FCA invited to rethink cross-subsidy ban to boost consumer access

'Overriding competitive forces' may be necessary, suggests paper

Nicola Brittain
clock • 3 min read

Academics and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) staff have suggested cross-subsidies might broaden consumer access to financial services, despite the regulator banning the practice within firms in 2012.

The authors of an occasional paper on consumer access commissioned by the FCA suggested the principle of cross-subsidising would help include otherwise excluded customers from the market. "Potentially millions" of UK consumers cannot use the services that would help them meet their needs and play their wider role in financial markets and the economy, they wrote. They argued better access to these services would help improve market integrity, drive competition and promote financial stability and economic growth. The FCA banned cross-subsidy within advice firms as part of its Retail Dis...

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

FCA's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

FCA's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

‘We will go harder and faster’ to drive ‘good growth’

Sahar Nazir
clock 07 May 2025 • 3 min read
FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

Leeds and London advice firms face claims

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 May 2025 • 2 min read
FOS complaints rise 49% as investment disputes surge

FOS complaints rise 49% as investment disputes surge

Over 140,000 cases were lodged in H2 2024

Sahar Nazir
clock 06 May 2025 • 2 min read