FCA Complaints Handling & procedure

FCA Complaints Handling

​The FCA complaint handling requirements are contained in the Dispute Resolution Sourcebook and require firms to operate a complaint handling process, including ensuring that complaints are acknowledged promptly and that a full response is issued within 8 weeks of the complaint date.Once the firm has completed its internal complaint handling process by issuing a final response, or if a final response is not issued by the firm within 8 weeks of the complaint date, the complainant may choose to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Scheme.

If this occurs the firm must assist the Ombudsman and comply with any decision made by it.As part of the firm’s systems and controls, it must undertake root cause analysis to ascertain what remedial action should be undertaken in order to prevent future complaints of the same nature from occurring.Failure to undertake complaint handling in the appropriate way, or failing to assist the Ombudsman, can lead to the FCA taking enforcement action against your firm.

FCA Complaints Procedure

There are a number of ways we can help ensure that governance of your complaints processes is appropriate and include:

  • Review or design of your overall complaints process
  • Review and/or production of a written Complaints Procedure
  • Establishing the accuracy of current written procedures against firm actions
  • Review or design of supporting documents such as summary procedures and letter templates
  • Training of staff to implement new or revised procedures
  • Root cause analysis workshops to establish potential weaknesses in the business and prevent relapse

Ongoing FCA Compliance

As an FCA authorised person or firm, you might need help to ensure you comply with the FCA’s rules.

We provide our clients with support they need to maintain compliance and avoid breaching the rules. Our bespoke service is individually tailored to each of our client’s requirements and objectives to help them meet in the best way possible.

Whether you need documentation to help you remain compliant, want ongoing advice or support, impartial monitoring of your activities or anything else, MEMA may be able to help.

Why Choose MEMA?

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MEMA has been supporting firms through the FCA compliance process since 2019. In that time, we have helped hundreds of businesses to successfully gain and retain FCA authorisation.

We have a unique blend of experience from ex-regulators, big 4 consultants and fin/regtech specialisation. Our team is highly experienced and expertly skilled. We specialise in providing our clients with solutions to often complex regulatory requirements and compliance needs.

Our unique industry insight and comfort with compliance enables our team to support you to the fullest extent possible, helping to develop your business model and compliance.

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May 2, 2021

Estate agency guidance for money laundering supervision- Part 1

If you are supervised by the HMRC for anti-money laundering purposes, you will need to meet requirements under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.

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December 11, 2025

FCA updates : Regulatory simplification, financial crime controls, and the future of digital payments

This week the FCA moved to reduce regulatory burden while reinforcing market integrity. Late fee reductions and insurance rule simplification aim to ease compliance pressures. New tools and initiatives target financial crime, investment decision support, and long-term market growth. Stablecoin payments remain a clear priority for 2026. Firms should update processes, strengthen controls, and align strategies with the FCA’s investment and digital finance agenda.

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December 7, 2022

Are you aware of the FCA rules to protect consumers from rogue financial promotions

Did you know that the FCA has published a consultation paper and press release setting out how it proposes to operate a new authorisations gateway for firms wanting to continue approving financial promotions for unauthorised persons.

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Insights

May 23, 2025

Buy-Now-Pay-Later gets real: what the 2025 draft Order means for short-term interest-free credit – and why firms must start planning now

Five years on from the Treasury’s initial pledge, Parliament now has the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities etc.) (Amendment) Order 2025 on its table
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December 23, 2025

UK Crypto Regulatory Regime: A New Era for Digital Assets

On 16 December 2025, the FCA released three landmark consultation papers (CP25/40, CP25/41, and CP25/42) that define the future of the UK crypto market. Moving beyond simple AML registration, the new regime introduces rigorous standards for token admissions, market abuse, staking, and prudential capital requirements. With a final implementation date set for 25 October 2027, firms must now transition from "theoretical preparation" to "operational mapping" to meet the standards of traditional financial services.
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December 5, 2025

