Emma RadmoreAshley Alder has spoken on the importance of collaboration in international financial services. He touched on the UK-EU MoU and current IOSCO initiatives. He spoke of global initiatives such as climate and...
Category - Fintech & Innovation
Consumer Panel publishes review on personal data use
The Financial Services Consumer Panel has published a paper looking at whether firms’ use of personal data is leading to bias and detriment for consumers with protected characteristics. It concludes that most...
Financial Lives conclusions make uncomfortable reading
FCA has published the results of its latest Financial Lives survey, which it says serve to highlight the importance of the Consumer Duty. During the year to May 2022: less than half of UK adults had confidence in the UK...
FCA to launch Digital Sandbox permanently
Following successful pilots, FCA’s Digital Sandbox will be made permanently available on 1 August 2023. Until now, the platform has only been available on a temporary basis to institutions participating in FCA...
Laura WilesGovernment rejects Treasury Committee’s suggestion to regulate retail crypto trading as gambling
The Treasury Committee has published the Government’s response to its report on Regulating Crypto. The report had concluded that consumer trading in unbacked cryptocurrencies more closely resembles gambling than a...
FSB publishes global regulatory framework for crypto-asset activities
FSB has published its finalised regulatory framework for the supervision of crypto-asset activities to promote the comprehensiveness and international consistency of regulatory and supervisory approaches globally. FSB...
FSB updates roadmap for addressing climate-related financial risks
In July 2021, FSB published a comprehensive roadmap to address climate-related financial risks. It has now delivered a progress report on the roadmap as required by the G20. Physical risks and a disorderly transition to...
FCA speaks on regulatory approach to Big Tech and AI
Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive at FCA, has delivered a speech at The Economist on FCA’s emerging regulatory approach to Big Tech and AI. It notes that with the “right guardrails in place”, AI can offer...
Treasury consults on first financial market infrastructure sandbox
Treasury is consulting on the first financial market infrastructure sandbox delivered under the powers granted to it as part of FSMA 2023. The Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS) will enable digital securities to be tested...
LSB publishes SME green finance report
LSB has published a report highlighting challenges in the SME green finance market and exploring how banks and lenders can support their customers to become more sustainable. The report concludes that while demand for...
FSM Bill gets Royal Assent
As expected, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 got Royal Assent on 29 June. Heralding it, Treasury described its key features as: bringing the ability to tailor financial services regulation to fit UK markets...
FCA speaks on innovation in financial services
Sheldon Mills, Executive Director of Consumers and Competition at FCA, has delivered a speech at the CityUK Annual Conference on how innovation and regulation in financial services can drive the UK’s economic...
FSM Bill completes Parliamentary process
The FSM Bill returned to the Lords for consideration of the few amendments the Commons had made. These were agreed, and so the Bill has completed its Parliamentary passage and now awaits Royal Assent. It is expected to...
Read our deep dive into dark patterns guide
We have published our deep dive into dark patterns, covering: an introduction to what dark patterns are and how they work; a guide to navigation of the regulation of dark patterns in the UK, EU and US; and examples of...
Lords passes FSM Bill
The FSM Bill has had its third reading in the Lords, and has been passed and returned to the Commons as amended in the Lords. The Commons now needs to consider the Lords’ amendments, and, if all is agreed, the...
FSM Bill: Lords Report stage day 3
Day 3 of the debate on the FSM Bill at Lords Report stage included: a debate on forest risk commodities, which was approved on a vote; a proposal for a number of amendments relating to liability of PSPs for fraudulent...
Should you have a chief AI officer?
Read our article about what is a Chief AI officer, and whether you should have one.
Legal considerations for tech outsourcing: LexisNexis Webinar
LexisNexis subscribers can listen to a webinar presented by WBD’s Alastair Mitton, with Tom Porter of Natura&Co, on trends and challenges in tech outsourcing.
Treasury concludes FSF review
Treasury has formally concluded the FSF review, following the publication of its December policy statement. FCA has updated its website to reflect what it will be doing to help deliver on the changes, including how it...
FSMB: Lords report stage scheduled for 6 June
The report stage in the Lords for the FSM Bill will start on 6 June. There is no set length of time for it to last, although further sittings have already been scheduled for 8 and 13 June.
Treasury Committee calls for crypto trading regulation
A report from the Treasury Committee calls for consumer trading in unbacked crypto to be regulated as gambling. The Committee says these currencies have no intrinsic value and serve no useful social purpose, yet they...
