The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a feedback statement (FS26/2) from its review into whether regulation affects small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) ability to access finance. The review found no evidence that FCA regulation is a major barrier to SME lending, but instead, found that many of the challenges relate to the wider market, information and capability. This is particularly the case for microbusinesses, who face issues such as limited awareness of finance options, complex application processes, duplicated customer checks and difficulties obtaining finance where businesses have limited collateral or predominantly intangible assets.

To reduce friction and support growth, the FCA has identified three priority areas for further work: (i) supporting a more proportionate regulatory framework through reform of the Consumer Credit Act; (ii) advancing open finance with SME lending as a priority use case; and (iii) monitoring industry work to explore whether digital verification could reduce duplication in customer checks, while maintaining effective financial crime controls.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its quarterly consultation paper No. 53 inviting feedback on proposed amendments to its Handbook across financial promotion rules, banking conduct of business requirements, the new cryptoasset regime, complaints reporting, money market fund (MMF) reporting and the consumer composite investment (CCI) rules.

Key proposals include:

• Amending the financial promotion rules applicable to fractional shares, by amending the readily realisable security definition to include fractional shares that meet specified conditions.
• Removing an expired reference to the British Bankers' Association/Building Societies Association Code of Conduct for the Advertising of Interest Bearing Accounts in BCOBS 2.3.9G and replacing the reference in BCOBS 2 Annex 1, Note 1, to the latest Annual Equivalent Rate practice note published by UK Finance and the Building Societies Association.
• Making deferral arrangements for parts of the new cryptoasset regime (effective 25 October 2027), including relating to the admission process of qualifying cryptoassets on UK qualifying cryptoasset trading platforms, the execution venue requirements on UK-authorised dealers and arrangers, and the execution policy requirement for these firms.
• Correcting complaints data reporting rules by removing a duplicate data point on claims management fee cap redress in the Consumer Credit Return and clarifying the Handbook Glossary definition of "firm" for the purposes of DISP 1.10 and DISP 1.10A to ensure that payment services and e-money firms are within scope of these requirements.
• Removing the reference in DISP to the two-stage complaints process for the Society of Lloyd's.
• Updating MMF reporting requirements to ensure a proportionate approach that allows for effective monitoring of financial stability risks and is integrated into wider funds reporting requirements.
• Making minor amendments to the CCI rules in the DISC and COBS sourcebooks following feedback to PS25/20.

The deadline for comments is 12 October, and the proposed amendments are set out in draft instruments contained in the appendices to the consultation.

The European Commission (EC) has published a call for advice (dated 30 July) to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) requesting technical advice to assist in developing level 2 measures implementing the retail investment strategy (RIS) package. The package takes the form of a directive containing targeted amendments to a number of EU directives in the area of financial services, including the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II), the Solvency II Directive, the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) Directive and the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) (the Omnibus Directive), and a regulation amending the Packaged Retail And Insurance-Based Investment Products (PRIIPs) Regulation.

A provisional agreement was reached on the RIS package on 18 December 2025 and approved by the Council of the European Union on 5 June and by the European Parliament on 23 June. The adopted legislative texts are still subject to lawyer-linguists' review, but the EC does not expect any substantive changes. The completion of the lawyer linguists work is expected at the latest in September. Final votes by the Council and the Parliament are expected in Q4, which means the publication of the RIS package in the Official Journal of the EU should occur at the latest in January 2027.

Member States will have 24 months to transpose the Omnibus Directive from the date it enters into force. They will have to apply the provisions of the legal text as from July 2029, assuming that the Omnibus Directive is published in January 2027 and that a 30-month implementation period will apply following the date of entry into force. Level 2 measures will also need to be transposed into national laws and regulations by Member States.

The EC is seeking ESMA's technical advice on certain delegated acts to supplement or specify specific provisions of MiFID II, UCITS Directive and AIFMD. To simplify the adoption of the proposed Level 2 measures, ESMA is requested to group the mandates in two delegated acts, a delegated regulation and a delegated directive, for each of the sectoral legislative frameworks. ESMA must submit its advice to the EC by 1 October 2027.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage with examples of good and poor practice identified from its review of motor finance firms' implementation plans for the motor finance redress scheme. After the scheme rules were published, the FCA asked in-scope firms to submit implementation plans, explaining how they would deliver fair, consistent and timely outcomes for consumers. Overall, most firms demonstrated a good understanding of the scheme's requirements, but many plans remained high level without sufficient detail on delivery. The FCA assessed firms' plans against key areas including operational readiness, population identification, group-based decision making, redress calculation and payment, quality assurance and oversight, and multiple representative issues.

The FCA identified several recurring weaknesses across firms' plans, including:

• Plans that repeated scheme requirements without explaining how the firm would deliver them.
• Limited detail on systems, workflows, staffing models or procedures needed to process cases at scale.
• Population figures provided without explanation of methodology, assumptions or validation.
• References to calculators without explaining how they work or how they have been validated.
• Governance structures described without clear quality assurance arrangements.
• Limited processes for identifying duplicate or unclear representation.

The FCA expects all firms to review these examples and make any necessary changes to their own plans, controls and oversight arrangements, and to keep named motor finance supervisors updated on material developments. The FCA stated that it will continue to engage with firms where concerns remain, and that some firms may receive individual feedback or be asked to provide further detail where their plans do not demonstrate sufficient readiness.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published policy statement PS26/17 confirming its final rules and guidance which make amendments to the liquidity risk management framework for authorised fund managers (AFMs) of UK Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) schemes and non-UCITS retail schemes (NURS). The measures follow the December consultation and are intended to strengthen investor protection and promote effective liquidity risk management.

