FCA sexual misconduct and discrimination complaints increase three-fold in 2018

Regulator fears ‘re-emergence of cosy boys’ clubs and men-only networks’

clock • 3 min read

Whistleblowing complaints to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regarding sexual misconduct and discrimination have increased by more than 300% in 2018, with the regulator warning of "the re-emergence of cosy boys' clubs and men-only networks".

Complaints to the regulator concerning issues like discrimination and sexual harassment in financial services grew from 20 reports in 2017 to 64 in 2018, executive director of strategy and competition at the FCA Christopher Woolard said. In a speech in London on Wednesday (19 December), the regulator's director of strategy and competition Christopher Woolard warned: "Our suspicion is we have only scratched the surface [with these figures]." The revelation follows another speech by the FCA's executive director of supervision for wholesale and specialist investment Megan Butler, who spo...

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

Viewing Consumer Duty through the vulnerability lens

Viewing Consumer Duty through the vulnerability lens

Clients can be vulnerable in many ways

Mark Sanderson
clock 14 August 2025 • 4 min read
Why the FCA's data request demands more than compliance

Why the FCA's data request demands more than compliance

Shift towards data-driven regulation arrives at a 'pivotal juncture'

Claire Cherrington
clock 31 July 2025 • 4 min read
The FCA and non-financial misconduct: Updated rules and guidance

The FCA and non-financial misconduct: Updated rules and guidance

'The FCA hopes that the proposed amendments will increase clarity and consistency'

Claire Cross
clock 29 July 2025 • 4 min read