Parliament debates FPO amendments
The House of Lords has been debating the draft statutory instrument amending the FPO to bring promotions of crypto assets within scope. The proposal, which includes extending appropriate exemptions to crypto-promotions...
FSSC Publishes Report: Reskilling Everywhere All At Once, Skills for the future of financial services 2023
The Financial Services Skills Commission (FSSC) has published its report on reskilling for the future of the financial services industry. The report suggests UK businesses prioritise and implement reskilling programs to...
Jasmine ZacherFCA speaks on regulation and Fintech
Emily Shepperd spoke at City Week on how the FCA, and regulation generally, can help firms innovate and embrace Fintech. She spoke of challenges to the traditional banking model and what banks had done to address them...
Treasury Committee publishes exchange of letters with FCA
The Treasury Committee has published its request to FCA to provide it with information on key elements of its regulation following Nikhil Rathi’s appearance before it in early March, and FCA’s response. The...
PSR speech: Innovate Finance Global Summit
Aidene Walsh, Chair of PSR, has delivered a speech at the Innovate Finance Global Summit on innovation from a regulatory perspective and promoting development in payment systems. The speech referred to recent headlines...
FCA to lead GFIN Greenwashing TechSprint
FCA is inviting all UK firms interested in participating in the GFIN’s first ever greenwashing TechSprint to apply for it. FCA is leading the initiative involving 13 regulators and 80 international organisations...
FCA and ASA partner with Love Islander to educate fin-fluencers
FCA and ASA have teamed up with former Love Island contestant Sharon Gaffka to help educate fin-fluencers about the risks of promoting financial products. The regulators have previously issued warnings to fin-fluencers...
AI governance impact analysis evidence published
On 29 March 2023, the government published its AI white paper setting out its regulatory approach to AI in the UK. Simultaneously: the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Office for...
Government publishes AI white paper
The Government has published a white paper setting out a new approach to regulating AI in such a way as to build public trust in new technologies. The paper proposes 5 principles to guide the use of AI in the UK and...
Draft FPO amendments
Draft amendments to the FPO have been published, which would: create a new exemption for crypto exchange and wallet providers who are registered with FCA for AML purposes but not authorised under FSMA, which will allow...
FSM Bill 9th Grand Committee session
The 9th Lords Grand Committee session on the FSM Bill took place on 21 March. Topics debated were: the proposal to limit the powers of PRA to prevent a matching adjustment being applied to a portfolio of high risk or...
Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies
HM Treasury has published the report presented by Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, on Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review: Digital Technologies. The report highlights the...
Andrew Griffith speaks on Edinburgh Reforms progress
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, has spoken on the progress of various elements of the Edinburgh reforms including giving his update on the FSM Bill. He focussed on the new duty on PRA and FCA to...
House of Lords updates on FSM Bill
Ahead of the seventh day of debate on the FSM Bill in the Grand Committee, the House of Lords has published: a new list of amendments; a letter promised by Baroness Penn to all members on matters raised at the second...
Regulators update Regulatory Initiatives Grid
The Financial Services Regulatory Initiatives Forum has published the sixth edition of the Regulatory Initiatives Grid. The edition was due last November, but has been held back to allow the regulators to consider how...
FSB outlines priorities for the year
The Financial Stability Board has written to G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors outlining its priorities for the year. At the G20 meeting on 24-25 February, it plans to present papers on: non bank...
FCA feeds back on synthetic data
FCA has issued its feedback statement following its call for input on synthetic data. The call for input looked to probe how best to access quality data to help develop new products and services while protecting...
BoE speaks on digital pound
Sir Jon Cunliffe has spoken on the digital pound, as the BoE and Treasury launched their consultation. He noted that, while no firm decision can be taken on implementing the digital pound, the taskforce is now moving to...
Treasury and BoE consult on digital pound
Treasury and BoE are consulting on the potential creation of a digital pound, which would be issued by the BoE. It would be interchangeable with cash and could be used for in-store and online payments. No formal...
FCA reminds crypto firms of upcoming fin prom rules
FCA has reminded all crypto firms of the Government’s intention to bring all promotions to UK customers by cryptoasset firms within the scope of the financial promotions regime. Once the changes take effect, any...
Treasury consults on crypto regulation
Treasury has published its long-awaited consultation on its plans to regulate cryptoasset activities in the UK. The consultation, which also includes a call for evidence and is accompanied by Treasury’s response...