Key changes include:

• Requiring AFMs to have anti-dilution tools available for use, to better protect investors from the risk of their holdings being diluted by the costs incurred by other investors entering and exiting the fund.
• Strengthening the rules governing how an AFM assesses and monitors the ongoing liquidity risk of transferable securities.
• Introducing new Handbook guidance on liquidity risk stress testing, alongside: (i) an updated UK version of the European Securities and Markets Authority's liquidity stress testing guidelines; and (ii) a separate annex on good liquidity risk management practices for UCITS schemes and NURS.
• Removing the "listed asset presumption". An AFM will no longer be able to presume that because a transferable security is admitted to trading on an eligible market, its liquidity would not compromise the AFM's ability to redeem units.

Following consultation feedback, the FCA has also confirmed that the existing derogation from the eligible market test for recently issued securities will be retained but shortened from one year to 20 business days.

The final rules and guidance do not propose any changes to the scope of the rules with respect to money market funds (MMFs). Where new guidance has been added, this will not apply to MMFs. The FCA anticipates that future work on UK MMF regulatory reform will consider how changes to the rules and guidance will apply to MMFs.

The new rules and guidance will come into force on 1 February 2027, with transitional provisions for some rules applying until 1 August 2027. This is to give firms additional time to update fund prospectuses and comply with the shorter derogation period for the eligible market test for recently issued securities. The FCA has also confirmed that it will consult separately on wider liquidity proposals for authorised retail funds that invest in inherently illiquid assets, in particular daily-dealt property funds.

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its policy statement on the next phase of its service reforms to streamline and modernise the complaints process. Following its joint consultation with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the FOS has confirmed that it will introduce changes to its operations to allow it to focus its resources on the cases it was set up to resolve as a quick and informal alternative to the courts. The reforms include:

• An amendment to DISP 3.6.4R to provide greater clarity that FOS decisions are based on the standards applicable at the time of the act or omission complained about and will not be applied retrospectively, providing a foundation for proposed legislative changes to the "fair and reasonable" remit currently progressing through Parliament. Although the rule change will take effect from 1 October, it will apply to all current and future complaints given the change is clarificatory only.
• New powers, which will come into effect on 1 October, to dismiss complaints that are better suited to the courts, law enforcement, other dispute resolution processes or where no financial loss or material distress has been suffered.
• The introduction of a new registration stage from next year to ensure complaints are within scope and ready for investigation before allocation to a caseworker, with further consultation on differential case fees planned for later this year.

The final rules implementing the amendments to DISP concerning dismissal of cases and the fair and reasonable test are set out in the Redress Reforms (No 2) Instrument 2026 which comes into force on 1 October. Later this year, the FOS will also publish the first of its joint thematic reviews with the FCA to provide more insight on the types of complaints it sees and its approach to resolving them. The reforms are part of wider steps that the FOS has taken to modernise its service including: (i) an updated memorandum of understanding with the FCA to ensure its decisions are aligned with regulatory rules; (ii) charges for professional representatives to refer cases to ensure fairer costs and better evidenced cases; and (iii) changes to the interest rate applied to some of the awards that it makes to better reflect present economic conditions.

ESMA's Securities and Markets Stakeholder Group (SMSG) has published an own initiative report on the future of EU financial markets supervision in the context of the ongoing Level 1 discussions on the European Commission's proposed Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP). The report supports the objective of strengthening EU-level supervision and recognises the case for expanding ESMA's direct supervisory and supervisory convergence powers to address market fragmentation, cross-border activity and regulatory arbitrage. However, it stresses that any reforms should be proportionate, evidence-based and accompanied by a clear allocation of responsibilities between ESMA and national competent authorities to avoid duplication and inefficiencies. The SMSG highlights the importance of maintaining investor protection while supporting the competitiveness, attractiveness and growth of EU capital markets, including through a proposed "Competitiveness and Attractiveness Check", and key performance indicators as part of the accountability process of ESMA's chair. However, the report emphasises that retail investors must remain at the centre of ESMA's strategic priorities and also proposes retail investor impact assessments for ESMA measures so that investor protection considerations are not subordinated in practice to competitiveness arguments.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published Handbook Notice 143, outlining amendments to its Handbook made through various instruments made at its June and July board meetings including:

• Numerous instruments relating to the UK's upcoming regulatory framework for cryptoassets which come into force on 25 October 2027 and, amongst other things, insert three new sourcebooks into the Handbook, two new chapters in the client assets sourcebook and new sections in the conduct of business sourcebook and supervision manual.
• Definition of Capital for Investment Firms Instrument 2026, which entered into force on 31 July. This instrument makes a minor technical amendment to MIFIDPRU 3.6A.1R to correct an unintended consequence following PS25/14, ensuring that the prohibition on non-cash distributions on own funds instruments operates as originally intended.
• Enforcement (Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024) (Supplementary Amendments) Instrument 2026, which entered into force on 30 July and Enforcement Guide (Amendment) Instrument 2026, which entered into force on 31 July. Following consultation in chapter 9 of CP26/8, these instruments make supplementary amendments to the Glossary, ICOBS, CONC, UNFCOG, ENFG and DEPP sourcebooks to reflect changes in consumer protection legislation, describe the FCA's general approach to the use of its powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, and make clarificatory changes to its description of the use of non-FSMA and FSMA powers in the context of market abuse.
• Prospectus Rules: Admission to Trading on a Regulated Market (Clarificatory Amendments) Instrument 2026. This gives proper effect to aspects of the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading regime, which came into force on 19 January.
• Data Reporting Services (Amendment) Instrument 2026 and Technical Standards (Data Reporting Services) Instrument 2026. Following consultation in CP25/31, these instruments amend the Glossary, MAR 9, DEPP and ENFG sourcebooks, and make changes to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/577, to establish the main regulatory obligations of the equity consolidated tape provider (CTP) and key regulatory requirements for the operation of the UK equity consolidated tape. It also establishes obligations for trading venues and approved publication arrangements to provide information to the CTP.

