Martin Wheatley's exit: Osborne says 'different leadership' needed

Carmen Reichman
clock

The chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Martin Wheatley is to step down in September, the regulator announced today, because the Treasury wanted a change of leadership.

Wheatley's position on the FCA board was up for renewal in March 2016 and was not renewed by the Chancellor, a source close to the regulator told Professional Adviser. Chancellor George Osborne has since released a statement saying "different leadership is required" at the helm of the watchdog. The Treasury is now conducting a worldwide search for the next CEO, who will be staying on in an advisory capacity into the New Year. Current head of supervision Tracey McDermott will be taking over as acting chief executive from 12 September while the search for a permanent chief executive ...

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

FCA sets out plans to simplify complaints regime

FCA sets out plans to simplify complaints regime

Including requirement for firms to report complaints involving vulnerable clients

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 December 2025 • 2 min read
FCA looks to boost transparency of ESG ratings providers

FCA looks to boost transparency of ESG ratings providers

Regulator opens consultation

Michael Nelson
clock 01 December 2025 • 2 min read
Regulators urged to hold pension transfer 'bad actors' to account

Regulators urged to hold pension transfer 'bad actors' to account

Advisers report ‘widespread and sometimes extreme delays’

Sahar Nazir
clock 24 November 2025 • 5 min read