This Week in FCA: Fines, Flexibility & Future Policy
This Week in FCA: Fines, Flexibility & Future Policy
This week, the FCA proved it can be both a tough enforcer and a strategic reformer.
Here’s what went down — and what firms should prepare for.
Barclays Fined £42M – Financial Crime in the Spotlight
The biggest headline? Barclays was fined £42 million for systemic failures in its anti-financial crime controls. The FCA called out poor oversight, weak transaction monitoring, and a failure to act on risk indicators.
What it means for firms:
This is your cue to audit your controls — especially around high-risk onboarding and ongoing AML surveillance. No excuses, no shortcuts.
Growth-Focused Reforms: Faster, Cheaper, Smarter
In a coordinated push to spur innovation, the FCA rolled out:
- Faster authorisation targets
- Lower capital-raising costs
- Simplified senior manager regime requirements
- Streamlined redress systems for quicker compensation
It’s a clear move: regulators want to fuel growth without compromising trust.
If you're expanding, launching, or restructuring — this is your moment.
Global Outlook & Market Reform Preview
Two key statements broaden the horizon:
- An updated Overseas Recognition MoU to support cross-border cooperation
- A forward-looking statement on UK market reforms detailing competitiveness, clarity, and investor protection
Takeaway: More joined-up regulation is coming — both globally and domestically.
Administration Alert: Alti Re & Alvarium Collapse
Two FCA-regulated firms entering administration this week remind us that resilience still matters. Whether it's a fund failure or governance lapse — preparation is everything.
Firms should:
- Review counterparty risk
- Stress-test contingency plans
- Communicate clearly with impacted clients
The Bottom Line
This week’s message is balance: accountability when things go wrong, flexibility when they don’t. The FCA is pushing for smarter, faster regulation — but will still bring the hammer down when needed.
Related Posts
.png)
Crime, Clarity & Controls: This Week in FCA Action
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.
.png)
FCA Consumer Duty: Focus on consumer protection, regulatory clarity, and market growth.
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.
.png)
FCA Investigation Signals Crackdown on Claims Management Firms
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.