FSM Bill Grand Committee stage starts
The first day of the Lords Grand Committee hearing on the FSM Bill took place on 25 January. There are now 6 dates scheduled in total, with sittings taking place now on 30 January, then 1, 6, 8 and 20 February. 195...
FCA speaks on “better foundations” in AI
Jessica Rusu, speaking at the Alan Turing institute, has addressed the critical considerations for the best use of AI in financial services. She said that: AI regulation in financial services needs to be built on a...
Parliament to debate crypto regulation
A debate on the regulation of cryptocurrencies is set to take place on Wednesday 25 January, led by Dr Lisa Cameron. The House of Commons has published the debate pack which sets out the issues and topics which will be...
Nicola RadfordIndustry alliance forms to lead UK’s future in digital currencies
Five associations have formed an alliance called the UK Forum for Digital Currencies (UK FDC). Its members include the City of London Corporation, Digital Pound Foundation, the Payments Association, the CityUK and UK...
FSMB completes second reading in Lords
The FSMB had its second reading in the Lords on 10 January. Baroness Penn, leading for the Government, summarised the importance of the Bill and its overarching aims, which she described as: implementing the outcomes...
UK Finance publishes crypto regulation report
UK Finance has published a report it has produced with KPMG looking at how the UK regulatory framework can address unbacked cryptoassets. The report gives an overview of the current UK regulatory landscape and looks at...
The Edinburgh reforms – and more
See our article, summarising various FIN posts over the past week on the state of play of the FSM Bill and the Edinburgh reforms.
“Edinburgh” reforms highlight ring-fencing, CCA and post-Brexit changes
The Chancellor has announced a set of so called “Edinburgh reforms” to the financial services regulatory framework. At an industry roundtable, he will set out plans to repeal and replace “hundreds of...
FSM Bill – Lords dates announced
The FSM Bill as amended after its passage through the Commons has now had its first (routine) reading in the Lords. The Lords’ second reading has been set for 10 January 2023.
FSM Bill report stage
As scheduled, the FSM Bill had its report stage on 7 December and, eventually, at nearly 7pm, the Third Reading of the Bill took place and was agreed to. The Bill now moves to the Lords. While we still await the new...
Lucy HadrillUK regulators consult on DRCF workplan 2023-24
The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) – made up of the FCA, CMA, ICO and Ofcom – is calling for input on its workplan for 2023-24. The consultation invites stakeholders to share their views on...
FSM Bill report stage on 7 December
The FSM Bill is to have its report stage and third reading in Parliament on 7 December, after receiving the Bill with amendments from the Public Bills Committee. It is possible for Parliament to make amendments at...
BoE speaks on digital currencies
Sir Jon Cunliffe has spoken on recent crypto market developments. He started with an overview of the failure of FTX and looking at how regulation could impact on activities such as those FTX carried out. He noted that...
FCA speaks on “rolling regulation forwards”
Nikhil Rathi spoke to UK Finance on three key developments which he said will drive regulation forwards: the Consumer Duty: he discussed FCA’s reasons for introducing the Duty, and how FCA would be looking to...
Law Commission consults on DAOs
The Law Commission has published a call for evidence, seeking information about how decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) should be characterised and how the laws of England and Wales might accommodate them in...
FCA reacts to FTX failure
FCA has noted that UK customers of FTX may be alarmed following its provisional liquidation in the Bahamas and filing for bankruptcy in the US. It had previously warned customers that FTX is not regulated in the UK and...
Commission publishes amendments to Crowdfunding Regulation
The European Commission has published amendments and supplemental legislation to the Regulation on European crowdfunding service providers for business ((EU) 2020/1503) (Crowdfunding Regulation) in the Official Journal...
Final day of FSMB debate published
In the morning and afternoon of the final day of the Public Bills Committee debate on the FSM Bill, the remaining tabled new clauses were discussed: that the Chair of the PSR should be a member of the FCA board: this...
Andrew Griffith letters on FSMB
The House of Commons has published a letter from Andrew Griffith on the FSM Bill dated 10 October to Tulip Siddiq and Abena Oppong-Asare. The letter followed the second reading of the Bill and addresses: the...
FSMB debate discusses crypto, net zero and regulatory independence
The debate on the FSM Bill resumed on 27 October. The Committee discussed, in the morning and afternoon sessions: Clause 21: the proposals for regulating stablecoins. The main question came from Tulip Siddiq who queried...