Feedback to the various consultations behind this Handbook Notice is set out in chapter 3 of the notice.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published findings from its review of firms' approaches to monitoring consumer outcomes under the consumer duty, identifying good and poor practices. The FCA aims to help firms understand what is happening across the customer journey, identify poor outcomes or emerging risks, and take appropriate action.

In relation to strategy and frameworks, the FCA identified several areas for improvement. These included high-level frameworks that do not clearly define good and poor outcomes across key customer journeys or explain the thresholds used to assess them, as well as weak links between operational metrics (such as conversion rates or review completion) and actual customer outcomes. The FCA also found limited evidence of firms assessing whether outcomes differ across customer groups, including customers in vulnerable circumstances.

On data, management information (MI) and testing, some firms relied on a narrow or reactive set of indicators and could not consistently demonstrate how they used MI to anticipate issues, monitor outcomes or assess the impact of changes. Firms often relied heavily on lagging indicators and lacked clear thresholds or forward-looking metrics. Although many firms had set specific thresholds, they did not always explain how these were used to identify good or poor outcomes. The FCA also found that, while some firms identified friction in customer support journeys and agreed remedial actions, certain issues remained unresolved.

In relation to governance, oversight and culture, the FCA found that although firms generally described clear governance structures, practices were not consistent across the firms reviewed. In particular, it was not always evident how governance arrangements operated end-to-end, from identifying issues to testing whether remedial actions had improved outcomes. While boards typically receive regular updates on customer outcomes and are described as central to oversight, it was not clear how this information was used. Similarly, firms were often able to demonstrate that they identified issues and took action but provided less detail on the root causes of those issues or whether the actions taken successfully addressed them.

The FCA states that firms should use these findings to review their own approach to outcomes monitoring and consider whether the information they collect gives them a clear enough view of customer outcomes.

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its consultation response to HM Treasury's (HMT) call for evidence on the independent review into access to banking services. Drawing on its complaints data, the FOS highlighted the continued importance of in-person banking services, particularly for vulnerable customers, those requiring support with complex or sensitive issues, and certain groups that may face barriers to using digital channels. The FOS notes that reduced access to face-to-face banking can create difficulties for consumers who need tailored support, reasonable adjustments, assistance resolving urgent account issues, or protection from fraud and financial abuse.

It also observed that some micro-enterprises and small businesses continue to rely on physical access to bank branches, particularly for cash-related services. While recognising that branch closures may be a legitimate commercial decision, the FOS states that firms are expected to comply with the FCA's requirements when implementing branch and ATM closures. Where the firm has not met its obligations, the FOS would consider whether the firm should compensate the consumer for any distress or inconvenience they have experienced as a result. The FOS will continue to monitor complaint trends and share relevant insights, including where it sees evidence of increased consumer detriment or changes in complaint volumes or themes.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published four consultation papers under the revised Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (EU) 2026/804 (DGSD3), aimed at strengthening depositor protection, preserving financial stability and further harmonising depositor protection standards across the EU.

The four consultation papers include:

• Draft implementing technical standards (ITS) on depositor information, setting out harmonised content and formats for depositor information sheets provided at account opening and on a regular basis. They also establish requirements for communications to depositors in specific situations, such as bank mergers or failures.
• Draft ITS on information exchange, introducing standardised procedures, templates and minimum requirements for information exchange in bank failure scenarios. They also enhance reporting from deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs) to the EBA on covered deposits and available financial means, define information to be reported by authorities on bank failures, and improve transparency on the use of DGS funds.
• Draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) on the treatment of client funds, establishing rules to ensure DGSs receive the data needed to identify and reimburse clients whose funds are held in intermediary accounts, clarifying: (i) when reimbursement should be made directly to clients or via the account holder; and (ii) how to prevent duplicate payouts.
• Draft guidelines on the investment of available financial means, setting out how DGSs should invest their funds to ensure diversification, low risk and sufficient liquidity.

The deadline for comments on all of the four consultation papers is 23 October, with a public hearing scheduled for 24 September.

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published updated guidance on the unfair contract terms provisions in Part 2 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA), which protect consumers from unfair contract terms and notices used between businesses and consumers. This follows the consultation in January, which focussed on simplification, presentation, style and readability. The CMA confirmed in its consultation that it would not be substantively revising its interpretation of the law, though it did set out developments in case law. The provisions apply to contracts entered into, and relevant notices issued, on or after 1 October 2015 across the UK. The guidance was published alongside a technical note and an updated webpage reflecting the changes.

The guidance is intended to help businesses comply with unfair contract terms law and assist advisers, enforcers and consumers in understanding which contract terms and notices may be unlawful or unfair. It also states that the CMA will have regard to the guidance when exercising its direct consumer enforcement powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, although any assessment of whether a term or notice is unlawful will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis. The accompanying technical note explains the legislative background to the regime and its interaction with other consumer protection legislation, while the updated webpage provides businesses with practical guidance on drafting fair and transparent consumer contracts.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published findings from a multi-firm review of approaches to the consumer duty products and services outcome, identifying good and poor practices. The review was conducted across the banking, insurance, payments, asset management, consumer investments, funeral plans and consumer finance sectors.

