This week, the FCA pulled no punches in its approach to market integrity and customer protection — issuing fines, securing convictions, and upgrading its regulatory infrastructure. Here's what matters and what firms should do next.

This week, the FCA has made significant strides in enhancing consumer protection, improving regulatory clarity, and fostering market growth. The final guidance on tackling non-financial misconduct reaffirms the FCA’s commitment to strengthening ethical standards in the financial services sector. Alongside this, the FCA has outlined plans to build the future mortgage market, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and sustainability. Key updates also include crypto regulation proposals, insurance work expansions, and a reform to the UK Benchmarks Regulation. Firms should review their compliance frameworks, risk strategies, and actively participate in consultations to align with these regulatory changes.

The FCA has opened an investigation into a claims management company over how it marketed and sold motor finance claims. The regulator is concerned about misleading compensation claims, pressure selling, and failure to tell consumers they could claim for free. The case signals tougher enforcement and greater scrutiny across the claims management sector.