FCA guilty of 'dereliction of duty' in media blunder

clock

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to be heavily criticised over its decision to leak details of an upcoming insurance probe to a national newspaper, inadvertently causing shares in several major life companies to plummet, according to reports.

In its final report into the events a year ago, set to be published this week, the Treasury Select Committee (TSC) will accuse the financial services watchdog of a "dereliction of duty", Sky News reports, citing an unnamed source. The broadcaster said FCA chairman John Griffith-Jones and chief executive Martin Wheatley will be singled out for criticism. In March 2014, the regulator agreed to brief a national newspaper on details of an upcoming probe into "long-standing" customers in life insurance-type products. By seeking early coverage of its plans, which were due to be announced...

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's vulnerability findings flag lack of tailored training and understanding

FCA's vulnerability findings flag lack of tailored training and understanding

Many firms had taken positive action but ‘areas for improvement remain’

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 March 2025 • 6 min read
FCA urges principal firms to check PII cover

FCA urges principal firms to check PII cover

Regulator finds 10% of sampled firms may not have adequate cover in place

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 February 2025 • 1 min read
FCA to undertake MPS Consumer Duty review

FCA to undertake MPS Consumer Duty review

Regulator recognises the sector has been ‘growing at pace’

Isabel Baxter
clock 26 February 2025 • 2 min read