Areas for improvement in relation to product and design include generic or overly simplistic target market assessments that fail to adequately reflect customer needs or product risks, and firms describing processes for identifying vulnerable customers without demonstrating how products and services had actually been adapted to meet their needs.

On monitoring and review, while many firms had improved the data they collect to assess customer outcomes, some firms did not use management information effectively to trigger reviews.

On distribution and third parties, some firms provided only generic explanations of their distribution strategies or focused on third-party due diligence without demonstrating how they assessed the suitability of distribution channels. The FCA states that firms should use these findings to reflect on their own products and services and identify where they should make improvements.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its second edition of its Enforcement Watch newsletter, explaining how it is using supervision and enforcement to drive compliance with the consumer duty. The FCA notes that nearly three years after the duty's implementation, it has opened 11 investigations into potential breaches, up from six reported in the first edition. These investigations span the insurance, pensions, wealth management, consumer investments, peer-to-peer lending and claims management sectors.

The FCA uses this edition to help shine a light on the threshold between assertive supervision (intervening where concerns are identified) and taking enforcement action. The FCA states that where interventions are sufficient to address the harm, there may be no need for a formal enforcement investigation.

A key focus of the FCA's 11 open investigations is whether consumers received fair value in accordance with the FCA's Handbook rules and the consumer duty. The FCA emphasises that fair value is not solely a question of price; products that fail to meet customer needs, cause foreseeable harm or provide little meaningful benefit are unlikely to represent fair value. Given the overlap between the duty's outcomes, the FCA may also examine whether products were designed for an appropriate target market, met that market's needs, were communicated clearly to consumers throughout the product lifecycle, and consumers were given support when issues arose.

The FCA also outlines the types of investigations it has opened and notes that it has "taken the unusual step" of publicly announcing two investigations in the motor finance claims sector to enable affected customers to consider their options, including whether to complain. The FCA expects firms to maintain high standards, proactively identify and prevent consumer harm, and demonstrate good consumer outcomes. While the FCA will work pragmatically with firms that do the right thing, it emphasises that it will take enforcement action where necessary.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published the findings of a mystery shopping exercise assessing how effectively firms promoted awareness and helped consumers access basic bank accounts (BBAs), outlining good and poor practice. The FCA found that while firms delivered good outcomes, inconsistent and poor practices are still widespread. Specifically, three themes stood out:

• Firms did not consistently mention and discuss BBAs early enough in the conversation.
• For consumers who did not have standard identification or a fixed address, staff often did not clearly explain what alternative evidence of identification consumers could use or what next steps they needed to take.
• Staff often did not recognise and respond to characteristics of vulnerability or adapt their approach for consumers who needed help to complete a standard or digital journey.

The FCA states that this creates a risk of firms preventing people from getting an appropriate account which can deepen financial exclusion. In response, the FCA has required firms to implement remedial plans and, through UK Finance, the firms have agreed a clear commitment to: (i) improve the identification and promotion of BBAs; (ii) reduce barriers for consumers with non-standard identification or no fixed address; and (iii) recognise and enhance support for vulnerable customers. The FCA will monitor progress through firm-specific oversight and sector-wide reviews and has indicated that it may take further action if sufficient improvements are not achieved.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published The Mills Review report, based on an independent review led by Sheldon Mills, Executive Director, Consumers and Competition at the FCA, examining the potential impact of AI on retail financial services by 2030 and beyond. The review concludes that AI is likely to drive a transition from human-led financial activity to increasingly AI-enabled and delegated services, with firms embedding AI across a wide range of functions and consumers making greater use of AI tools and agents to manage their finances. The review identifies four key systemic shifts arising from AI adoption: the transformation of AI becoming core to firms; the emergence of AI-led consumer journeys; changes to competition and market power; and the amplification of financial crime and cyber risks.

While it considers the UK's existing outcomes-based regulatory framework, including the consumer duty, senior managers and certification regime and operational resilience requirements, to be broadly fit for purpose, it highlights the need for them to evolve to keep pace with AI developments.

To support the FCA, the review sets out seven priority recommendations for consideration, including:

• Securing and adapting the regulatory perimeter.
• Strengthening system-wide coordination and oversight.
• Monitoring the transition to autonomous models and adapting regulatory frameworks.
• Scaling up the FCA's AI Lab to support AI models and system innovation in financial services.
• Enabling the foundations for agentic finance.
• Building and adopting an AI-enabled agentic supervisory model.
• Developing a trusted public-interest AI-enabled financial capability service.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published consultation paper CP26/24 proposing reforms to streamline consumer investment disclosure requirements across the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) and non-MiFID investments business. The proposals would align cost disclosure requirements with the Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime, which replaced the prescriptive requirements in the Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products and Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities disclosure documents with a new CCI "product summary". The regime allows firms flexibility over how they present information in line with the consumer duty.

Following a review of MiFID derived requirements, the FCA intends to make changes to align Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) disclosure rules with the CCI regime on a conceptual and technical level, and apply the same duty-driven approach, focusing on consumer engagement and understanding.

