FCA's suitability probe prompted by FAMR concerns

Regulator believes its recommendations may hamper the suitability of advice

clock • 1 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will begin a new round of suitability assessments next month motivated by concerns that the Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR) will affect the way advice is conducted.

The regulator has sent a letter to 700 firms requesting that they submit files for assessment. Specific areas favoured by the FAMR report that might affect the suitability of advice include the focus on technology and robo-advice and changes to definitions, according to the regulator.  The 700 firms have been selected at random, although the sample aims to reflect the shape of the market. Some 500 of the firms will be small, and required to show one file to the regulator, the remaining 200 will be asked to show several files, with the exact number dependent on the size of the firm....

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

Abuse victims must not be 'blocked' from redress, group urges

Abuse victims must not be 'blocked' from redress, group urges

In response to FCA and FOS consultation paper

Jen Frost
clock 12 May 2026 • 3 min read
FCA receives 210 whistleblower complaints over Consumer Duty in Q1

FCA receives 210 whistleblower complaints over Consumer Duty in Q1

Closed 265 whistleblowing cases between January and March

Michael Nelson
clock 11 May 2026 • 2 min read
Ex-investment adviser sentenced to additional prison time

Ex-investment adviser sentenced to additional prison time

Richard Faithfull failed to pay back £529,961

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 May 2026 • 2 min read