen-ended investment companiesWe exclude issuers that only have debt and debt-like issues, warrants, options, other miscellaneous securities and/or securitised derivatives.BankingCorporate Finance9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesDC-M01DC-M01: Number of data requests and time given to firms to respond with breakdownDescriptionNumber of data requests and time given to firms to respond with breakdown (Mean and 95th percentile in days)(RegData is our data collection platform for gathering regulatory data from firms, firms use the system to provide us with data that we collect at regular intervals to support our supervisory work, from balance sheets to information on whether firms hold client money.)2025/26 valuesType of request (Ad-hoc and RegData)No. of templatesMean time given to respond (days)95th percentile time given to respond (days)One-Off and Other98 58 62 Weekly0 0 0 Monthly22 2023Quarterly74 33 45 Half-yearly44 43 45 Annual65 73 120 Total303 48 118 Firm typeNumber of firmsTotal number of data requestsAverage number of requests per firmAverage number of days to respond95th percentileFixed223 13,750 61.741 92 Flexible39,882 642,67016.1 49 118 Other2,053 8,461 4.1 38 90 Total42,158664,88115.8 2024/25 valuesType of request (Ad-hoc...PaymentsConsumer CreditMortgages9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesTheme 4: Digital and innovationThis page provides detail on applications to our innovation pathways and regulatory sandbox, including a breakdown of applicants by sector and technology used, as well as common reasons applications are refused. ... Our outcomes MetricsUse the dropdown menu below to view the metrics and the latest results. ... - Select metric -OE-M01OE-M02OE-M03OE-M04OE-M05OE-M06OE-M07OE-M08OE-M09OE-M10 Apply ... What the metric values tell us Our digital and innovation metrics (DI-M01) show our continued support for innovation in the financial sector. Firms remain highly engaged with our innovation services, with demand increasing over the past 3 years.Applications rose by around 89% in 2025/26, with 332 applications across our core services: Regulatory Sandbox (RS), Innovation Pathways (IP) and Digital Sandbox (DS). This compares with 176 applications in 2024/25 and 146 across RS and IP in 2023/24. Applications to the Regulatory Sandbox increased significantly, rising by 173% to 142 in 2025/26 (from 52 in 2024/25 and 43...9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesOE-M08OE-M08: Market Cleanliness (MC) Statistics2025 valuesTable: MC, ATV and PATR latest figuresType2022202320242025StatusMarket cleanliness (MC) statistics:25%Data was not published as we were reviewing our methodology38%41.1%Increased(Methodological changes mean that the statistic is not comparable to, and systematically higher than, figures published using the previous methodology.)Abnormal Trading Volume Ratio (ATV)8%6%6%8.1%Increased Potentially Anomalous Trading Ratio (PATR)5%3%4%5.5%Increased Source: FCA transaction data and prices from data vendorsWe updated the MC statistic methodology in November 2024. We explain the changes in Research Note: A revision of our market cleanliness statistic methodology. The revised approach means the statistic is not comparable with earlier figures and is generally higher than those published using the previous method. ... Chart Data table Download ... ... Abnormal Trading VolumeEach year we publish an Abnormal Trading Volume (ATV) measure. This looks for unusual increases in trading volumes ahead of potentially price sensitive announcements, covering equity instruments and some equity derivatives. ... Chart Data...9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesOE-M07OE-M07: Number of new entrants, exits from UK market, for each sectorTotal cancellation cases approved (proxy for firm exits): 3,432 in 25/26 (this compares to 5,140 in 23/24, and 4,530 in 2024/25)Cancellations cannot be split by sector as firms often operate in multiple sectors and may cancel all permissions at the same time.Table: New firm authorisations (proxy for new entrants) 2025/26SectorNew FirmsCredit and Lending589Payment Services / E-Money45Banking1Insurance102Consumer Investments67Crypto (5MLD)144MLD188Wholesale106Total1,112The best indicator of new firm entry is the number of new firm authorisations in each sector. This excludes appointed representatives (ARs), as we receive notifications from them instead of authorisation applications. The figure include existing firms that set up a new subsidiary before transferring their operations. It also includes firms authorised following changes to the FCA’s perimeter.3 year comparisonTable: New firm authorisations (proxy for new entrants)SectorYear 2023/242024/252025/26Credit and Lending603598589Payment Services / E-Money391945Banking351Insurance14887102Consumer Investments745967Crypto (5MLD)64143/4MLD150213188Wholesale149124106Total1,1721,1091,112Source: FCA dataPaymentsConsumer CreditInsurance9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesSupporting growthFinancial services are a crucial part of the UK economy and its growth. They contribute significantly to the