What's in a name: Is the FCA a fresh start or a rebadged FSA?

REGULATION

Carmen Reichman
clock

The FCA has been called a "focused" regulator respected by its counterparts around the world. Praise indeed - but does the industry agree with this ringing endorsement?

Treasury deputy director of financial services strategy, Will Brandon, said at an industry conference recently: "It's hard to understate the importance, both to the consumer and to the competitiveness of the industry, of a robust regulator. The FCA is internationally respected and has an extremely strong consumer protection and competition mandate. It is very focused." However, advisers subjected to increased scrutiny during the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) are sometimes less euphoric about the financial services regulator, no matter its guise. Improving Regulation has been "dis...

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

FOS award limits increase for next financial year

FOS award limits increase for next financial year

One type of complaint sees a £10,000 rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 April 2026 • 1 min read
FOS increases fees for the first time in two years

FOS increases fees for the first time in two years

New fees effective from 1 April

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 April 2026 • 2 min read
FOS ten-year limit sparks adviser concerns over complaint exceptions

FOS ten-year limit sparks adviser concerns over complaint exceptions

Parliamentary scrutiny predicted

Sophia Panayi
clock 31 March 2026 • 4 min read