Proposals include:

• Aligning COBS more closely with the CCI regime and making cost disclosures more consistent throughout the investment journey, so that the pre-sale presentation of product costs aligns with the CCI disclosure framework.
• Removing the MiFID-derived cumulative effect illustration pre-sale and post-sale and instead requiring firms to show how costs have impacted returns in regular post-sale reporting.​

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a statement announcing that the Upper Tribunal has made an order suspending parts of its motor finance redress scheme while legal challenges brought by several parties are considered. The order was made on terms agreed between the FCA and the challengers, with the partial suspension enabling firms to continue preparing for the scheme while avoiding duplication of work if the challenges succeed. The Tribunal is scheduled to hear the challenges on 14-18 December or 16-26 February 2027. Firms are still expected to comply with all rules that are not suspended and a list of retained scheme rules has been published

Under the suspension, firms are currently not required to calculate, communicate or pay compensation under the scheme timetable; however, they must continue preparatory work, including identifying relevant complaints and gathering data. Firms must also notify complainants who are not entitled to compensation under the scheme within the scheme deadlines, subject to limited exceptions. If a firm requires more time to notify consumers, the FCA will not treat it as non-compliant or take enforcement action as long as consumers are notified within seven weeks of the relevant scheme deadline.

Firms are expected to update complainants to explain when the legal challenge will be heard, what the partial suspension means, and the likely impact on the timetable for dealing with complaints and paying any compensation owed.

The FCA reiterates that it considers the scheme the quickest and fairest route to consumer redress and intends to defend it. If the scheme is ultimately upheld, compensation payments are expected to begin in 2027. If it is overturned, the FCA may instead require firms to resolve complaints through the standard complaints process, which could result in greater involvement from the UK Financial Ombudsman Service. The FCA expects firms to plan for the event of no scheme and to be operationally and financially ready for a complaint-led and supervisory approach to resolve historical liabilities, in line with the default statutory timelines.

In the interim, while the legal challenges are ongoing, the FCA will continue to take a pragmatic approach as previously set out in its May statement.

The UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has published a new webpage reminding firms of their obligations under the Depositor Protection Part of the PRA Rulebook regarding the identification, marking and reporting of Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protected deposits, following industry queries. The PRA highlights that, under rules 43.1(1) and (2), firms must include in their class A tariff base both covered deposits and the total balance of deposits where the account holder is not absolutely entitled or which constitute safeguarded funds, unless the firm has confirmed that such deposits are not covered deposits.

Where a firm lacks sufficient information to determine eligibility, the PRA expects such deposits to be included. Amounts must be calculated consistently with the single customer view and exclusions view requirements in Chapter 12. The PRA also reminds international branches to reflect these requirements when calculating total potential FSCS liability for branch returns, noting this is a factor in its assessment of branch operations under Supervisory Statement SS5/21. Firms are expected to ensure compliance ahead of year-end reporting for 2026 and to engage with supervisors where necessary.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its final amending product oversight and governance (POG) guidelines for retail banking products, having consulted on them in July 2025. The guidelines make targeted amendments clarifying how firms should address environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations and greenwashing risks throughout the product lifecycle. The EBA considers the update necessary in light of its June 2024 greenwashing report, which identified growing risks across the financial sector, and to align with recent amendments to the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) and Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) on ESG risk management.

Following feedback, the EBA clarifies various provisions and adjusts some of the wording proposed in the consultation, making ESG and greenwashing considerations more explicit within the current requirements where products are offered and sold to consumers. The guidelines adjust only a limited number of existing requirements, relating to the subject matter, the manufacturer's internal control functions, the target market, distribution channels, information for distributors, and information and support for the manufacturer's arrangements.

The EBA also makes consequential updates to reflect wider regulatory developments, including revisions to its Founding Regulation, the internal governance guidelines under the CRD and the sound management of third-party risk regarding non-information communication technology services.

The guidelines are expected to be published in all EU official languages this year and will apply from 11 January 2027. Competent authorities must report whether they comply with the guidelines within two months of the publication of the translations.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published consultation paper CP26/23 on the changes to the scope and proportionality of the consumer duty. This follows recent developments in response to calls for clarity on the application of the duty in the context of wholesale markets and complex distribution chains, and the FCA's commitment to address these concerns. For further background on this, you may be interested in our webinar titled "Ahead of the Curve: Consumer duty" is the future brighter for wholesale firms?.

The proposals relate to the FCA rules and guidance, including non-handbook guidance. The key proposed changes are as follows:

• Application of the duty limited to retail market business with UK customers. This would amend the current approach where the duty is applied in accordance with sector-specific conduct rules, meaning that if those sector-specific conduct rules apply to cross-border services, so does the duty. The proposal seeks to reduce complexity and cost in potentially applying overlapping regimes for cross-border activity. Note, however, that certain exclusions apply, for example in relation to Crown servants living overseas, pre-paid UK funeral plans and regulated or ancillary activities for UK pensions.
• Clearer delineation of six key concepts which are used by firms to work out how the duty is meant to apply, those concepts being: (i) retail market business; (ii) relevant exclusions depending on the nature of the business; (iii) product definition; (iv) distribution chain; (v) specific disapplication depending on the firm's role; and (vi) material influence.