UK’s GDP and employ around 1.1 million people directly. The UK is one of the major global financial hubs, a centre of choice for global fintech investors and firms. Financial services are also an engine of growth for the wider UK economy, matching capital with investment opportunities and enabling UK businesses to grow and manage risk. ... We set out our outcomes and metrics for this theme below.OutcomeMetric descriptionSourceBaseline valueYear 1 valueIncreased competitiveness of the UK financial services industryMaintain the UK’s position as one of the top global (i) Financial and (ii) Fintech centres in the worldGlobal Financial Centres Index, Z/Yen2025Financial centre rank: 2ndFintech centre rank: 2nd2026Financial centre rank: 2ndFintech centre rank: 5thMore productive and innovative financial services industryMore firms use our innovation and tailored authorisation servicesFCA2024/25 Number of applications for innovation...Consumer CreditInsuranceBanking9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesFighting financial crimeFinancial crime robs people and businesses of their hard-earned money. It seeks to hide the profits made from serious offences. It reduces the amount of money available to invest and grow businesses and makes our markets less attractive. We prioritised fighting financial crime in our previous strategy. We have maintained this focus by making it 1 of our 4 strategic priorities in our current strategy. ... We set out our outcomes and metrics for this theme below.Outcome Metric description Source Baseline value Year 1 valueSlowed growth in investment fraud* Continue to slow the growth in investment fraud victims and losses National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB)20247.6% reduction in victims5.1% growth in lossesIn 2024 compared to 2023202537.6% increase in victims120.6% growth in lossesIn 2025 compared to 2024Slowed growth in Authorised push payment (APP) fraudContinue to slow the growth in APP fraud cases and losses UK Finance2024**0.4% reduction in cases5% increase in lossesIn...InvestmentBankingCorporate Finance9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesOE-M04OE-M04: Total number of individuals within scope of Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) – broken down by SM and CRIndividuals may appear on the register for active senior manager (SM) and certified functions at the same time, so they are counted in both figures.CR refers to the Certification Regime. Unlike under the Senior Managers Regime, we do not approve individuals carrying out certified functions. Firms must check and certify that these individuals are fit and proper themselves.2025/26 values 2023/242024/252025/26Total number of unique individuals (unique IRNs) on the Register with at least one approved Senior Manager function (as of 31 March 2026)62,95358,70055,378Total number of unique individuals (unique IRNs) on Register with at least one approved Certified Function (as of 31 March 2026)168,115168,500168,599Source: FCA data9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesOE-M01OE-M01: Total number of authorisations approved broken down by firmDescriptionTotal number of solo and dual authorisations (determinations for CiC) approved broken down by firm/sector type for:New firm authorisationsVariation of permissions (VoP)Change in control (CiC)Senior managers (SM)Find out more in our guidance on every type of firm authorisation.2025/26 valuesTable: Number of approved Authorisations/ Determinations year 3 valuesSectorNew FirmsVariations of PermissionChange in ControlSMRCredit and Lending5893742281,160Payment Services / E-Money45191163Banking16427436Insurance1021742851,785Consumer Investments673593251,188Crypto (5MLD)14n/a2n/a4MLD188n/an/an/aWholesale1062522702,018Total1,112 1,242 1,253 6,590 In 2025/26, we approved 1,112 new firm authorisations and registrations, 1,242 variations of permission, 1,253 change in control determinations and 6,590 senior manager approvals. This reflects sustained demand across Authorisations routes, with volumes broadly consistent with last year. Note: Crypto firms are not authorised as other firms are, instead they apply to be registered under the 5th Money Laundering Directive (5MLD), the same applies to firms applying to be registered under the 3rd and 4th Money Laundering Directives (3/4MLD).2024/25...PaymentsConsumer CreditInsurance9 July 2026
