Firms' diversity initiatives are lacking purpose, FCA warns

The regulator is in the middle of a clamp down on commitment to D&I

Hope Coumbe
clock • 1 min read

Many firms’ approaches to diversity and inclusion (D&I) are “generic” and do not take a holistic view, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned.

Speaking at the Culture and Conduct Forum yesterday (23 November), chief operating officer and executive director of authorisations Emily Shepperd reflected on the regulator's multi-firm work on approaches to D&I last year. She said that while almost everyone the watchdog had spoken to was "committed and passionate about making progress", firms' initiatives were not hitting the mark. "They lacked both a clear articulation of purpose and actions oriented to achieving their goals," she explained. "The reality is that if the purpose is not clearly understood, articulated or indeed bac...

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 Business

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

Keeping track of the ongoing consolidation in the advice industry

Professional Adviser
clock 11 March 2026 • 1 min read
Taskforce launched to 'raise' financial planning exit standards

Taskforce launched to 'raise' financial planning exit standards

The Succession Alliance

Jen Frost
clock 05 March 2026 • 3 min read
Editor's view: Finfluencer fines send a message – but not the right one

Editor's view: Finfluencer fines send a message – but not the right one

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 27 February

Jen Frost
clock 27 February 2026 • 3 min read