PRA speaks on growth and competitiveness
Sam Woods has spoken at Mansion House on how prudential regulation can contribute to the competitiveness of the UK as a financial centre, and to economic growth. He confirmed PRA’s support for the FSM Bill...
Emma RadmoreHighlights of FSMB debates from 25 October
The 3rd and 4th sittings of the Public Bill Committee debate on the FSM Bill took place on 25 October. After the evidence sessions from witnesses on 19 October, the line-by-line scrutiny of the Bill has now started...
FCA seeks views on competition impacts of Big Tech
The FCA has published a discussion paper on the potential competition impacts that may arise from Big Tech firms’ entry and expansion into retail financial services sectors. It is seeking views on the emerging...
Further FSMB revisions released
Parliament has published the latest raft of proposed amendments to the FSM Bill. These include: a change to the very first sub-clause, replacing the revocation of the EU and EU-derived legislation in the schedule so...
FSMB Committee stage timetable published
Following the announcement that the Committee stage in the Commons will begin on 19 October, a timetable for the sessions has now been published. Key witnesses scheduled to appear on that day include BoE, PRA, FCA and...
FSMB Committee stage scheduled for 19 October
An update to the Parliament website shows the Committee stage for the Financial Services and Markets Bill will start on 19 October. After the line by line debate is complete, the Bill will be republished for report...
FSB consults on regulation of crypto assets and markets
The Financial Stability Board has published a consultative report including some high level recommendations aimed at promoting consistent and comprehensive treatment of crypto-asset activities and markets. The 9...
BoE consults on AI discussion paper
The BoE is consulting on its discussion paper about how artificial intelligence (AI) may affect financial regulation. The discussion paper looks at how the current regulatory framework applies to AI; it considers how...
FCA revamps Digital Sandbox page
FCA has updated its support page on its website relating to the Digital Sandbox to explain more clearly what it offers and how to apply (although it is currently closed for applications)
BoE speaks on technical innovation from crypto to real
Sir Jon Cunliffe has spoken on innovation, and specifically the risks and opportunities of crypto-assets, in post trade services. He noted the importance of bringing crypto-assets and activities within regulation...
FCA speaks on role of regulation in growth
Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director at FCA, has spoken on the regulator’s role in encouraging growth. Key points in her wide-ranging speech included: FCA’s commitment to showing speed and agility, providing...
Government approach to crypto
The House of Commons library has released a research briefing setting out the Government’s regulatory approach to crypto-assets and currencies in advance of a Westminster Hall debate on 7 September. The report...
Innovate Finance publishes FSM Bill briefing
Innovate Finance has called out the aspects of the FSM Bill that are of particular relevance to the UK FinTech sector. It calls out the Bill’s proposals on: stablecoin regulation and the FMI sandbox(es) –...
DRCF ToR published
The CMA has published the terms of reference for the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum, which was established by the CMA, ICO and Ofcom in June 2020, with FCA joining in April 2021. The forum’s objectives...
TheCityUK publishes manifesto for next PM
TheCityUK has set out 8 areas where the industry can work with the next Prime Minister, not least: delivering n the FSM Bill as soon as possible and reforming Solvency II creating tax incentives to accelerate financing...
UKJT consults on legal statement for digital securities
The UK Jurisdiction Task force is looking at the way in which English law can support the issue and transfer of equity or debt securities on blockchain and DLT systems. The statement will follow its work over recent...
Law Commission consults on crypto
The Law Commission has published a paper setting out its proposals for reform of the laws relating to digital assets. It has identified many areas of law that need reform in order to recognise and protect the rights of...
PSR publishes response to Digital Payments Initiative report
The Payment Services Regulator (PSR) has published its response to the PSR Panel’s Digital Payments Initiative report. In response to last year’s Access to Cash Working Group’s recommendations, Dr Ruth Wandhöfer...
Duncan ScottNeed more detail on the Financial Services and Markets Bill?
We’ve produced a detailed summary of the key aspects of the Financial Services and Markets Bill, following up on our headline post. While the Bill won’t be having its second reading until September, keep an...
New Financial Services and Markets Bill in Parliament
The Government has introduced the Financial Services and Markets Bill into Parliament. The Bill was introduced on 20 July and had its first reading, but no date was set for the second reading. In his first Mansion House...
