The FCA has added a new section to its webpage on general insurance pricing – attesting compliance. The rules in PS21/5 require senior managers of general insurance firms to provide annual confirmation that their firm...
Category - Topics
Emma RadmoreTreasury consults on future regulatory framework
Treasury is consulting on proposals for reform to the financial services regulatory framework, following the Chancellor’s announcement in his July Mansion House speech. The consultation builds on the October 2020...
Emma RadmoreFCA, BoE and FMSB sign MOU
The FCA, Bank of England, and Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities Market Standards Board (FMSB) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding. The Memorandum sets out a framework for the continuation of...
FIN. TeamFMLC reports on UK bank ring-fencing legislation legal uncertainties
Legislation requiring UK banks to separate the provision of core retail services from other activities within their groups has been in force since 1 January 2019. This so-called “bank ring-fencing regime”...
PRA publishes responses to CP13/21 occasional consultation paper
The PRA has published a policy statement (PS25/21) which sets out its final policy on the various proposals it consulted on in occasional paper CP13/21. These proposals included: For banks, building societies and PRA...
LMA updates guidance on pricing and product reviews
The LMA has issued guidance on FCA’s new Pricing Practices rules and associated Product Reviews. The guidance includes a template with notes and examples on how intermediaries should exchange required information...
FCA confirms final rules on funeral plans regulation
Following its consultation earlier this year, the FCA has published its final rules on the regulation of pre-paid funeral plans which will take effect from 29 July 2022. The latest policy statement sets out additional...
UK Finance paper on the PRA’s outsourcing expectations
UK Finance has published a paper on the PRA’s supervisory statement on outsourcing and third-party risk management (SS2/21). The paper summarises the key elements of SS2/21 and reminds firms that they are expected...
Government sets out net zero transition plans
The government has set out its plans for the UK to be the world’s first net zero aligned financial centre and has called for other countries to follow suit. The government has confirmed it will be introducing...
FCA updates on ESG priorities and publishes SDR discussion paper
The FCA has updated its website to include a page setting out its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. The refreshed ESG strategy is based on five core themes: transparency, trust, tools, transition and...
Treasury and FCA publish LCF compensation rules
Treasury and FCA have published the Scheme rules and consequent FCA rules on compensation arrangements for bondholders with outstanding investment in LCF which has not already been compensated by the FSCS. The scheme...
PSR publishes card-acquiring services report
The PSR has published its final market review into the supply of card-acquiring services. The report concludes that the supply of card-acquiring services does not work well for SME merchants and large merchants with...
FCA publishes cum/ex financial crime warning notice
FCA has published an anonymised warning notice it has issued to a firm in relation to financial crime failings in some of its cum/ex trading. The notice relates to activities during 2015, and FCA found that, for...
FCA delivers speech on data-led regulation
The FCA’s chief data, information and intelligence officer, Jessica Rusu, has delivered a speech on the FCA’s role as a data-led regulator. The speech explores the FCA’s response to new technologies...
Complaints Commissioner publishes final report
The Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner has published its final report on FCA00865. The relevant complaint against the FCA (and FOS) constituted five separate elements, including the FCA’s delay in...
FOS publishes feedback on outcome reporting consultation
FOS has published the feedback to its consultation which set out the proposed temporary amendments to the way the FOS reports business-specific complaints data. As a result of the feedback the FOS has confirmed it will...
PRA and FCA “no comment” on Staley investigation
PRA and FCA have published a joint statement in relation to the Jes Staley investigation. The regulators do not comment on ongoing investigations and so will do no more than confirm the firm’s announcement...
FCA publishes regulatory initiatives grid
The Financial Services Regulatory Initiatives Forum (FSRIF), which is made up of representatives of the BoE, FCA, PRA, PSR, CMA, ICO, TPR and FRC has published its most recent biannual regulatory initiatives grid. The...
FCA issues final notice after conspiracy to defraud conviction
The FCA has published a final notice banning Colin Bermingham from performing any function in relation to any regulated activity carried on by any authorised or exempt person or exempt professional firm. In 2019, Mr...
