Keeping a lid on regulation is key to innovation, FCA competition director

In an interview with Womanthology

Victoria McKeever
clock • 2 min read

Encouraging innovation is a key part of Mary Starks' role at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - as is ensuring the regulation "barrier is no higher than it needs to be".

Mary Starks is a director of competition at the FCA, a job she has been sharing with a work-partner since August 2013. In an interview with online women's magazine Womanthology, she explained why it was necessary to keep a lid on regulation, in order to allow the industry to flourish. "Regulation is, almost by definition, a barrier to entry," said Starks, "part of my job is to make sure the barrier is no higher than it needs to be, and does not disproportionately exclude small or innovative businesses." Starks' role is focused on the regulator's objective to promote competition in ...

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