A Practical Guide for Firms Seeking FCA Authorisation Support In April 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published key findings on asset management firms’ applications for authorisation. The review provides valuable insight into why applications are delayed, withdrawn, or rejected, and what firms can do to improve their chances of success. For firms seeking FCA authorisation support or preparing a robust FCA compliance framework, this guidance highlights the importa

In April 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority published its Policy Statement PS26/6, setting out the first phase of reforms to the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR). The changes are intended to make the regime more efficient and proportionate, while maintaining strong individual accountability. Importantly, the FCA has made clear that the SM&CR is not being replaced or weakened. Instead, the focus is on refining the regime so that it works more effectively in pr

In April 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published the findings of its multi-firm review into Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD), and ongoing monitoring controls. This review is a clear reminder that firms must ensure their FCA compliance framework is not only documented but operating effectively in practice, particularly in areas such as AML controls, customer onboarding, and ongoing monitoring. For firms seeking to strengthen their compli

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its 2026 Regulatory Priorities for Wholesale Markets, outlining the regulator’s supervisory focus for firms operating across UK wholesale financial markets. This includes wholesale banks, brokers, trading venues, benchmark administrators, corporate finance firms, credit rating agencies and market infrastructure providers. The report forms part of the FCA’s new approach to communicating supervisory expectations. These annual

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its 2026 Regulatory Priorities for Wholesale Buy-Side firms, setting out the regulator’s supervisory focus for asset managers, alternative investment firms, custody providers and fund service providers operating in the UK. The report replaces the FCA’s traditional portfolio letters and is intended to give firms a clearer, more consolidated overview of supervisory expectations. Boards and senior management teams are expected

The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA’s decision to ban Stephen Joseph Burdett and James Paul Goodchild from working in regulated financial services. The case involved pension switches conducted through Synergy Wealth Limited into high-risk portfolios created at Westbury Private Clients LLP. Key facts included: 232 pension funds (over £10 million) moved into high-risk portfolios 38% concentration in a single offshore property developer Portfolios labelled “cautious” and “bala