The FCA has published a final notice banning Omar Hussein, former director at pension switching firm Consumer Wealth Ltd, from working in financial services. Mr Hussein has also been fined £116,000 for providing...
Category - Conduct
Lucy HadrillCMA to take no action against Lloyds for Retail Banking Order breach
CMA has confirmed it will not be taking any further action against Lloyds Bank following the bank’s failure to display required information in relation to SME loans on one page of its website, which potentially...
Emma RadmoreESMA seeks stakeholder input on retail consumer protection
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) today publishes a call for evidence on a number of retail investor protection topics under MiFID II. ESMA is seeking information from stakeholders on three topics:...
FIN. TeamFCA outlines remote working expectations for firms
The FCA has published a new webpage which sets out its expectations for firms working in a remote or hybrid environment so firms can continue to meet their regulatory responsibilities. Firms should be able to prove that...
FCA publishes final notice on fraud
The FCA has published a final notice banning Shaffarat Parvez from performing regulated activities. Whilst a director and an approved person at an authorised firm, Mr Parvez engaged in criminal activity and was...
FCA delivers speech on diversity and inclusion
FCA Executive Director Sheldon Mills delivered a speech highlighting the importance of culture and the FCA’s intention to prioritise D&I. Mr Mills also spoke about the need for meaningful progress in relation...
Emma BondECJ delivers judgment on EBA Guidelines
The ECJ has ruled that the EBA acted within its powers when it adopted guidelines on product governance and oversight arrangements for retail banking products in 2015. The guidelines set out requirements for...
Government and FCA respond on LCF Report
The Treasury Committee has published responses from the Treasury and the FCA to its report on the FCA’s regulation of London Capital & Finance plc (LCF). Highlights from the government’s response...
PRA consults on the identification of material risk takers
The PRA is consulting on proposed changes in respect of the applicable requirements on the identification of material risk takers (MRT) for the purposes of the PRA’s remuneration regime. The proposed amendments...
FCA calls for funeral plan providers and intermediaries to apply now
FCA has updated its website to tell funeral plan providers and intermediaries what they need to do to ensure they are appropriately authorised by 29 July 2022. It has provided a set of forms that applicants will need...
EBA reports on controller condition peer review
EBA has published its peer review on how regulators assess those acquiring qualifying holdings in banks. Overall, the study found compliance with EBA’s guidelines, leading to significant convergence in practices. ...
Next steps for the Consumer Duty
The FCA’s consultation on a new Consumer Duty has now closed and the FCA has outlined its next steps. After considering the responses, the FCA will set out the proposed text for any new rules in a second...
FCA fines adviser for pension transfer advice failings
The FCA has published a Decision Notice against Geoffrey Edward Armin of Retirement and Pension Planning Services Limited (in liquidation). The FCA has decided to fine Mr Armin £1,284,523 and ban him from performing any...
Final report issued on FCA complaint
The Complaints Commissioner has issued its final report in respect of a complaint made to the FCA – the complainant received what they considered to be an aggressive and threatening email from the FCA’s...
FCA writes to RemCo chairs
FCA has written to the Chairs of Remuneration Committees within firms to set out its approach to remuneration this year and to highlight the areas RemCo chairs should be considering. Broadly, the Chair must remain...
ESMA publishes guidelines on marketing communications
EMSA has published guidelines on marketing communications under the Regulation on cross-border distribution of funds. The guidelines set out principles on the identification of marketing communications, the description...
FCA launches new whistleblowing webform
The FCA has launched a new online form for reporting concerns about wrongdoing by firms or individuals to the FCA. It has also published a new webpage to help whistleblowers decide where to make a report.
FCA consults on D&I on listed company boards
The FCA is consulting on proposals to improve transparency for investors on the diversity of listed company boards and their executive management teams. The proposals include changes to the FCA’s Listing Rules to...
PRA updates on accountability
PRA has updated its web resources on strengthening accountability in banks and insurers. It has highlighted its paper on working together to drive change in diversity and inclusion and on its updates for remuneration...
FCA publishes second set of IFPR rules
FCA has published its second “near final” rules on elements of the new IFPR. These rules cover : own funds requirements firms acting as clearing members and indirect clearing firms basic liquid assets...