Read more.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published a roadmap setting out how it will deliver its mandates under the revised EU Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive 2026/804 (DGSD3). The reforms are part of a package seeking to strengthen the EU bank crisis management framework by opening the possibility to use DGS funds in resolution. The EBA will develop 12 regulatory products over the next three years, structured in phased batches, to support implementation of DGSD3 ahead of its application in May 2028. These relate to matters such as:

• Improving depositor information.
• Ensuring faster repayment in both domestic and cross border bank failures.
• The calculation of DGS funds and contributions, and the process to reach the target level.
• Conditions when the cap on contributions of DGS funds to resolution can be lifted.
• Enhancing cooperation between national deposit guarantee schemes and authorities.
• Strengthening stress testing frameworks to ensure crisis preparedness.
• Conditions for the use of DGS in preventative measures.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published Handbook Notice No. 142 which covers changes on which the FCA consulted on (among other proposals) in its quarterly consultation paper No. 51 and its consultation CP25/37 on targeted clarifications of Handbook materials.

The notice confirms the implementation of changes included in quarterly consultation paper No. 51 in relation to:

• The UK equity transparency regime, which moved provisions from UK RTS 1 to MAR 11A.
• The UK market abuse regime, where clarification has been made by introducing new provisions in MAR 1A.2 confirming where breaches of MAR do not give rise to a private right of action under section 138D of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
• The UK authorised fund regime, with changes to the COLL rules in line with amendments to the revised 2025 statement of recommended practice for authorised funds.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published an updated webpage providing information for firms on motor finance complaints in the context of the ongoing legal challenge to the redress scheme. The FCA notes that there remains uncertainty regarding the scheme's requirements while the legal proceedings are ongoing. The FCA is engaging with the Tribunal and the parties involved in the legal challenge on the possibility of suspending certain elements of the scheme. Firms are reminded to continue carrying out work that can be undertaken now and will be required in all circumstances.

But otherwise, it will take a pragmatic approach and, for the time being, will not require firms to communicate with customers or make payments in accordance with the scheme timetable. Neither will it enforce compliance with the requirement to submit monthly reports. The FCA will keep the position under review as the Tribunal timetable becomes clearer and will engage with lenders and consumer groups on whether further customer communications, scheme preparation measures or contingency planning guidance may be appropriate.

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the UK Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) have published joint guidance providing a comparative overview of their respective economic sanctions frameworks. The guidance highlights key similarities and differences across terminology and structure in areas such as sanctions lists, licensing, recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The aim of the guidance is to help private sector firms understand and comply with their obligations under both regimes. The OFSI published a blog, on the same day, to announce the publication and detail its shared objectives with OFAC.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a document to help firms understand and prepare for the motor finance redress scheme. The document reflects common queries received by the FCA and is intended to address issues of wider relevance. It should be read in the context of the ongoing legal challenge to the scheme. The FCA notes that it may update the document or take further action in relation to the scheme's rules or guidance as that challenge progresses, and firms should monitor FCA announcements closely.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published consultation paper CP26/18 as part of its mortgage rule review, proposing targeted reforms to improve access to mortgage lending for first-time buyers and underserved consumers. The proposals follow the June 2025 discussion paper on the future of the mortgage market and the FCA's feedback statement.

The proposals seek to:

• Widen access to interest-only and part interest-only lending.
• Make it easier to raise mortgage finance in later life.
• Lower barriers for firms that want to lend to consumers with irregular income.
• Encourage lenders to take a more individualised approach when assessing the creditworthiness of customers with impairment in their credit history, rather than declining them based on a definition designed for debt consolidation and reporting purposes.
• Lower barriers for firms that want to lend in a foreign currency or to consumers with a foreign income.
• Increase flexibility for borrowers who want bridging finance, which can help break a lengthy sales chain or fund a renovation.
• Increase the scope for firms to offer mortgages with different features and therefore, different risks.

The FCA's proposals take into account the potential for adverse outcomes for some consumers, and also consider the risk that consumers may need to rent for longer if they cannot purchase a home. The deadline for comments is 28 July. Feedback will be considered and a final policy statement is expected in the second half of the year.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a response letter (dated 8 June) to a letter from the House of Commons Treasury Committee sent in May, setting out the status of the motor finance redress scheme and the implications of ongoing legal challenges.

The FCA's view is that the scheme remains the quickest and most effective way to deliver redress to affected agreements but confirms that challenges brought by certain lenders and a claims entity will delay implementation. The FCA emphasises that firms must continue preparing operationally and financially, including identifying in-scope agreements and holding adequate capital, while warning of supervisory and enforcement action where preparedness is insufficient. The letter highlights significant concerns about misconduct in the claims management sector, including misleading marketing, multiple representation and potential fraud risks exacerbated by delays, and notes ongoing regulatory intervention and cross-authority cooperation to address these issues. The FCA also welcomes ideas from firms and consumer organisations on how, despite the legal challenges, firms who want to can start paying fair redress now.

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The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its response to the UK Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) consultation on simplifying pensions and investment advice rules. The FOS broadly supports the proposed shift from prescriptive requirements to greater reliance on a more principles-based framework and does not expect this shift to undermine its ability to determine complaints. However, it notes that greater reliance on high-level principles may increase the scope for differing views on how these principles should be applied, making clear regulatory guidance increasingly important. The FOS is also concerned that limited firm engagement on price and value assessments under the consumer duty could make complaint resolution more contentious, and it calls for further FCA guidance, including case studies and examples of good and poor practice.

The FOS further acknowledges that complaints may become more nuanced and consistency will be harder to demonstrate. However, it seeks to address this through close collaboration with the FCA and clear FCA guidance. Overall, it does not expect the reforms to have a material impact on its complaint-handling role or outcomes. The FOS will continue to monitor complaints in this area and share insights with the FCA.

