Lord Flight hits out at FSA's 'tough guy, macho' approach

clock •

Lord Flight has continued his broadsides against the Financial Services Authority (FSA), criticising it for taking a "tough guy, macho" approach to compensate for past failures.

The Conservative peer, who has recently been vocal in his opposition to the Retail Distribution Review, made his comments during the latest debate on the Financial Services Bill in the House of Lords. He was speaking on an amendment calling on the new regulators to act "proportionately, reasonably and fairly" in its investigations. "The reaction of regulators to being criticised for what were described as the failures of light-touch regulation have increasingly led to a much more tough-guy, macho approach by them," he said. "In turn, I find major, totally responsible financial serv...

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

Treasury Committee probes FCA leadership on whistleblower enquiry and Palantir relationship

Treasury Committee probes FCA leadership on whistleblower enquiry and Palantir relationship

Agentic AI a priority

Alex Sebastian
clock 13 October 2026 • 2 min read
FCA annual meeting dominated by whistleblower handling criticism

FCA annual meeting dominated by whistleblower handling criticism

After the death of Simon Andriesz

Alex Sebastian
clock 07 October 2026 • 3 min read
FCA secures money back for victims of £1.5m crypto fraud

FCA secures money back for victims of £1.5m crypto fraud

Obtains confiscation orders against Raymondip Bedi and Patrick Mavanga

Sophia Panayi
clock 28 September 2026 • 1 min read