PRA updates MRT waiver
PRA has updated its list of modifications by consent to include an application to allow CRR firms to exclude from idenfication as MRTs employees who meet the pay-based criteria for the definition but are deemed not to...
Treasury consults on SMCR for Financial Market Infrastructures
HM Treasury is consulting on proposals to create an SMCR for financial market infrastructures (FMIs). The proposed regime would mirror the existing SMCR and would give the BoE new rule-making, supervisory and...
ESMA consults on MiFID II remuneration requirements
ESMA is consulting on draft guidelines that aim to clarify certain aspects of the new MiFID II remuneration requirements, replacing the existing ESMA guidelines on the same topic, issued in 2013. The consultation paper:...
FCA publishes Business Plan
FCA’s 2021/22 Business Plan highlights: how FCA has to change as the environment in which it operates changes and how investment in technology and changes in culture are key to this; the need to enable customers...
PRA updates on shareholder distributions by large UK banks
On 10 December 2020, the PRA published a statement on “Capital distributions by large UK banks” in which it set out guardrails for distributions to ordinary shareholders in relation to full-year 2020 results...
FCA writes to Work and Pensions committee on online safety
FCA has written to the chair of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee highlighting the role that online platforms play in putting consumers at risk by exposing them to advertisements for financial products. It notes...
FOS: Independent Assessor’s Annual Report 2020-2021
Independent Assessor (IA), Dame Gillian Guy, has published her annual report of FOS for the year 2020-2021. The report looks at complaints received about the FOS and highlights areas for improvement. Key learning points...
ESAs report on F&P, internal governance and remuneration
EBA and ESMA have reported on: assessment of suitability of members of the management body and key function holders under CRD V and MiFID 2. The guidelines focus on the revisions brought in by the IFR and their affect...
UK and Singapore agree landmark Financial Partnership for financial services
An historic new partnership for financial services between the UK and Singapore, which will help to boost jobs and investment in the UK, has been agreed by the Chancellor. The Financial Partnership is a new agreement...
Hannah FrostLSB stresses importance of good governance
LSB has stressed the importance of governance as underpinning everything a firm does, and has started a series of publications to help firms. Its latest guidance looks at how to achieve best practice. The guide...
FCA finds “host” fund manager weaknesses
FCA has carried out a review of authorised fund managers that provide hosting services to third party investment managers outside of their corporate group. It concluded that some firms were operating well but others did...
IAIS publishes application papers
IAIS has published application papers on: resolution powers and planning; the paper looks at the objectives and concepts of resolution of insurers, entry into resolution, resolution powers and plans, resolvability...
Government responds on financial exclusion
The Government has published its response to the Lords Liaison Committee report on tackling financial exclusion. Key elements of the response consider: access to cash: the response notes that the FS Act 2021 will allow...
Outsourcing and operational resilience: Meeting FCA and PRA requirements by 31 March 2022 (and beyond)
In March this year, the FCA and PRA issued their finalised policies on operational resilience, outsourcing and third party risk management (our earlier post provides an introduction to these). With the one year...
Howard DuckworthFCA and PRA make new accountability rules for long term absence
FCA and PRA have confirmed their policy on long term absences. FCA has made new rules on individual accountability, requiring firms to notify it when a Senior Manager or Approved Person at an AR takes more than 12...
FCA intervenes on high risk CFDs
FCA has stopped ICC Intercertus, a Cypriot firm operating under the TPR, from conducting any regulated or marketing activities in the UK. The firm’s wider group traded as “EverFX” and used the...
PRA updates on MRTs
PRA has published an update on the requirements applicable to material risk takers. The EU did not adopt an updated version of the MRT Regulation before the transposition date of CRD V, and so PRA is currently using...
Rebranded BSB updates website
The former Banking Standards Board has been rebranded as the Financial Services Culture Board from May 2021. It is now open to all financial services firms operating in the UK
FCA clarifies application of EBA outsourcing guidelines
FCA has updated its webpage on outsourcing and operational resilience to clarify the application of EBA’s guidelines on outsourcing. It has confirmed that it expects relevant firms to continue to comply with them...
FCA launches consultation on CMC phoenixing
The FCA has announced proposals to stop the practice of ‘claims management phoenixing’ by banning claims management companies (CMCs) from managing FSCS claims where they have a relevant connection to the claim. Claims...
