Woolard: FCA set for 'painful lessons' in autumn reviews

Outgoing chief executive calls on regulator to change

Mike Sheen
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set for some “painful lessons” in reviews of the regulatory system this autumn, according to interim chief executive Chris Woolard, who said the regulator has “more to do” in changing for the better.

Speaking at the International Financial Services Forum on Monday (21 September), Woolard, who is soon set to step down from his role, acknowledged criticism the FCA has faced in recent times. Pointing to the scale of the FCA's mandate, he said: "The nature of the work we do means the odds are there will be times where we cannot stop failure or where we call a finely balanced judgement wrongly or miss something." "Understandably, there is an expectation from the public that we will not do so." "In the autumn, we will see the results of a number of reviews into potential failures of ...

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 Your profession

Female client focus 'vital' as great wealth transfer comes

Female client focus 'vital' as great wealth transfer comes

Intergenerational wealth planning importance

Professional Adviser
clock 06 February 2026 • 1 min read
Andrew Goodwin: Flipping the narrative on successful investing

Andrew Goodwin: Flipping the narrative on successful investing

'He's a pinball wizard, there has to be a twist'

Andrew Goodwin
clock 06 February 2026 • 4 min read
Paraplanners' confidence holding back progression

Paraplanners' confidence holding back progression

Aspiration and confidence gap over future career paths, SOTAN report finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 05 February 2026 • 3 min read