FCA addresses criticism on plan to auto-delete staff emails after a year

‘We’re not deleting evidence or hiding information’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 3 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has addressed the criticism it received about its plan to delete emails held in staff inboxes after a year.

In a blog post yesterday (19 February), FCA director of intelligence and digital Ian Phoenix aimed to set the record straight. "First, what we're not doing. We're not deleting evidence. We're not hiding information. We're not reducing transparency," he wrote. "There is no change to our policy of what constitutes a record and how long it should be saved for." Phoenix set out that the regulator is modernising how it manages its records to "make it a more efficient and effective regulator". He continued: "Many of our records are already stored in a secure, shared repository. We want 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 Regulation

FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

FCA urged to 'think again' on targeted support annuity rules

Regulator’s MoneyHelper signpost criticised as a ‘real limit’

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 September 2025 • 2 min read
FCA continues data reporting cuts

FCA continues data reporting cuts

Regulator removes more data returns

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 August 2025 • 1 min read
Regulatory and employment-related changes – what do firms need to prepare for?

Regulatory and employment-related changes – what do firms need to prepare for?

‘Getting these issues right is not just about avoiding regulatory action or tribunal claims’

Sophie White
clock 21 August 2025 • 4 min read