HM Treasury has published a call for evidence for the independent review into access to banking services, assessing the impact of the decline in face-to-face services across the UK. The review will consider: (i) which services are important or essential for customers to be able to access; (ii) which groups of customers may need access to in-person banking services; and (iii) whether the decline in access is causing detriment to customers, and the materiality of the detriment caused. It will focus on those who require access (such as vulnerable customers), rather than those who simply desire or prefer in-person banking services. It will also consider the needs of both individual retail customers and organisations, including small businesses, non-profit and community groups.

The review is limited to banking services that currently lack statutory protections and excludes cash withdrawal and deposit services, which are already covered by legislation. The deadline for comments is 20 July and the evidence gathered will help inform the chair's recommendations to government.

The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) has published a call for input under its "consumer interest and AI" project, project, seeking views on consumer attitudes to, and the management of risks arising from, generative and agentic AI. The call for input is structured in two phases. The first phase focuses on consumer attitudes to the risks associated with generative and agentic AI adoption, including what risks consumers feel they may be exposed to, and to what extent they are, and are not, prepared to tolerate risks in exchange for benefits of AI adoption. The deadline for responses on the first phase is 3 July. The second phase focuses on the tools, governance frameworks and regulatory approaches available to policymakers, regulators and firms to mitigate AI-related harms and deliver effective consumer protection. The deadline for responses on the second phase is 2 September. The DRCF states that responses will inform its ongoing policy work and broader engagement, including future workshops and its Responsible AI Forum, with a view to shaping the debate on proportionate, outcomes-focused regulation of AI across sectors. It does not plan to provide advice or guidance.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a press release highlighting that some firms, when approving financial promotions, should be doing more to protect consumers in line with the consumer duty. The FCA carried out a review that assessed ten authorised firms that approve financial promotions for businesses which are not authorised by the FCA, looking at firms who were approving financial promotions for buy-now, pay-later (also now referred to as deferred payment credit), crowdfunding and corporate finance firms. The new rules on authorised firms approving promotions for unauthorised firms came into force on 7 February 2024. The FCA's review focussed on sampling promotions that had been approved since the firm was authorised.

The FCA found that the strongest firms were applying the consumer duty from the start of their processes and were able to make sure that every promotion approved was accurate, clear and reached the right audience. However, some firms approved adverts with unsubstantiated claims or allowed retail investors to see promotions intended for professional clients. In some cases, firms relied on third-party templates instead of doing the checks themselves. As a result of the FCA's work, one firm has already had to conduct a remediation exercise, and some websites have been blocked to retail customers. The FCA will continue to monitor compliance and hold firms to account if they fall short.

The House of Commons Treasury Committee has published a letter addressed to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) seeking further clarification on its motor finance redress scheme. This is following the FCA's announcement that the scheme is subject to legal challenges. The letter raises questions in relation to the consequences of the legal challenges, the additional administration caused by the legal challenges, the potential impact of any changes needed as a result of the challenges, the conduct of market participants more broadly, and the FCA's powers.

More specifically, key points of examination include: (i) current advice to consumers, the impact on complaint handling and compensation timelines, and potential risks such as fraud; (ii) details on the costs incurred by the FCA to date, additional costs arising from the litigation, and any impact on ongoing regulatory workstreams; (iii) how changes to or failure of the scheme could affect consumers, firms and the UK Financial Ombudsman Service; (iv) how lenders, claims management companies and law firms have responded to the scheme and the effect of their conduct on consumers; and (v) the adequacy of the FCA's powers to implement a compensation scheme and any lessons for Parliament. The Committee has requested the FCA to respond by 4 June.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a notice and terms of reference for a market study into claims management services. The study will examine the causes of potentially harmful practices, their impact on competition and consumer outcomes, and whether intervention is required. It will cover practices observed by FCA-regulated claims management companies (CMCs) and lead generators, as well as legal professionals. The FCA will be working closely with the Solicitors Regulation Authority as it carries out the market study.

The work will focus on claims management services provided in relation to financial services and financial products claims and housing disrepair claims. The deadline for comments is 19 June, with information requests to be issued to firms from June. The FCA intends to share early findings and consult on possible measures later this year, and will publish its final report by 19 May 2027.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill, first introduced in the King's speech as the "Enhancing Financial Services Bill", has had its first reading in the House of Lords. The text of the Bill was published with accompanying explanatory notes. It proposes significant amendments to primary legislation, including the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013, as part of the government's growth and competitiveness strategy for the financial services sector.

Key proposals include: (i) modernising the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and reforming the UK Financial Ombudsman Service; (ii) consolidating the regulatory framework with the abolition of the UK Payment Systems Regulator; (iii) improving the operational effectiveness of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the UK Prudential Regulation Authority; (iv) creating a new 'provisional licences' authorisation regime; (v) amendments to the appointed representatives regime including a requirement for principals to have specific permission to act as principal; (vi) creating a framework for HM Treasury to establish overseas recognition regimes for any financial services activity; (vii) reducing the burden of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime including repealing rules on the senior manager statements of responsibilities and the certification regime; (viii) updating the statutory framework underpinning the ring-fencing regime; and (ix) reforming the supervision of anti-money laundering / counter-terrorism financing.

HM Treasury (HMT) has published a policy statement on the reform of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (CCA), setting out its response to the phase 1 consultation. HMT confirms plans to modernise the regime by aligning it with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) and transferring much of the detailed conduct regulation to UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules. The original proposals involved a phase 2 consultation; however, HMT considers that it has sufficient evidence to proceed without a further consultation. The related legislative proposals are in the Financial Services and Markets Bill which was published this week, including an enabling power for HMT to make secondary legislation on the transitional provisions to support a smooth transition.