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- News & SpeechesOE-M05OE-M05: FCA Authorisations Operating Service MetricsDescriptionQuartiles for time taken to complete determinations for FSMA firms:New firmsVariation of permissionsChange in ControlSenior ManagersQ4 2024/25 - Determination times (days)2025/26 valuesTable: Time taken to complete determinationsActivityLower QuartileMedianUpper QuartileStatutory DeadlineNew firm authorisations83125187Within 180 days of receiving a complete application or 365 days of receiving an incomplete application.Variation of permissions2757104Within 180 days of receiving a complete application or 365 days of receiving an incomplete application.Change in control183967Within 60 working days* of acknowledgement of receipt (s189(1))Senior manager regime142541Within 90 days2024/25 valuesTable: Time taken to complete determinationsActivityLower QuartileMedianUpper QuartileStatutory DeadlineNew firm authorisations63112192Within 180 days of receiving a complete application or 365 days of receiving an incomplete application.Variation of permissions3977136Within 180 days of receiving a complete application or 365 days of receiving an incomplete application.Change in control143462Within 60 working days* of acknowledgement of receipt (s189(1))Senior manager approval274058Within 90 days2023/24 valuesTable: Time taken to complete determinationsActivityLower QuartileMedianUpper QuartileStatutory DeadlineNew firm...9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesOE-M02OE-M02: Total number of withdrawals, refusals and rejections for new firm authorisations, and reasons for refusal, broken down by sector2025/26 valuesTable: New Firms – Withdrawals/RefusalsSectorWithdrawalsRefusalsRejectionsCredit and Lending199583Payment Services / E-Money60059Banking100Insurance801Consumer Investments1908Crypto (5MLD)6123/4MLD60029Wholesale3603Total3896185We reject applications that don’t include the minimum information we ask for.In 2025/26, we refused authorisation or registration for 6 firms. Two refusals were due to firms not responding to our requests for information. The remaining 4 refusals were because applicants did not address our concerns:In 2 cases, the competence, capacity, or fitness of senior managers did not meet our standards.In 1 case the firm could not be effectively supervised.In 1 case, the application fell below our standards in several areas. 2024/25 valuesTable: New Firms – Withdrawals/RefusalsSectorWithdrawalsRefusalsRejectionsCredit and Lending268776Payment Services/E-Money108039Banking600Insurance900Consumer Investments19115Crypto (5MLD)18493/4MLD51012Wholesale2706Total50612157Source: FCA dataFive of the refusals were due to firms not responding to our correspondence about their applications. The remaining 7 refusals were because applicants were unable to...PaymentsConsumer CreditInsurance9 July 2026
- News & SpeechesPay review 2026: Equality Impact AssessmentWe have conducted an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA), following our 2026 annual pay review. ... 2026 pay review: at a glanceAverage base salary increase: 3.5%.Average overall increase including flexible benefits allowance changes: 3.9%.No overall difference in average increase between women and men (both 3.5%).Higher increases for more junior grades, especially professional support (4%) and associates (3.6%), compared with 3.1% for managers, technical specialists and directors.Younger colleagues received the largest increases: ages 18 to 20: 12.1% and 21 to 30: 4.7%. What is our annual pay review?Each year, we review how much we pay colleagues at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Payments Systems Regulator (PSR). The annual pay review takes place in April and is based on employee’s performance in the previous calendar year.It is designed to provide fair, competitive pay at all levels and reward strong, consistent performance. The annual pay review is part of our employment offer.Under the...Payments9 July 2026
- 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
- DecisionEnforcement Watch 2Newsletter covering insights and themes from our enforcement work. ... About this editionIn our second edition of Enforcement Watch, we cover our recent approach to supervising and enforcing the Consumer Duty.7 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
- Market BulletinPrimary Market Bulletin 64Newsletter for primary market participants.July 2026 / No. 64. ... In this edition, we cover:The findings from our follow-up review of total voting rights (TVR) disclosures.Our observations on notifications made by issuers under UKLR 7.3 on significant transactions.Corporate Finance6 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
- 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
- ConsultationHigh impactCP26/24: Simplifying consumer investment disclosuresWe are consulting on simpler disclosure rules to help consumers understand investment costs and make informed decisions. ... Read CP26/24 (PDF) ... Why we are consultingWe are proposing changes to align cost disclosure requirements derived from the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) with our Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime. We are simplifying and consolidating the disclosure requirements for MiFID, Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD), and non-MiFID investments business.The proposals aim to help create an investment culture where consumers have the information they need and the confidence to invest, including clear and balanced information about costs and charges. ... Who this is forThis consultation applies to:Firms carrying out MiFID or equivalent third country business.Firms engaged in insurance distribution activities.Firms carrying out other forms of designated investment business.The consultation will also be of interest to:Industry groups and trade bodies.Consumers and consumer groups.Manufacturers of CCIs and other investments. ... Next stepsOnline response formSend...InvestmentInsurance2 July 2026 · deadline 21 Aug