FCA consults on new Consumer Duty
The FCA has set out plans for a new Consumer Duty which will set clearer and higher expectations for firms’ standards of care towards consumers. It is hoped that the proposals will drive a shift in culture and behaviour...
FCA speaks on UK regulation and FCA transformation
Nikhil Rathi has spoken on FCA’s vision for regulation of the future. His audience was overseas banks, and he focussed on FCA’s priorities in regulating overseas firms at the same standards as domestic...
Financial Services Bill – what changed?
Read our article for Compliance Monitor on the key changes from the original Financial Services Bill to the Act given Royal Assent – and some of the proposals that weren’t included.
BoE speech: operational resilience – outcomes in practice
Lyndon Nelson, Deputy CEO & Executive Director, Regulatory Operations and Supervisory Risk Specialists at the BoE, delivered a speech at the UK Finance Operational Resilience Webinar on recent policy on operational...
FCA speaks on compliance and culture
Mark Steward, FCA’s Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight, has delivered a speech at NYU Law School entitled “Compliance, Culture and Evolving Regulatory Expectations“. In it, he...
Duncan ScottPRA consults on correcting “higher paid MRT” definition
PRA is consulting on correcting an error in the PRA rulebook which currently means the definition of “higher paid material risk taker” is not aligned with PRA’s approach in SS 2/17. The error happened...
FCA issues second IFPR consultation
FCA has published its promised second consultation on the IFPR. The IFPR creates a new regime for solo-regulated MiFID investment firms. The consultation covers: aspects of own funds requirements not previously...
Treasury consults on regulation of mini-bond issuance
Treasury has published an open consultation on bringing the issuance of mini-bonds (or, as the consultation refers to them “non-transferable debt securities) within the scope of regulation, as part of the package...
FCA fines and bans unapproved adviser
FCA has banned a financial adviser and fined him £68,300. Simon Varley was a director and held the (then) CF10 function at Dickinsons Financial Management Limited. He was also a CF30 customer adviser until 2013, when...
PRA issues supervisory expectations for new banks
PRA has issued its final form Supervisory Statement on its expectations on “new and growing” non-systemic UK banks. The statement takes effect from its publication on 15 April, and follows PRA’s...
Emma RadmoreFCA and PRA issue statement on FSB UK remuneration peer review
FCA and PRA have issued a joint statement on the findings from the FSB’s peer assessment of the effectiveness of remuneration reforms in the financial sector. FCA has also updated a webpage to highlight the...
Lender’s duties limited in asset disposal
In a helpful decision for Banks and lenders, the Court of Appeal decision in Morley (trading as Morley Estates) v Royal Bank of Scotland plc [2021] EWCA Civ 338 confirmed the limited extent of the duties a lender owes...
Scott NodderFS Bill: Further amendments tabled for debate in Lords
Parliament has published a marshalled list of the latest amendments to the Financial Services Bill to be debated in the House of Lords. The proposed amendments include: a requirement for the FCA and PRA to give...
ASA rules on more debt advice service ads
On 7 April, ASA published 2 more rulings on the advertising of debt advice services, this time by Flexible Digital Solutions Ltd (FDS) and TFLI Ltd t/a Wise Old Mary (TFLI). As with their previous rulings, both resulted...
FS Bill continues in Lords
The Financial Services Bill is scheduled to continue its Report stage in the House of Lords next week, with some further amendments being tabled.
FCA and PRA publish operational resilience materials
FCA and PRA have each published a number of documents addressed to firms across a range of sectors on the subject of operational resilience. FCA and PRA have each issued policy statements (PS21/3 and PS6/21) which...
FCA takes action against non-financial misconduct
The FCA has published a decision notice in respect of Jon Frensham (formerly known as Jonathan James Hunt), an independent financial adviser and sole director at Frensham Wealth Limited. In March 2017, Mr Frensham was...
FCA encourages individuals to report wrongdoing
The FCA has launched its campaign ‘In confidence, with confidence’ to encourage individuals working in financial services to report potential wrongdoing to the FCA. The campaign highlights circumstances...
FCA gives speech on diversity and inclusion
Georgina Philippou, Senior Adviser to FCA on the Public Sector Equality Duty gave a speech at the launch of a report by the Investment Associate and Eversheds entitled “Building Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion in...
