FCA's Evolving Vision: Safer Culture, Smarter Tech, Sharper Trust

July 4, 2025

FCA's Evolving Vision: Safer Culture, Smarter Tech, Sharper Trust

This week, the FCA took a bold step forward in reshaping both how firms operate and how customers experience financial services.

From tackling misconduct to modernising the delivery of advice, the regulator’s message is clear: it’s not enough to follow the rules — firms must foster environments of integrity, clarity, and innovation.

Quick View of the Week’s Highlights

Headline Why it matters Next-30-day Actions
Invoice and credit tasks added to My FCA New functionality on the My FCA portal simplifies administrative tasks for regulated firms, enhancing efficiency in managing invoicing and credit-related activities.
  • Log in to My FCA to familiarize yourself with the new features.
  • Review internal processes for invoicing and credit to align with the new digital tasks.
  • Communicate changes to relevant internal teams (e.g., finance, compliance).
FCA clarifies expectations on bullying, harassment and violence to deepen trust in financial services The FCA emphasizes a safe and inclusive culture, holding firms accountable for preventing misconduct, which is crucial for conduct rules compliance and reputation.
  • Review existing HR policies and codes of conduct regarding bullying and harassment.
  • Communicate updated FCA expectations to all staff, especially management.
  • Ensure clear reporting mechanisms for incidents are in place and promoted.
Tribunal upholds the FCA’s market manipulation bans This ruling reinforces the FCA's commitment to market integrity and its ability to enforce against manipulation, serving as a strong deterrent to potential offenders.
  • Re-evaluate internal market conduct policies and training.
  • Reinforce awareness of market abuse regulations among trading and compliance teams.
  • Review surveillance systems for potential market manipulation.
Once-in-a-generation advice changes to help millions navigate their financial lives Significant regulatory changes aim to make financial advice more accessible and affordable for consumers, impacting how financial firms offer their services and engage with clients.
  • Assess the implications of new advice models on business strategy and operations.
  • Begin planning for changes to product offerings and fee structures.
  • Train staff on the updated advice guidelines and consumer duty expectations.
FCA secures guilty plea from John Burford in £1m investor fraud scheme This case demonstrates the FCA's ongoing efforts to combat financial crime and protect consumers from fraud, sending a clear warning to those attempting similar schemes.
  • Reinforce anti-fraud controls and customer due diligence processes.
  • Educate staff on red flags for investor fraud schemes.
  • Review incident response plans for suspected fraud cases.
Shining a light on private markets The FCA is focusing on transparency and oversight in private markets, indicating potential future regulatory scrutiny or new expectations for firms operating in this space.
  • Firms active in private markets should analyze the speech for areas of potential regulatory focus.
  • Review existing disclosure practices and governance frameworks for private assets.
  • Anticipate potential changes in reporting requirements for private market activities.
Harnessing AI and technology to deliver the FCA’s 2025 strategic priorities The FCA is embracing technology and AI, both for its own operations and as a key area of focus for regulated firms, signaling future regulatory developments and expectations in this area.
  • Evaluate current and planned AI/tech adoption against the FCA's strategic priorities.
  • Assess risks associated with AI deployment (e.g., bias, data privacy, explainability).
  • Engage with industry discussions on responsible AI use in financial services.

A Shift in Culture and Conduct

The FCA issued clear guidance on workplace behaviour this week, reminding firms that trust isn’t just built in markets — it starts inside boardrooms. Addressing bullying and harassment head-on, the regulator wants inclusive, accountable leadership at the heart of UK finance.

Smarter Tech, Better Rules

Two strategic speeches covered AI, automation, and private markets. The message: embrace technology, but do it responsibly. Regulators want firms to act now on AI governance, data integrity, and investor transparency — not wait for enforcement to knock.

Advice That Actually Reaches People

The FCA’s “once-in-a-generation” advice reforms could make a real difference for millions. This move aims to simplify how regulated firms engage with people who typically fall outside formal advice channels — an opportunity for inclusive, mission-driven innovation.

Justice & Operational Focus

From securing a guilty plea in a £1m fraud case to modernising its own portals, the FCA is balancing crime prevention and administrative efficiency — setting an example in both enforcement and user experience.

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