FCA publishes Annual Report
FCA has published its Annual Report and supporting papers. It highlighted: how nearly 600,000 people are paying less in interest and charges on credit card debt following rule changes; how further rule changes have...
European Parliament proposes new online credit suitability rules
MEPs have proposed legislation designed to protect consumers online from credit card debt, overdrafts and loans that are unsuitable for their financial situation. The proposed new rules would require that: consumers are...
ECB speaks on using tech to tackle financial crime
Elizabeth McCaul, Member of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, has delivered a speech on how technology (particularly AI) can be used in the fight against financial crime. Ms McCaul discussed the relationship between...
Treasury Committee launches inquiry into cryptoassets
The Treasury Committee has launched a new inquiry into cryptoassets. The inquiry will cover the opportunities and risks that cryptoassets may bring to consumers, businesses and the government. It will also examine the...
FSB updates on international regulation and supervision of crypto activities
The FSB has published a statement on international regulation and supervision of cryptoassets activities. Highlights include: the FSB will continue to facilitate cross-border and cross-sectoral cooperation amongst...
ESMA consults on the DLT Pilot Regime
Following its call for evidence earlier this year, ESMA is consulting on draft guidelines on standard forms, formats and templates to apply for permission to operate a DLT market infrastructure. The proposed draft...
Government commits to Consumer Credit Act reform
The Government has announced its commitment to seeking reform of the rules contained in the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (the CCA) in an effort to modernise them, cut costs for business and ensure the rules are easier for...
Council adopts new rules on EU regulation of consumer credit
The Council has published its agreed position on the revision of the Consumer Credit Directive (Directive 2008/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on credit agreements for consumers and...
Post-legislative assessment of the Fraud Act 2006
The Ministry of Justice has published a memorandum on the Fraud Act 2006 which provides an updated post-legislative assessment of the Act for submission to the House of Lords Select Committee in light of rising digital...
FIN. TeamGovernment consults on failure of Digital Settlement Asset firms
The Government is consulting on proposed amendments to the FMI Special Administration Regime to enable the management of a failure of a “systemic digital settlement asset firm” – including stablecoin...
FCA speaks on regulating finance in the UK
Charles Randell, FCA and PSR Chair, has delivered a speech on regulating finance for the whole of the UK. Highlights include: Importance of partnerships and policy coherence – the FCA recognises the continued importance...
FCA highlights the risks of investing in crypto
The FCA has issued a statement following some recent social media posts regarding cryptoassets and NFTs. Whilst it cannot comment on individual products, it has warned consumers that there are no consumer protections...
TPT launches consultation on climate transition plans
The Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) has launched a call for evidence on a sector-neutral framework for private sector transition plans. The framework will inform UK regulations for certain financial sector firms and...
Queen’s Speech 2022 – FS elements
The Queen’s Speech 2022 outlined the government’s legislative priorities for the next parliamentary session. The measures announced include two bills of particular interest to financial services...
FCA delivers speech on learning from the past
Nikhil Rathi, CEO at the FCA, spoke on learning from the last 30 years to face the next 30 years at the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) 30th anniversary dinner. Highlights include: the world...
FCA talks of a “digital regulator”
Jessica Rusu, FCA’s Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer, has spoken on how FCA is building its digital regulatory future. Its work will focus on fostering innovation, being intelligence led and...
UK gearing up to be a global cryptoasset technology hub
Alongside Treasury’s decision to regulate stablecoins, the government has announced wider plans to make the UK a global hub for cryptoasset technology and investment. In a speech delivered at the Innovate Finance...
Government to regulate stablecoins
Following its consultation last year, Treasury has decided it will regulate stablecoins. It plans to bring activities that issue or facilitate the use of stablecoins that are used as a means of payment within the UK...
FCA seeks input on use of synthetic data to support financial services innovation
FCA wants to better understand different market participants’ views on the extent to which synthetic data can expand data access and data sharing opportunities in the market. FCA is evaluating the maturity of...
Harshil PatelFCA provides market insights on its Innovation Hub
FCA’s Innovation Hub has been helping firms to develop innovative products and services since it was launched in 2014. FCA has recently provided an insight update on the data which it has gathered on the...
CMA publishes Annual Plan for 2022/23
The CMA has published its Annual Plan which explains how it will protect consumers, promote competition and help support the economy in the year ahead. It aims to encourage innovation, productivity, and sustainable...