Regulation

A PLAN which allows firms to pay the FSA by instalments has been renewed for the 2007/08 tax year.

FIRMS that successfully follow the move to principles-based regulation will be rewarded with benefits such as fewer risk assessments and looser regulatory capital requirements, the FSA has said.

THE FSA has fined Sesame £330,000 for failing to treat its customers fairly by not handling complaints concerning Structured Capital At Risk Products (SCARPs) or precipice bonds adequately.

SMALL advisory firms need to take more heed of advice from their own compliance consultants in order to meet regulatory requirements, the FSA has said.

MORE than 150 small firms were barred from regulated business by the FSA last year for failing to meet compulsory standards.

ADVISERS have backed proposals to increase case fees rather than raise the annual levy used to fund the Financial Ombudsman Service.

THE FSA has confirmed it will shelve plans for a dual listing regime for UK and overseas investment trusts and outlined proposals for wider reform of the rules governing foreign firms quoting in London.

regulation

THE £650bn unit-linked insurance sector will have a broader remit to invest in alternative assets including property, under FSA proposals published today.

THE FSA today unveiled its consultation paper on fund of hedge funds for retail investors, increasing the likelihood the products could be included in portfolios by the end of 2007.