FCA: Woodford affair highlights need for post-Brexit regulatory shake-up

'Following the letter, but not the spirit, of the rules'

clock • 3 min read

Events leading to the gating of the Woodford Equity Income fund exemplify the need for changes to UK financial regulation after Brexit, according to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) chief executive Andrew Bailey.

Woodford Investment Management's conduct, according to the regulator, was a stark example of UK firms "following the letter, but not the spirit, of the rules", raising "questions about the rules themselves". The FCA has been vocal in recent months about both the opportunity offered by Brexit to reassess the nature and scope of UK financial conduct regulations, as well as the need to move to a regulatory regime based on "principles" rather than the rules themselves. Speaking at the FCA's annual public meeting on Wednesday, Bailey (pictured) said: "Rules are a crucial mechanism for deli...

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's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

FCA's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

‘We will go harder and faster’ to drive ‘good growth’

Sahar Nazir
clock 07 May 2025 • 3 min read
FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

Leeds and London advice firms face claims

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 May 2025 • 2 min read
FOS complaints rise 49% as investment disputes surge

FOS complaints rise 49% as investment disputes surge

Over 140,000 cases were lodged in H2 2024

Sahar Nazir
clock 06 May 2025 • 2 min read