Archives

September 1, 2023 @ 12:17 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced it will analyze “lenders’ fair value assessments” to determine if they are providing consumers with appropriate savings products. Earlier this year, the FCA commented on the spread between what banks receive in interest rate returns and what… Read More

August 14, 2023 @ 11:44 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Following a review of fund managers’ value assessments, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has found “that while many firms have better practices in place, some still require improvement.” In 2017, the FCA published its Asset Management Market Study, which “found evidence of weak demand-side… Read More

July 31, 2023 @ 9:20 am By JD Alois  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority  (FCA) now has a higher duty when it comes to “consumer protection.”  As of today, the regulator has a new standard when it comes to financial services oversight. As outlined by the FCA: “You should expect:  helpful and accessible customer support,… Read More

July 25, 2023 @ 1:23 pm By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a statement on the recent bust-up over Coutts canceling a high-profile account due to its internal “values.”  Coutts, which is owned by NatWest, shut down the account of former UKIP leader and noted Brexit supporter Nigel Farage… Read More

July 24, 2023 @ 10:42 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published final guidance on the new Consumer Duty initiative last year. Firms are expected to implement the requirements by the end of this month. Consumer Duty sets a “standard of care” for financial services firms in retail markets aiming… Read More

July 12, 2023 @ 12:55 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Chief Executive of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Nikhil Rathi, addressed in a speech the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role of Big Tech in financial services. The speech was delivered today at the Economist Impact Finance Transformed event. Rathi said… Read More

July 10, 2023 @ 7:01 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a statement on its ongoing crackdown of crypto ATMs in the UK that are not authorized. The FCA says it has investigated 34 locations in the UK since the start of the year, typically working with other law… Read More

July 7, 2023 @ 12:34 pm By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has commented on the rate spread between what banks are receiving in interest rate returns and what they are giving their deposit holders.  The regulator said in a studied, underwhelming tone that the “decision-making has been slow” for banks… Read More

April 6, 2023 @ 11:33 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have posted a notice putting influencers on notice not to promote “get rich quick” schemes or pursue “illegal financial promotions.” The FCA recently reported they pursued interventions 8582 times in 2022, more than 14X… Read More

March 8, 2023 @ 8:50 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced taking action against “unregistered crypto ATMs.” Last year, the FCA announced it would shut down crypt ATMs that were not registered with the agency and in compliance with anti-money laundering rules. At that time, none of the… Read More

February 15, 2023 @ 6:54 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has used its powers “to enter and inspect several sites around Leeds suspected of hosting illegally operated crypto ATMs.” The FCA gathered evidence from several sites “around the city as part of a joint operation with West Yorkshire Police’s Digital… Read More

December 6, 2022 @ 11:07 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined new rules to stymie financial promotions that are misleading, illegal or unfair. Simultaneously, the FCA has kicked off a consultation to garner feedback on the new rules. The goal is to halt “rogue financial promotions.” Currently, any… Read More

November 22, 2022 @ 11:58 pm By JD Alois  |  

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is worried about investment apps that are designed to encourage trading. The regulator issued a statement and report yesterday, warning securities trading firms that offer apps to review the design of these services that are crafted to boost trading leveraging… Read More

October 31, 2022 @ 8:13 am By JD Alois  |  

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) CEO Nikhil Rathi delivered a speech last week that reflected upon the ever-changing regulatory environment. Rathi re-affirmed the FCA’s mission of fostering competition stating, “we will continue to embed competitiveness throughout our regulatory approach,” while noting this will not come to… Read More

October 25, 2022 @ 10:56 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is commencing a review of “Big Tech” providing financial services. The FCA will be reviewing firms like Google, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and others that have emerged as top financial services providers in sectors like digital wallets and payments. The… Read More

August 19, 2022 @ 9:02 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a warning to Buy Now – Pay Later (BNPL) providers pertaining to misleading advertisements. A copy of the “Dear CEO” letter sent to BNPLs is viewable here. BNPL platforms offer point of sale credit to consumers which… Read More

August 3, 2022 @ 9:44 am By JD Alois  |  

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued stronger rules in regards to promoting what is deemed to be high risk investments. As anticipated, the FCA expects firms to use “clearer” and “more prominent risk warnings.” The tactic of offering a refer a friend bonus… Read More

July 14, 2022 @ 9:52 pm By JD Alois  |  

In a speech delivered early today by the Financial Conduct Authority Chief Executive Nikhil Ratha, the top UK regulator addressed the future of regulation. Of course, the digitization of financial services, including crypto assets was in the mix. Ratha noted that the FCA has invested… Read More

July 6, 2022 @ 9:20 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has appointed six directors as it “expands its headcount to meet a growing remit and to achieve its ambitious strategy, which launched in April.” The appointments announced recently, which fill a mix of new and existing roles, “draw on… Read More

June 16, 2022 @ 8:50 am By JD Alois  |  

The cost of living is rising higher and credit is along for the ride. With no end in sight to rising interest rates and inflation, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is asking lenders to help consumers during a difficult time. In a release, the… Read More