FCA updates on 'polluter pays' and redress guidance

Measures aim to protect consumers and ensure firms meet regulatory obligations

Sahar Nazir
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) yesterday (14 January) published updated guidance for firms on managing redress liabilities and tackling "polluter behaviour" to protect consumers, maintain trust in the financial system, and ensure firms meet regulatory obligations.

Under Principle 4 (Financial Prudence), firms are expected to maintain adequate financial resources to meet redress liabilities. This principle extends to firms subject to prudential standards, reinforcing that financial health must align with regulatory requirements. Polluter behaviour – actions by firms leaving behind unresolved liabilities – has caused consumer harm and strained the financial services market, according to the watchdog. In cases where firms genuinely cannot meet liabilities, they are urged to provide evidence-backed reasons for their actions and decisions. The FCA s...

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

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Changes are still currently only at proposal stage

Paul Bruns
clock 10 August 2026 • 5 min read
How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

FCA released two reports to mark the third birthday of Consumer Duty

Alison Gay
clock 31 July 2026 • 4 min read
Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

'We shouldn't solve one problem by creating another'

Andy Wealthall
clock 30 July 2026 • 4 min read