Investment Association reports on diversity
The Investment Association has published a report which sets out steps to improve ethnic diversity and inclusion in investment management. The report found that: 75% of firms currently collect, or have begun work...
FCA speaks on importance of diversity and inclusion
Nihil Rathi, speaking at Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter Annual review, stressed that diversity and inclusion are regulatory issues. He noted the breadth of characteristics that “diversity”...
FCA updates on duty of care
In its Feedback Statement on duty of care and potential alternative approaches, the FCA committed to reviewing how it applies the regulatory framework and how new or revised Principles for Businesses could strengthen...
FS Bill finishes Lords Committee stage
The Financial Services Bill has finished its discussions at Committee Stage in the Lords. The next stage, the Report stage, has not yet been announced.
Treasury and FCA discuss perimeter report
Treasury and FCA have met to discuss the September 2020 report on the regulatory perimeter. Discussions focused on: high risk investments and the potential need to review the current exemptions that allow marketing to...
PRA corrects MRT definition
PRA has noted a mistake in the Rulebook definition of “higher paid material risk taker” in Rule 1.3 of the Remuneration Part. The definition currently states that a person will be an HPMRT where: (a) their...
PRA reports on positive iNED meetings
PRA has written a letter to iNEDs, who participated in its pilot programme of virtual meetings. The meetings discussed current challenges, and PRA was pleased that, in principle: iNEDs thought firms had reacted well to...
FS industry urged to improve on modern slavery practices
A report published by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner says financial services sector firms have low awareness of the risks of modern slavery within their businesses. It found a general low awareness of the...
PRA updates SMCR forms
PRA has updated its SMCR forms, to reflect: FCA’s relatively recent move and new logo; minor corrections; and a reinstatement of question 3.05 on form L, in respect of notifications of disciplinary actions. The...
FCA reports on protecting consumers from harm
FCA has published a report looking at how it looks to protect consumers from investment harm. It includes details of applications that have been stopped, and notes that FCA opened nearly 350 supervisory cases involving...
FCA reminds firms to check permissions regularly
FCA has reminded firms they should regularly check that they have all the right regulatory permissions for their businesses. Firms need not only to seek a variation of permission to add new activities, but should also...
FCA publishes whistleblowing VREQ
FCA has published the outcome of an application by Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Limited and Tokio Marine Kiln Syndicates Limited to put in place a Voluntary Requirement in respect of whistleblowing policies and...
FCA publishes Covid resilience survey results
FCA has published the results of the survey it sent to 23,000 forms on the real-time effect the pandemic is having on their resilience. Among its conclusions are: failures of firms due to the economic downturn are...
ESMA publishes cloud outsourcing guidelines
ESMA has published its final report on outsourcing to cloud service providers. The guidelines cover: risk assessment and due diligence on providers; governance, organisational and control frameworks for monitoring CSP...
Regulators update on Covid-related SMCR expectations
The regulators have reminded firms of their expectations in respect of the SMCR, bearing in mind the challenges Covid-19 has presented: FCA has reminded firms that it still does not require a single senior manager to be...
FCA censures firm in relation to Connaught investments
FCA has publicly censured Blue Gate Capital Limited and ordered it to pay £203,000 in restitution to investors who invested in the Connaught Income Fund, Series 1. The Fund was a UCIS, which Blue Gate took over as...
Treasury updates special resolution code
Treasury has updated its code of practice that sets out the tools and powers available under the Banking Act 2009 in respect of the special resolution regime.
PRA evaluates SMCR
PRA has published a report that evaluates the SMCR and whether it has met its aims. In principle, it concludes that it has – it has helped ensure that senior individuals in firms take greater responsibility for...
PRA writes Dear CEO letters on supervisory priorities
PRA has written to the CEOs of insurers, deposit takers and international banks on its 2021 supervisory priorities: to insurers, it says it will be engaging with stakeholders as it looks to tailor the regulatory regime...
PRA issues statement on capital distributions
In July, the PRA announced its intention to undertake an assessment of large UK banks’ distribution plans for 2020. The PRA has now completed that assessment and, noting that economic uncertainty as a result of...