- 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
- Policy StatementHigh impactPS26/14: FCA regulated fees and levies 2026/27We are publishing our final regulatory fee and levy rates for 2026/27, including feedback on CP26/11. ... Read PS 26/14 (PDF)What we are changingWe are publishing the 2026/27 regulatory fees and levies for:the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)the Financial Ombudsman Service (Financial Ombudsman)This Policy Statement (PS) also covers the rules that enable us to collect certain levies on behalf of government departments.We are also publishing our feedback on the responses to the consultation on draft fees and levies rules in CP26/11.Who this applies toThis document applies to:all FCA fee-payersany businesses considering applying for FCA authorisation or registration This PS is not directly relevant to retail financial services consumers or consumer groups. Next stepsFirms can use our online fees calculator to calculate their individual fees based on the final rates in this PS. This includes FCA periodic fees and the Financial Ombudsman, Money and Pensions Advice Service, Devolved Authorities and illegal money...Consumer Credit2 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
- GuidanceGC26/4: Non-Handbook Guidance on COREPRU 7: Overall risk assessmentWe are consulting on our proposed non-Handbook guidance relevant to COREPRU 7: Overall risk assessment. ... Read GC26/4 (PDF)Why we are consultingWe are developing non-Handbook guidance (NHG) to accompany the relevant sections on the overall risk assessment (Chapter 7) in the new prudential sourcebook, COREPRU.The guidance sets out our expectations around the purpose and scope of the overall risk assessment for COREPRU firms. It forms a part of our wider strategy to enhance the accessibility of our rules by distinguishing supporting material from core Handbook content.We expect this to make it easier for firms to navigate the requirements and support consistent adoption of the prudential standards. In PS26/12: A prudential regime for cryptoasset firms, we set out an integrated prudential sourcebook (COREPRU) covering the core prudential requirements common across different types of firms we prudentially regulate. This new sourcebook initially applies only to firms carrying on regulated cryptoasset activities. Where...Payments30 June 2026 · deadline 30 Jul
- GuidanceGC26/5: Non-Handbook Guidance on CRYPTOPRU 7: Overall risk assessment for CRYPTOPRU firmsWe are consulting on our proposed non-Handbook guidance relevant to CRYPTOPRU 7: Overall risk assessment for CRYPTOPRU firms. ... Read GC26/5 (PDF)Why we are consultingWe are developing non-Handbook guidance to accompany the relevant sections on the overall risk assessment (Chapter 7) in the new prudential sourcebook, CRYPTOPRU.The guidance sets out our expectations around the purpose and scope of the overall risk assessment for CRYPTOPRU firms. It forms a part of our wider strategy to enhance the accessibility of our rules by distinguishing supporting material from core Handbook content. We expect this will make it easier for firms to navigate the requirements and support more consistent adoption of the prudential standards.In PS26/12: A prudential regime for cryptoasset firms, we set out the prudential sourcebook for CRYPTOPRU firms (CRYPTOPRU) covering the sector specific requirements for firms doing regulated cryptoasset activities.We plan to open our gateway for firms to apply for cryptoasset permissions...Payments30 June 2026 · deadline 30 Jul
- Policy StatementHigh impactOverview of our cryptoassets regime policy statementsThe UK is taking a major step forward. With these policy statements, we deliver a significant package as part of the Cryptoasset Roadmap and a comprehensive regime that puts the UK at the forefront of responsible cryptoasset regulation globally.30 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
- ConsultationHigh impactCP26/23 Consumer Duty: scope and proportionalityWe're consulting on changes to the scope and proportionality of the Consumer Duty. ... Read CP26/23 (PDF) ... Why we are consulting We're consulting on a targeted package of changes to our rules and non-Handbook guidance to: Remove business with non-UK customers from the Duty's scope.Make it clearer where the Duty applies and where it doesn’t.Clarify when and how firms can rely on each other when they work together in distribution chains, and how they can apply the Duty more proportionately.Explain the interaction between the Duty and other product governance rules.These changes are intended to clarify when the Duty applies – and when it doesn’t – to give firms greater confidence in its scope. They also promote a more proportionate approach based on a firm’s role, helping reduce unnecessary cost and complexity while preserving strong protections for retail customers. ... Who this is for This consultation is likely to interest...Payments29 June 2026 · deadline 18 Sep