The FCA has published its authorisations operating metrics for Q3 2023/24 for solo-regulated firms. 97.8% of applications across all metric areas for FCA solo regulated firms were determined within the statutory deadline, with 98.6% of applications for ‘approved person’ status for an application submitted by an authorised firm under the Senior Manager and Certification Regime (SM&CR) determined within the three month statutory deadline.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that it has carried out its first operation with partners to disrupt illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading across multiple London locations. Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), the FCA targeted eight premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading. The FCA issued cease and desist letters at each site, notifying traders to stop illegal activity immediately. Evidence obtained during the on-site inspections is supporting a number of ongoing criminal investigations. Action was taken under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017, SI 2017/692.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued its focus areas and priorities for the Consumer Duty for the remainder of 2024/2025, following the Duty's initial focus on open and closed products/services in July 2023 and 2024 respectively. The FCA's four focus areas include: incorporating the Duty and increasing standards, improving understanding of the price and value outcome, canvassing sector-specific priorities, and reaping benefits through streamlining of broader regulations. The FCA seeks to set out its next steps in the first half of 2025.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published correspondence to compliance officers of asset management and alternative firms outlining its expectations ahead of the UK’s transition from a T+2 to a T+1 securities settlement cycle on 11 October 2027. The move, coordinated by the industry-led Accelerated Settlement Task Force (AST), aims to enhance market efficiency, liquidity and competitiveness.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published key findings from its multi-firm work on claims management companies (CMCs) carrying out unregulated claims. The findings include areas of concern; the FCA expects all firms to take account of its findings and make necessary changes. Where fees for unregulated claims exceed those charged for the regulated claims services, the FCA strongly urges CMCs to keep in mind Consumer Duty requirements, including those around consumer understanding and fair value.

Law360, London: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) outlined its next steps to prevent financial crime at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 9 October 2025, including further investment in its data-related technology and demands for higher level anti-fraud measures from tech firms such as Meta.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has written to the directors and CEOs of financial advice and investment intermediation firms setting out priorities, expectations and work plans. Over the next two years, the FCA aims to reduce and prevent serious harm (with a focus on retirement income advice, ongoing advice services, ensuring the ‘polluter pays’, and consolidation); monitor and test higher industry standards under the Consumer Duty; and enable more consumers to pursue their financial objectives through the Advice Guidance Boundary Review.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new UK Listing Rules (UKLR) significantly reforming the UK listing regime and creating a simplified, more competitive for the UK listing structure. A key aspect of the reforms is the introduction of a single listing category for commercial companies (replacing the premium and standard listing categories) subject to a more disclosure-based regulatory regime. Among other things, the rules for the commercial companies category remove the need for votes on significant or related party transactions and offer variability around dual class share structures with enhanced voting rights. More emphasis on disclosure aims to bolster investor protections to hold the management of companies they co-own to account. The FCA affirms that the overhaul of Listing rules better aligns the UK’s regime with international market standards. The UKLR will apply from 29 July 2024 when the current Listing Rules will cease to have effect.

Law360: The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) new powers to police lawyers and other professionals could place law firms under a heightened supervisory regime similar to that of banks and other high-risk financial institutions, experts say.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that the High Court has granted it a 12-month pause in its civil case against John Dance and WealthTek LLP. The FCA’s investigation into suspected criminal offences in respect of WealthTek LLP and Dance continues. The FCA says progress in that investigation has led it to focus its resources on the suspected criminal offences. The option to restart the civil case remains open to the FCA.

Law360: Plans put forward by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to name companies under investigation early might unfairly cause 'catastrophic' damage to their reputations, even if the regulator later drops the case, according to lawyers.

Law360: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on 26 September 2024 that it will set out new policies on non-financial misconduct such as sexual harassment before the end of 2024, as an executive at the FCA warned that 'cultural issues' remain a problem at companies.