FCA updates : ESG ratings, improved reporting processes and safer AI testing

This week the FCA pushed for clearer ESG ratings, improved reporting processes and safer AI testing. It advanced market transparency through the bond consolidated tape. Enforcement remained active with fraud charges and AML supervisory concerns. Governance risks continued with a firm liquidation. Firms should update controls, review data processes and prepare for upcoming complaint handling and market transparency changes.
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November 10, 2021

Regulatory considerations for Consumer Credit Firms

The FCA has set out new rules for claims management companies (CMCs) to protect consumers against excessive charges. Some of the major changes include:
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June 27, 2025

FCA Weekly Brief: Homes, Payments & The Future of Finance

Explore this week’s FCA updates on mortgage reform, payment oversight, and market strategy — and what they mean for your firm’s next move.
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April 11, 2021

Claims Management Companies and High Cost Lenders

In a recent post, the FCA has released its views urging Claims Management Companies and High Cost Lenders to work better together
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August 29, 2022

Who would be considered a Politically Exposed Person (PEP)?

“A Politically Exposed Person (PEP) is a natural person who is or has been entrusted with prominent public functions and includes his/her immediate family or persons known to be close associates of such persons, but shall NOT include middle ranking or more junior officials.”
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August 9, 2023

Revised U.K. Financial Regulators' Complaints Scheme - Coming into effect 1, November 2023

In a collaborative effort, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), and Bank of England have unveiled their revised Complaints Scheme, which fundamentally shapes the protocol for addressing and managing grievances lodged against the U.K. regulatory bodies. This revamped framework encompasses several significant modifications:
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November 14, 2025

FCA Updates: Strategic Innovation, Accountability, and Global Collaboration

The FCA’s new partnership with Singapore is a significant step in the cross-border collaboration on AI and fintech growth. As both regulators push for global AI development, this could open doors for firms operating internationally. However, compliance frameworks must evolve to keep pace with this rapid development.
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January 31, 2022

New restrictions on the financial promotions of crypto assets

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a consultation paper (CP22/2) on financial promotion rules for high-risk investments, including crypto assets.
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April 11, 2021

FCA Cryptocurrency Regulation Part 1

From 10 January 2020, the FCA became the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) supervisor for crypto firms, covering firms that exchange money to and from crypto assets and those that safeguard their customers crypto assets.
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July 17, 2025

This Week in FCA: Fines, Flexibility & Future Policy

This week’s FCA updates focus on growth, governance, and global cooperation. A record £42 million fine against Barclays underscores the FCA’s uncompromising stance on financial crime controls.
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October 12, 2022

How to get FCA authorised (part 2)

As part of our How To series on 'How to get FCA authorised'. We are addressing all aspects of preparing for FCA authorisation. This will look to cover a range of key items your business should consider from the location of offices, and expected fees to resourcing.
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September 26, 2022

How much are the FCA fees?

The common question we receive when firms are deciding whether to get authorised or not as an FCA regulated firm is how much will it cost?
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August 22, 2022

What is terrorist financing in simple terms

In the UK, Part 3 of the Terrorism Act 2000 criminalises terrorist financing and makes it an offence to:
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Your key contacts

ADEMOLA OMOSANYA

Ademola is an accomplished consultant with over a decade of experience across regulation, banking, and consumer credit. As MEMA Consultants co-founder, he leverages extensive regulatory expertise to guide clients through critical processes and full compliance. His experience across sectors enables tailored solutions to complex business challenges. Ademola partners with clients as a strategic advisor to help futureproof their business through an in-depth understanding of the regulatory landscape.

MISAH MARAGH

Misah is a director at MEMA Consultants with over a decade of experience in financial services. Holding a legal background and postgraduate qualification, she previously worked at the Financial Conduct Authority. Misah has led compliance transformation for global consumer services organisations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Her expertise includes implementing compliance frameworks for financial regulations, FCPA, UK Bribery Act, data privacy, and Sarbanes-Oxley. Misah is skilled at advising clients on operational and strategic projects, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of regulatory environments to deliver solutions tailored to complex business needs.

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FCA Complaints Handling