What's in a name: Is the FCA a fresh start or a rebadged FSA?

REGULATION

Carmen Reichman
clock

The FCA has been called a "focused" regulator respected by its counterparts around the world. Praise indeed - but does the industry agree with this ringing endorsement?

Treasury deputy director of financial services strategy, Will Brandon, said at an industry conference recently: "It's hard to understate the importance, both to the consumer and to the competitiveness of the industry, of a robust regulator. The FCA is internationally respected and has an extremely strong consumer protection and competition mandate. It is very focused." However, advisers subjected to increased scrutiny during the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) are sometimes less euphoric about the financial services regulator, no matter its guise. Improving Regulation has been "dis...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA warns on 'poor' advice consolidation practices

FCA warns on 'poor' advice consolidation practices

Including on debt and incentives

Sahar Nazir
clock 31 October 2025 • 3 min read
FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

Regulator’s MoneyHelper signpost criticised as a ‘real limit’

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 September 2025 • 2 min read
FCA continues data reporting cuts

FCA continues data reporting cuts

Regulator removes more data returns

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 August 2025 • 1 min read