FCA takes aim at tech giants in calls for law change to tackle online scams

Second annual regulatory Perimeter Report

Mike Sheen
clock • 2 min read

Online tech giants like Google should “bear clear legal responsibility” for the promotion of financial products on their platforms, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has called for fraud to be included in the Online Harms legislation.

The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the growing threat to consumers through online promotions of fraudulent or high-risk, unregulated financial products, at a total cost of £4m to savers as of July, according to the Investment Association. Investor harm caused by unregulated financial promotions has been a growing area of focus of the FCA as a result. In its second annual regulatory Perimeter Report, the FCA said online platforms, such as search engines and social media platforms, "play an increasingly significant role in communicating financial promotions to consumers", who...

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 removes regulatory permissions from advice firm over breaches

FCA removes regulatory permissions from advice firm over breaches

Ups assets restriction and notes unpaid FOS award

Jen Frost
clock 22 December 2025 • 2 min read
 FCA chief: No allegations of Budget leak market abuse so far

FCA chief: No allegations of Budget leak market abuse so far

Told MPs on the Treasury Committee the leak caused serious concern

Alex Sebastian
clock 16 December 2025 • 3 min read
FCA's non-financial misconduct rules 'opaque' over social media activity

FCA's non-financial misconduct rules 'opaque' over social media activity

Lack of definitions and case studies

Cristian Angeloni
clock 16 December 2025 • 2 min read