FSA successor to protect 'irrational' investors

clock

Investors cannot be counted on to make rational choices so regulators need to "step into their footprints" and limit or ban the sale of potentially harmful products, the head of the UK's new consumer protection watchdog said.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Martin Wheatley, who will head up the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), said the 2008 financial crisis had fundamentally reshaped regulators' assumptions about consumers. "You have to assume that you don't have rational consumers. Faced with complex decisions or too much information, they default ...

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

PA360: FCA's Hulme - Targeted support will 'never' replace holistic financial planning

PA360: FCA's Hulme - Targeted support will 'never' replace holistic financial planning

A ‘broader stepping stone’ to fully fledged advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2025 • 2 min read
FCA on finfluencer financial harm: 'We need people to sit up and take action'

FCA on finfluencer financial harm: 'We need people to sit up and take action'

Treasury Committee questions regulator on the impact of finfluencers

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2025 • 4 min read
FCA's data reporting cuts: 'A start but fairly low hanging fruit'

FCA's data reporting cuts: 'A start but fairly low hanging fruit'

Impact is yet to be determined but a positive step, commentators say

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 April 2025 • 4 min read