Is financial services regulation really the 'boot on the neck' of business?

'For those yet to fully embrace Consumer Duty it is simply wishful thinking'

clock • 5 min read

As ministers slash regulatory red tape, Consumer Duty stands tall, writes Andrew Gething

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated her intention to cut red tape in the financial services sector to help accelerate economic growth. She has called regulation the "boot on the neck" of businesses – signalling a desire to move to a leaner and less risk-averse approach to oversight. In particular, the chancellor has called for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to review Consumer Duty and its impact on wholesale firms – and, in the process, has stirred up speculation about its future. It seems that some in financial services heard the chancellor's comments about deregulation and Consu...

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