HBOS report damns FSA for being 'too trusting'

Laura Miller
clock •

A report into the collapse of Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has given a damning verdict on the then regulator's role in failing to spot or prevent the bank's failure.

The bank collapsed in 2008, and was subsequently taken over by the Lloyds Banking Group. More than £20bn of taxpayers money was used to try and prop it up. The report, conducted by the Financial and Prudential conduct authorities, said that when the then regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), investigated HBOS, it relied too much on the bank's senior management. "Overall, the FSA's approach was too trusting of firms' management and insufficiently challenging," it said. "The FSA executive management, led by CEO Mr John Tiner, designed (or failed to redesign) this deficie...

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

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

'The FCA doesn't just want oversight, it wants evidence'

Paul Bruns
clock 06 October 2026 • 7 min read
Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

As Tax Policy Associates points to potential £12m in unpaid tax

Jen Frost
clock 02 October 2026 • 2 min read
'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'A voicemail is unlikely to suffice'

Gareth Fatchett
clock 02 October 2026 • 5 min read