From the Editor: Excuses, excuses... when will the FSA learn?

The best excuse coming out of last year’s MPs expenses scandal came from the lips of Anthony Steen.

Scott Sinclair
clock •

The best excuse coming out of last year's MPs expenses scandal came from the lips of Anthony Steen.

“I’ve done nothing criminal,” he said. “Do you know what it’s about? Jealousy. I’ve got a very, very large house. Some people say it looks like Balmoral.” The public expected a swift apology from Steen, and they got one, but an apology to taxpayers may be too much to expect from the FSA after it made its own extraordinary excuse for costing them some £20bn (and counting) this week. The regulator has now published its much-awaited report into the near-collapse of Royal Bank of Scotland in 2008. It largely pinned the bank’s struggles on “underlying deficiencies in RBS management, govern...

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

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 30 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 October 2026 • 2 min read
What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

Experts share what's keeping the profession awake this spooky season

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Event takes place January 2027

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 1 min read