FCA makes new rules
At FCA’s latest board meeting, it made a number of Brexit-related instruments, including: general amendments, including amendments to BTS to check they operate effectively in UK law; SMCR and approved person...
PRA notes FCA “long-term absence” consultation
PRA has drawn the attention of firms to a joint chapter in FCA’s latest quarterly consultation on clarifying regulatory expectations for temporary long-term absences. The regulators plan to clarify what they...
FCA publishes RDR and FAMR evaluation
FCA has published an evaluation of the impact of the RDR and FAMR. On the whole, it found a positive impact. It notes that the FAMR has: led to a small increase in the number of adults who receive financial advice, and...
PRA confirms CRDV statement date
PRA has issued a statement explaining to firms when they can expect further information on the implementation of CRD V. PRA issued two separate consultations, the later of which closed on 17 November. It plans to...
FCA makes new rules
FCA’s latest Handbook Notice confirms it has made the following rules at its last 3 board meetings: changes to reflect the extension of various SMCR deadlines as a result of the pandemic (made in October); the...
FCA announces benefits of RegData
RegData is set to replace Gabriel as the FCA’s data collection platform and will offer an enhanced user experience. FCA says the benefits of RegData will include: Increased speed and faster navigation; Improved...
FCA outlines its supervision Strategy for Lloyd’s & London Market Insurers
The FCA has published a ‘Dear CEO‘ letter addressed to Lloyd’s and London Market Insurers, providing an overview of the areas of focus of its supervision strategy. In particular, the letter sets out...
Directory person information starts to go live
Directory persons data for dual-regulated firms is now live on the new Directory. FCA has reminded solo-regulated firms that they must have submitted all data by the end of March 2021, and has also noted the dates...
FCA writes supervision letter to PCWs
FCA has written a portfolio supervision letter to CEOs of price comparison websites. The letter notes the key priority that customers buying products through PCWs should buy products consistent with their demands and...
FOS publishes Q2 information
FOS has published complaints figures for July – September 2020 (Q2 2020). It: received 69,000 complaints in total received over 5,900 Covid-related complaints referred over 9,000 complaints to an Ombudsman upheld...
FCA updates statement on workplace arrangements
The FCA has updated its statement on workplace arrangements and work-related travel given the recent changes in coronavirus restrictions. The FCA stresses that firms should: continue to follow relevant guidance to...
Covid-19 measures weekly summary
It’s been a while since we needed to do a digest of these. In the light of the new English lockdown and the expiry of various measures, the last week has seen: FCA consultation on updated guidance for consumer...
EBA urges consumers first in POG supervision
EBA has published a report encouraging firms to put consumers’ interests first when they are applying product oversight and governance arrangements. It has found this focus is lacking in many firms. This report...
EBA publishes SREP expectations on TF/ML risks
EBA has published its Opinion in which it sets out how prudential supervisors should consider ML/TF risks as part of the SREP process. The Opinion is another expression of EBA’s exhortation on supervisors to...
FCA to propose mortgage and consumer credit support update
FCA reacted to the announcement of the further measures to contain Covid-19 by saying it will review its measures to support mortgage borrowers impacted by the pandemic. Although FCA stresses borrowers should always try...
FCA reminds of insurance product value importance
FCA has reminded insurance firms that they need to complete their reviews of the value of their products in the light of the pandemic. The reviews follow FCA’s guidance published in June, highlighting that there...
Second Bill reading due 9 November
The second reading of the Financial Services Bill in Parliament is scheduled for 9 November.
FCA confirms SMCR extension dates
FCA has confirmed it has extended the date by which all solo-regulated firms must have fully implemented the Certification Regime and Conduct Rules, to 31 March 2021. This follows Treasury making the statutory...
FCA updates on Directory dates
FCA has updated its information page on the Directory of certified and assessed persons. It confirms that dual regulated firms must submit their data by 13 November, and it will start to be published from 23 November...
FCA and PRA fine GSI for 1MDB risk management failures
FCA and PRA have fined Goldman Sachs International a total of £96.1m for risk management failures connected to its role in three fund raising transactions for 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a Malaysian state-owned...
FCA: new webpages on whistleblowing
The FCA has launched two new webpages on whistleblowing. The first webpage sets out the process for reporting concerns of wrongdoing to the FCA in confidence and provides guidance on: Making the decision to speak to the...