FCA proposes overhaul of client categorisation rules

In response to industry calls for a more flexible regime

Sahar Nazir
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is proposing reforms to the UK’s client categorisation framework, seeking to tighten protections for retail consumers while removing barriers for individuals who want access to more complex investments.

The proposals, set out today (8 December), respond to industry calls for a more flexible regime. Client categorisation drew on 14 detailed responses from the 16 total submissions. "To ensure the integrity of the regime going forward is not undermined by historically miscategorised clients, who do need retail protections, when our new rules come into force, firms will be required to review the categorisation of all existing elective professional clients against the new rules, within one year of them coming into force," the regulator said. "In undertaking this categorisation review, fir...

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

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Exploring the expenditure consolidation conversation

Nick Ryan
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read
CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

Number of UK CFP professionals continues to rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

Roderic Rennison on the future of deals in the advice industry

Isabel Baxter
clock 20 March 2026 • 1 min read