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.
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- 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).
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| 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.
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- 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.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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| 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.
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- 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.
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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.
