Cost of report into FCA media error approaches £4m

clock

The total costs of an independent report into the Financial Conduct Authority's strategy to brief a national newspaper on one of its high-profile regulatory projects are approaching £4m.

A investigation into the error, carried out by Magic Circle law firm Clifford Chance partner Simon Davis, has so far cost £3.8m including VAT. When the inquiry was first announced, a costs lawyer told Professional Adviser the final bill could be anything up to £10m, given the high profile law firm chosen. Davis, appointed by the regulator in April to review the FCA's handling of the affair, today described the FCA's actions as well-intentioned but ultimately "high risk, poorly supervised and inadequately controlled". In March, FCA director of long-term savings and investments Nick ...

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

Court sets trial date in illegal financial promotions case

Court sets trial date in illegal financial promotions case

Lucy Beck pleads not guilty

Sophia Panayi
clock 31 July 2026 • 1 min read
FCA flags weak customer outcome focus in firms' monitoring frameworks

FCA flags weak customer outcome focus in firms' monitoring frameworks

Consumer Duty review found inconsistent governance and oversight

Sophia Panayi
clock 27 July 2026 • 2 min read
Open finance could pose 'existential threat' to advice market

Open finance could pose 'existential threat' to advice market

Consumer Duty Alliance tech forum attendees hear

Sophia Panayi
clock 23 July 2026 • 3 min read