FCA Complaints Handling & procedure

FCA Complaints Handling

​The FCA complaint handling requirements are contained in the Dispute Resolution Sourcebook and require firms to operate a complaint handling process, including ensuring that complaints are acknowledged promptly and that a full response is issued within 8 weeks of the complaint date.Once the firm has completed its internal complaint handling process by issuing a final response, or if a final response is not issued by the firm within 8 weeks of the complaint date, the complainant may choose to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Scheme.

If this occurs the firm must assist the Ombudsman and comply with any decision made by it.As part of the firm’s systems and controls, it must undertake root cause analysis to ascertain what remedial action should be undertaken in order to prevent future complaints of the same nature from occurring.Failure to undertake complaint handling in the appropriate way, or failing to assist the Ombudsman, can lead to the FCA taking enforcement action against your firm.

FCA Complaints Procedure

There are a number of ways we can help ensure that governance of your complaints processes is appropriate and include:

  • Review or design of your overall complaints process
  • Review and/or production of a written Complaints Procedure
  • Establishing the accuracy of current written procedures against firm actions
  • Review or design of supporting documents such as summary procedures and letter templates
  • Training of staff to implement new or revised procedures
  • Root cause analysis workshops to establish potential weaknesses in the business and prevent relapse

Ongoing FCA Compliance

As an FCA authorised person or firm, you might need help to ensure you comply with the FCA’s rules.

We provide our clients with support they need to maintain compliance and avoid breaching the rules. Our bespoke service is individually tailored to each of our client’s requirements and objectives to help them meet in the best way possible.

Whether you need documentation to help you remain compliant, want ongoing advice or support, impartial monitoring of your activities or anything else, MEMA may be able to help.

Why Choose MEMA?

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MEMA has been supporting firms through the FCA compliance process since 2019. In that time, we have helped hundreds of businesses to successfully gain and retain FCA authorisation.

We have a unique blend of experience from ex-regulators, big 4 consultants and fin/regtech specialisation. Our team is highly experienced and expertly skilled. We specialise in providing our clients with solutions to often complex regulatory requirements and compliance needs.

Our unique industry insight and comfort with compliance enables our team to support you to the fullest extent possible, helping to develop your business model and compliance.

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May 21, 2021

Claims Management Phoenixing

The FCA has released its latest consultation paper affecting the Claims Management Industry.

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August 7, 2022

Preparing for the TPR Regime

The Temporary Permissions Regime ('TPR') was designed in response to Brexit to ensure that European firms operating in the UK via a passport could continue operating temporarily while they seek full authorisation in the UK.

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January 28, 2022

Vulnerable customers – understanding and meeting the FCA’s guidelines

Fair treatment of vulnerable customers has been a longstanding concern for the FCA . The FCA has released the Finalised Guidance (FG21/1). It sets out its view of what firms should do to comply with their obligations under the Principles and ensure they treat vulnerable customers fairly.

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Insights

March 17, 2025

Achieving FCA Compliance in the UK Crypto Sector: Registration, Best Practices, and Case Studies

Having explored the regulatory foundations in our first article, we now turn to the nuts and bolts of achieving FCA compliance.
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January 20, 2023

FCA's Portfolio Strategy on Claims Management Companies: A Detailed Compliance Guide for CMC Firms

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently released its Portfolio Strategy on Claims Management Companies (CMCs) outlining its approach to regulating this sector and identifying key risks.
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March 15, 2023

The Motor Finance Industry: How to Apply the Consumer Duty Principle

On 1 March 2023, the FCA released a portfolio letter titled "Implementing the Consumer Duty in the Motor Finance Providers Portfolio." The letter highlights the need for a more consumer-focused approach and emphasizes that CEOs or directors should personally focus on implementing the Consumer Duty.
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March 8, 2023

Buy now pay later agreements to become regulated in the UK

Currently, BNPLs and STFC companies benefit from the exemption under Article 60F of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (RAO). Firms providing BNPL products benefiting from the 60F Exemption do not have to be FCA authorised and the agreements do not need to be in a prescribed form under the CCA.
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July 4, 2022

What is an FCA Final Notice

If you follow regulatory news, you will understand the FCA releases news of final notices and fines issued on firms and individuals that have breached its rules.
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January 23, 2025

FCA Announces Significant Changes to Authorisation Process - January 2025 Update from MEMA Consultants

In a landmark announcement, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled substantial changes to its authorisation process, demonstrating a clear commitment to supporting growth in the UK financial services sector. As your trusted regulatory partner, MEMA Consultants brings you a detailed analysis of these important developments.
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December 11, 2025

FCA updates : Regulatory simplification, financial crime controls, and the future of digital payments

This week the FCA moved to reduce regulatory burden while reinforcing market integrity. Late fee reductions and insurance rule simplification aim to ease compliance pressures. New tools and initiatives target financial crime, investment decision support, and long-term market growth. Stablecoin payments remain a clear priority for 2026. Firms should update processes, strengthen controls, and align strategies with the FCA’s investment and digital finance agenda.
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May 23, 2025

FCA Regulatory Brief – Priority Actions for Firms 9 May – 22 May 2025

The FCA’s announcements between 9 May – 22 May 2025 underscore three immediate themes for regulated firms
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April 11, 2021

Understanding the FCA Culture and Governance requirements

The financial crisis placed banks under the public spotlight, the investigation into some of the practices revealed behaviors that caused public indignation, Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) is but one example. The financial crisis placed banks under the public spotlight, the investigation into some of the practices revealed behaviors that caused public indignation, Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) is but one example.
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August 9, 2022

What are UK sanctions and how to conduct sanctions screening?

Sanctions are normally used by the international community for one or more of the following reasons:
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April 11, 2021

Understanding the FCA thematic review (part1)

The Financial Conduct Authority carries out regular ‘thematic reviews’ into areas requiring further review by firms in the financial services industry.
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January 7, 2022

FCA Fee Cap on CMCs

You will be aware that the FCA’s price cap is coming into existence on 1 March 2022. As a quick primer, this means there will now be five redress bands with a maximum fee charged per band.
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June 19, 2025

Inside the Top 10 FCA Fines: Governance Failures That Cost Firms £ 2.4 Billion

The ten largest FCA penalties now represent just over 50 percent of total fine value. Examine their root causes and the governance gaps boards must close.
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August 31, 2022

What is money laundering and what are some red flags you should consider?

Money laundering is the process of concealing or disguising the existence, source, movement, destination, or use of illicitly-derived property or funds to make them appear legitimate.
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January 16, 2023

What are the FCA financial promotions and what internal controls should you set up

A financial promotion is any advertisement, communication, or other material that promotes a financial product or service. Financial promotions can take many forms, including print and online advertisements, marketing emails, social media posts, and sales presentations.
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Your key contacts

ADEMOLA OMOSANYA

Ademola is an accomplished consultant with over a decade of experience across regulation, banking, and consumer credit. As MEMA Consultants co-founder, he leverages extensive regulatory expertise to guide clients through critical processes and full compliance. His experience across sectors enables tailored solutions to complex business challenges. Ademola partners with clients as a strategic advisor to help futureproof their business through an in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape.

MISAH MARAGH

Misah is a director at MEMA Consultants with over a decade of experience in financial services. Holding a legal background and postgraduate qualification, she previously worked at the Financial Conduct Authority. Misah has led compliance transformation for global consumer services organisations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Her expertise includes implementing compliance frameworks for financial regulations, FCPA, UK Bribery Act, data privacy, and Sarbanes-Oxley. Misah is skilled at advising clients on operational and strategic projects, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of regulatory environments to deliver solutions tailored to complex business needs.

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FCA Complaints Handling