Treasury Committee publishes tech companies’ responses on financial crime
On 1 October 2021, Rt. Hon. Mel Stride MP wrote to a series of tech giants. The letter posed a series of questions relating to the policies and procedures that the addressees have in place to combat fraud and economic...
CMA writes to NewDay on PPI Order breaches
The CMA has written to NewDay Ltd about 5 breaches of the PPI Market Investigation Order 2011. The breaches, which have affected c.27,000 customers, relate to: NewDay’s failure to issue Annual Review statements to...
Treasury updates AML advisory
Treasury has updated its AML advisory on high risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorist financing, following the FATF meeting last week The list continues to require firms to apply counter measures and EDD...
FCA, PRA, TPR and FRC publish Climate Change Adaptation Reports
The FCA, PRA, TPR and FRC have issued a joint statement regarding their publication of Climate Change Adaptation Reports. The statement emphasises the regulators’ focus on proactively managing both climate-related...
ESMA makes statement on investment recommendations on social media
ESMA has made a statement on investment recommendations on social media. Following a rise in these types of promotion, and concerns that retail investors do not understand the risks involved in following these...
FATF updates virtual asset guidance
FATF has updated its 2019 guidance on a risk based approach for virtual assets and virtual asset service providers. The updates focus on: definitions of key terms; clarification of application of FATF standards to...
FCA publishes updated complaints data
FCA has published its six-monthly set of data on complaints that firms receive. Its latest findings include: a 7% decrease in complaints from H2 2016, with the 2.04m complaints being the lowest level since late 2016;...
SARs reporter engagement survey open to 1 November
The UKFIU and Home Office reporter engagement survey for SARs reporters is open until 1 November, for those involved in financial crime prevention to have their say.
Treasury updates on Economic Crime levy
Treasury has published a policy paper on the introduction of the economic crime levy, which will be introduced in the 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023 levy year and payable in the following financial year. It had...
EU Banking Package 2021
The European Commission has today adopted a review of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) to ensure that EU banks become more resilient to potential future economic...
PSR publishes consultation on Specific Direction for free-to-use ATMs
The PSR is proposing to issue a new Specific Direction to support LINK in meeting the objective of continuing to maintain a broad geographic coverage of the Free-to-Use ATM network in the UK. The draft Specific...
IOSCO updates outsourcing principles
The International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published the final report on its updated outsourcing principles. The report covers the definition of outsourcing, the assessment of materiality and...
Government publishes first proliferation financing NRA
Treasury has produced the first comprehensive National Risk Assessment of proliferation financing, setting out the key risks and vulnerabilities the UK faces. The assessment explains the UK’s role and stance in...
FATF looks at unintended consequences of standards
FATF has published a high level synopsis of its stocktake in its project to look at the unintended consequences of incorrect implementation of its standards. It will now move on to identifying and considering potential...
FCA updates guidance on TPR landing slot changes
FCA has already started to email firms in the Temporary Permissions Regime (being firms that previously passported into the UK under Schedule 3 or Schedule 4 to FSMA) to confirm their ‘landing slot’: the...
FCA responds on NatWest
FCA has responded to the enquiry from the Treasury Committee on its actions in relation to its prosecution of NatWest for money laundering. The response says it would be inappropriate to respond in detail while...
FCA finalises LTAF rules
FCA has published its final rules for Long Term Asset Funds. An LTAF will be an open-ended authorised fund intended for investment by sophisticated investors and pension funds – in particular DC schemes whose...
FATF holds fifth plenary
The FATF held its fifth plenary between 19 and 21 October 2021. Those present for the meetings included delegates representing the 206 members of the Global Network and observer organisations. The FATF finalised a...
AFME publishes “Anti-Money Laundering Transaction Monitoring in the Markets sector”
The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) has published a paper entitled, “Anti-Money Laundering Transaction Monitoring in the Markets sector” in collaboration with Ernst & Young. Recognising the key...
FCA adds new question to GI pricing FAQs
FCA has added an additional question to its Q&As on its general insurance pricing practices rules. The new question relates to whether certain benefits such as events tickets, rare products or products of benefit...
