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

FCA and FOS joint statement: Targeted support complaints are 'different'

FCA and FOS joint statement: Targeted support complaints are 'different'

Targeted support is a one-off service and does not involve ongoing suitability assessments

Jenna Brown
clock 11 December 2025 • 2 min read
The confidence gap: Why isn't wealth translating into investment

The confidence gap: Why isn't wealth translating into investment

'We can all help turn uncertainty into confidence, and savers into stakeholders'

Jo Kite
clock 11 December 2025 • 3 min read
Advice for all: Why targeted support is a once-in-a-generation opportunity

Advice for all: Why targeted support is a once-in-a-generation opportunity

'Mind the gap, and turn targeted support into enduring financial confidence'

Martin Taylor
clock 10 December 2025 • 4 min read