FCA to use SM&CR to tackle sexual harassment, says Butler

‘Misconduct is misconduct’

Victoria McKeever
clock • 2 min read

The Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) will encompass the issue of sexual harassment in financial services in determining whether individuals are "fit and proper," Megan Butler has said.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) executive director was speaking on a panel to the Women's and Equalities Committee as part of their Sexual Harassment in the Workplace inquiry. Butler (pictured) said regulation was a key incentive for tackling sexual harassment in the financial services industry and that SM&CR was a central part of this strategy. "From our perspective misconduct is misconduct… SM&CR holds senior managers to account and [makes them] responsible for proper outcomes with its focus cultural outcomes and norms," she said. "When we talk about being fit and proper, a...

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