FCA makes new rules
In addition to the new IFPR rules covered in a separate post, FCA has made: changes to COBS, effective from 4 October, on assessing value for money in workplace pension schemes; and the role of IGCs in challenging...
Fraud taskforce adds new charters
The Government website hosting all information about the Joint Fraud Taskforce has added the charters for accountancy, retail banking and telecommunications. The retail banking charter quantifies the key risks (APP...
PSR responds on COP call for views
PSR issued its call for views on the wider implementation of Confirmation of Payee in May 2021. It has now set out the findings from its call for views and its plans and expectation on industry for the next step. It...
NAO updates on BSPS
The National Audit Office has set a timescale for reporting in Spring 2022 on its investigation into the activities FCA has undertaken to regulate financial advice in relation to the restructure of the British Steel...
FCA publishes final IFPR rules
The FCA has converted the near-final rules from its first two policy statements on IFPR into final rules, which are set out in the legal instruments FCA 2021/38 and FCA 2021/39. The FCA will publish a third policy...
Climate financial risk forum publishes guides on managing climate related risks
The Climate Financial Risk Forum (CFRF), which was established in 2019 and is chaired jointly by the PRA and FCA, has published its second set of guides (the ‘Session 2 guides’) to assist financial firms in...
More of FS Act comes into force
The third Commencement Order under the Financial Services Act 2021 brings into force the provisions on dealing with maximum sentences for insider dealing and financial services offences (section 31 of the Act). This...
Treasury consults on BNPL
Treasury has published the long-awaited consultation on buy-now pay-later regulation, following the announcement on 2 February that the Government would implement the Woolard Review recommendation to bring interest free...
FCA publishes 2020/21 Perimeter Report
The FCA has published its latest Perimeter Report, in which it calls for greater consumer protection and legislative change to address concerns beyond its remit. Highlights include recommendations that: duties on...
Treasury Committee seeks further information on NatWest action
The Treasury Committee has written to FCA asking for further information on FCA’s prosecution of NatWest for money laundering. It asks why it took 5 years to reach conclusion, and seeks to understand the...
FCA fines Credit Suisse £147m for financial crime DD failings
FCA has fined Credit Suisse (Credit Suisse International, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd and Credit Suisse AG) £147,190,276 and agreed with it that it will forgive $200m of debt owed by the Republic of Mozambique...
Chancellor publishes green financing roadmap
The Chancellor has published ‘Greening Finance: A Roadmap to Sustainable Investing‘. The document lays out the government’s ambition to align the financial system with the UK’s net-zero...
European Commission adopts work programme for 2022
The EU Commission has adopted its 2022 work programme which sets out the next steps in its agenda towards a greener, fairer, more digital and more resilient Europe. The programme contains 42 new policy initiatives...
FSB wants better convergence in cyber incident reporting
FSB has examined approaches to cyber incident reporting and found fragmentation across sectors and jurisdictions in terms of what should be reported for a cyber incident, how impact and severity is measured, reporting...
EBA publishes final draft RTS on investment policy disclosure
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published today new regulatory technical standards (RTS) on disclosure of investment policy by investment firms. The final draft RTS provides for: specified information that...
Bank of England launches first public CCP supervisory stress test
The Bank of England (BoE) has today launched its first public supervisory stress test (SST) of UK central counterparties (CCPs) to take place over 2021-22 with the clearing services of all in-scope UK CCPs: ICE Clear...
FCA modifies list of derivatives subject to derivatives trading obligation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has modified the list of derivatives subject to the derivatives trading obligation (DTO) in line with Articles 28 and 32 of UK MiFIR in the newly released PS13/21 in response to the...
FCA writes to more DB customers about compensation
FCA has written to a further tranche of customers who received DB pension transfer advice to tell them they may be entitled to compensation, following findings of past business reviews. It has updated its list of firms...
UNEPFI publishes collective progress report on principles for responsible banking
The UN Environmental Programme Finance Initiative (UNEPFI) has published a collective progress report providing an update on the progress made by more than 200 signatories in implementing the Principles for Responsible...
