FCA begins ACD market probe - reports

clock • 1 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has begun its investigation into the fund authorised corporate director (ACD) market with a site visit and questionnaire delivered to Smith & Williamson.

The regulator, which instigated the review in the wake of an investigation into Link Fund Services' role in the demise of the Woodford Equity Income fund, has recently quizzed S&W about its systems and oversight arrangements, according to the FT. Focusing on external ACDs contracted by asset managers, the FCA's questioning of S&W is expected to mark the beginning of a wider probe. One senior ACD executive aware of the situation said: "The FCA is lifting up the drains and looking at everything." A central concern of the regulator is the potential for a conflict of interest between t...

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 Investment

Beyond the 60/40: Why the traditional portfolio blueprint is being tested again

Beyond the 60/40: Why the traditional portfolio blueprint is being tested again

'Bonds should not be doing all the defensive work'

Will Dickson
clock 09 July 2026 • 4 min read
SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

SEI to launch two LTAFs in private markets 'expansion'

‘Mansion House ambition’

Cristian Angeloni
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read
Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

Darius McDermott: Building a resilient portfolio in a concentrated market

'A well-balanced portfolio should also take in the broadest possible range of growth opportunities'

Darius McDermott
clock 01 July 2026 • 5 min read