FCA publishes financial promotions data
The FCA has published the number of financial promotions which have been amended or withdrawn due to non-compliance with FCA rules in Q3 2021. In the last quarter, the FCA reviewed 514 financial promotions by authorised...
FCA fines adviser for pension transfer advice failings
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...
ICAEW responds on AML consultations
ICAEW has published its response to the Treasury’s call for evidence on the UK AML/CFT supervisory regime and on targeted amendments to the MLRs. In its response on the MLR amendments, key observations include:...
Charles Randell to step down as FCA and PSR Chair
Charles Randell has told the Chancellor that he is to step down as Chair of FCA and the PSR from Spring 2022. He will not be moving to any other position, but feels the time is right for a change. Mr Randell was...
Contactless card payment limit increased to £100
As of Friday 15 October 2021, the spending limit for contactless card payments has been increased to £100. The decision of HM Treasury and FCA to raise the limit from the previous cap of £45 was made following the...
PRA publishes final rules on Basel implementation
Following the publication of near-final rules in July, the PRA has published a policy statement (PS) setting out its CRR rule instrument to implement part of the Basel standards that still need to be implemented in the...
FCA portfolio letter to Lloyd’s participants
The latest portfolio supervision letter from FCA is addressed to Lloyd’s and London market insurers and others. The letter follows on from the November 2020 version and, generally, commends the market for its...
FOS blogs on distress and inconvenience payments
FOS has published a blog of its thoughts on how it assesses awards for distress and inconvenience. Its guidance has not fundamentally changed, but has been refreshed after firms said more clarity would help them. FOS...
BoE looks at financial stability risks of crypto
Jon Cunliffe has spoken of the potential risks to financial stability of crypto assets such as bitcoin and stablecoins. Crypto assets have grown by 200% in 2021 alone. Mr Cunliffe feels that they have the potential to...
CMA 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...
ESMA 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:...
G20 Roadmap for enhancing cross-border payments
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published “G20 Roadmap for Enhancing Cross-border Payments – First consolidated progress report“, which summarises the progress made during the first year of the...
PIMFA welcomes guidance on ways to structure relationships between advisers and discretionary investment managers
The Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA) welcomes the publication of an industry guide by threesixty services LLP, with input and collaboration from PIMFA and DFM Connect, a group of...
PSR responses to consumer protection in interbank payments
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published the outcome of its consultation on consumer protections in interbank payments in PS21/2 – “Consumer protection in interbank payments – response to CP21/4“...
Government publishes Payments Landscape Review
The government has published its response to the 2020 Payments Landscape Review: Call for Evidence. The relevant consultation, which ran from 28 July 2020 to 20 October 2020, sought views from across the sector to be...
FCA 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...
PRA consults on trading activity wind-down
The Prudential Regulation Authority’s (PRA) has published the Consultation Paper CP20/21: “Trading activity wind-down“, which sets out the proposed expectations in respect of firms’ engagement in trading...
FCA looks at next steps in consumer credit regulation
Nisha Arora has spoken on FCA’s priorities in regulating consumer credit. She noted that FCA has significantly improved outcomes for consumers using credit since FCA took over its regulation, but that there is...
PRA policy statement on UK leverage ratio framework
The Bank of England has published the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) policy statement PS21/21, which contains feedback from the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the PRA on responses to the Consultation Paper...
FSB reports on regulation, supervision and oversight of global stablecoin arrangements
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published a progress report on the implementation of its high-level recommendations on the regulation, supervision and oversight of “global stablecoin” arrangements...
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...
SFO gets more Petrofac bribery convictions
SFO has confirmed Petrofac’s conviction for seven separate counts of failure to prevent bribery between 2011 and 2017. The convictions relate to failure to prevent former senior group executives from using agents...
FSSC launches Future Skills Framework
The Financial Services Skills Commission (FSSC) has launched its ‘Future Skills Framework‘. The online tool will provide organisations with a uniform set of 8 essential industry skills and behaviours...
Nat West pleads guilty to MLR offences
Nat West has entered guilty pleas to criminal charges brought by FCA that it had failed to comply with certain requirements under the MLR 2007 between various dates from November 2012 to June 2016. The failings related...
EU – US Joint Financial Regulatory Forum updates on initiatives
EU and US participants in the EU – US Joint Financial Regulatory Forum met virtually at the end of September as part of their ongoing financial regulatory dialogue. The participants included, amongst others: the...
CMA welcomes new power to tackle competition and consumer law breaches
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) welcomes the Government’s proposals in publishing its responses to the two recent consultations: “Reforming competition and consumer policy“ and “A new...
FOS consults on reporting complaints outcomes
FOS is consulting on a range of initiatives to help reduce customer waiting times, including a temporary proposed change to how firm-specific complaints data is published. FOS is proposing that, for a limited period...
FCA makes final rules on value for money in workplace pensions
FCA has made its final rules on how Independent Governance Committees and Governance Advisory Arrangements should work to compare the value of pension products and services to promote the best value for money on...
IAIS reports on first quantitative study on climate change impacts on insurers’ investments
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) has published the 2021 special topic edition of its Global Insurance Market Report (GIMAR). As a first global quantitative study, the report “The...
CMA report on allegations at the Open Banking Implementation Entity
The CMA has published its findings following an investigation into allegations at the Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE). The OBIE was set up in 2017 to implement Open Banking, enabling consumers and SMEs to...
EIOPA comments on Solvency II proposals
EIOPA has commented on the European Commission’s package of Solvency II proposals, which comprise an amended Solvency II Directive, a Communication on it, and a proposal for an Insurance Recovery and Resolution...
FCA updates rules on credit card instalment plans
FCA has issued its latest Handbook update, which confirms: changes to CONC, effective from 1 October, so firms can offer a greater variety of fixed instalment plans in their credit card products. FCA has routinely been...
ESMA seeks input on retail investor protection
ESMA has published a call for evidence on various retail investor protection topics under MiFID II, the results of which will feed into ESMA’s technical advice to assist the Commission in the development of its...
UK Finance suggests public official definition for ABC
UK Finance is concerned that the fight against corruption, especially bribery of public officials, is hindered by high-level international legal definitions and varied national legislation and interpretation. It sees...
FCA portfolio letter to wealth management and stockbroking firms
FCA has published its portfolio supervision letter to the wealth management and stockbroking portfolio. The letter focuses on FCA’s plans for the Consumer Duty and what it would mean for firms. It also notes the...
PRA writes to CFOs on auditor reporting
PRA has provided CFOs with thematic feedback from the 2020/21 round of written auditor reporting. The letter combines, anonymously, key observations submitted by auditors in respect of specific firms. It focuses on...
Regulators write to firms on cyber findings
BoE, PRA and FCA have written to firms on their 2021 CBEST thematic findings. The comments are addressed to the individual SMF holder with responsibility for cyber, noting that the individual is responsible for:...
CMA revokes Santander directions
The CMA has revoked the Directions under the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order originally given to Santander in December 2018 in respect of delivery of Release 1 of Open Banking by Cater Allen, after receiving...
BoE writes outsourcing Dear CEO letters to FMI providers
The BoE has written to the CEOs of central counterparties, recognised payment system operators, specified service providers and central securities depositories and on its supervisory expectations in relation to...
FCA consults on decisions on use of LIBOR
FCA is consulting on its proposed decisions to use its powers under the amended Benchmarks Regulation for certain LIBOR settings. It seeks views on whether and how to permit legacy use of 1 month, 3 month and 6 month...
PSR publishes approach to Interchange Fee monitoring
The PSR has updated its guidance on how it monitors and enforces the Interchange Fee Regulation in the UK. The update from the 2020 version is mainly to take account of Brexit. The guidance is relevant not only to card...
ESMA publishes 2022 work programme
ESMA has published its Work programme for the next year. It plans to focus on: its supervisory powers over benchmarks, DRSPs and CCPs; the CMU; sustainable finance and innovation; convergence of supervisory and...