The FCA rules will not replicate the CCA exactly but will be designed in line with the FCA's objectives and existing framework, including the consumer duty. Certain provisions will remain in legislation where necessary to preserve key rights, or where they cannot be replicated due to complexity. The government intends to repeal most prescriptive CCA information disclosure requirements and replace them with FCA rules (subject to consultation) and statutory sanctions, such as unenforceability and disentitlement to interest and fees, in favour of the FCA's supervisory and enforcement framework, but retain criminal offences as a deterrent.

The FCA has also published a statement setting out its approach to CCA reform and highlighting some of the existing rights and protections it will consider as part of its policy work.

For more detail on the reforms, you may wish to read our blogpost titled "Phase 2? We don't need phase 2 where we're going...".

The UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has issued a Dear CEO letter on innovations involving deposit-takers, e-money and regulated stablecoins. The letter supersedes the 2023 letter and provides clarification in light of recent developments including the UK cryptoassets regulatory framework. It should be read alongside the PRA's Dear CEO letter on the prudential treatment of banks' cryptoasset exposures.

The PRA's core expectations remain unchanged but the letter clarifies how firms should manage risks arising from innovation, especially as regards retail customers. In particular, the letter confirms that while deposit-takers may innovate within deposit structures (including tokenised deposits), any issuance of e-money or stablecoins within groups should take place through separate, non-deposit-taking and insolvency-remote entities, with clearly distinct branding and presentation. This should be supported by disclosures, warnings, on-boarding, and customer education, but should not be relied upon as the sole means of mitigating the risk of confusion.

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HM Treasury has announced the launch of an independent review into access to banking, assessing the impact of declining face to face banking services across the UK. This is in light of the shift towards digital banking and ongoing bank branch closures. The review will gather evidence on the real world effects of reduced in person services, identify affected groups and communities (including vulnerable consumers and small businesses), and consider whether further action is required to safeguard access to banking. Its findings and recommendations, expected by October, will inform the government's proposed powers to intervene where necessary to protect access to banking services. The announcement is accompanied by terms of reference which set out the review's scope and objectives.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a review into how investment firms support bereaved customers, following research indicating that only 47% felt they received adequate support. The review will focus on firms advising on, managing, or administering investments (including platforms, advisers and wealth managers), and will assess the end-to-end customer experience from notification of a death through to the settlement or transfer of investments. In particular, the FCA will examine firms' communication practices, treatment of vulnerable customers, service standards and handling of fees on bereaved accounts. The initiative builds on previous FCA findings where bereaved customers experienced delays, unclear processes and inconsistent support, and forms part of the FCA's broader consumer duty and consumer investments priorities. The FCA will begin contacting selected firms this month and intends to publish its findings, including examples of good practice and areas for improvement, later in the year.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a statement providing an update on the legal challenges to its motor finance redress scheme. The FCA confirms that, despite ongoing litigation (with a hearing unlikely before October), it continues to view the industry-wide scheme as the quickest and most effective route to deliver fair compensation and intends to defend it. It will provide a further update as soon as possible. In the meantime, firms are expected to continue preparatory work for implementation, including: (i) identifying relevant complaints; (ii) gathering data on commission arrangements and disclosure practices; (iii) working with claims companies to resolve instances where consumers are represented by more than one party; (iv) cooperating with the UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on any existing complaints that have been referred to it; and (v) submitting implementation plans (without formal attestations required) by 12 May. At the same time, the FCA is also considering whether, where complaints include both elements within the scheme and elements unrelated to motor finance commission, firms should progress the unrelated elements. Complaints that fall entirely outside the scope of the scheme should continue to be progressed in the usual way.

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a statement announcing it is launching a review of the claims management market, prompted by concerns that some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms are delivering poor consumer outcomes. The review will examine the root causes of poor practices across the market, including aggressive marketing, misleading advertising, unfair exit fees, and instances where consumers are being signed up without their consent or by multiple firms, leading to confusion and delaying compensation. While these issues in relation to motor finance claims have been brought into sharper focus, the FCA has also noted concerns about the handling of other claims.

Working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other regulatory partners, the FCA will examine: (i) whether consumers receive fair value, and whether existing price caps are still fit for purpose; (ii) financial incentives and whether these create potential conflicts of interest; and (iii) review whether the full end-to-end consumer journey, including lead generation, marketing and advertising, delivers good consumer outcomes. The review will also consider whether different approaches across different regulatory regimes affect firm behaviour and if some firms are failing to secure the appropriate permissions. The FCA expects full and open cooperation from all firms in the review and indicates that it, together with its regulatory and enforcement partners, may take robust action where this is not the case. It will also make recommendations to the government for any potential legislative reform, including whether CMCs and law firms should be subject to stronger compensation mechanisms if they cause harm.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has announced the creation of a joint regulatory taskforce—with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Information Commissioner's Office and Advertising Standards Authority—to tackle poor practices in the handling of motor finance claims by certain claims management companies and law firms. The taskforce will coordinate intelligence sharing and take targeted, coordinated actions using the full extent of their powers to mitigate harm to consumers. Regulatory actions will be progressed, with outcomes communicated jointly, signalling a unified regulatory response and clear expectations for market behaviour. The taskforce will focus on addressing misleading advertising and sign-up processes, meritless claims, multiple representation and unfair exit fees. It will also look at firms' financial and operational resilience including, but not limited to, the quality and integrity of accounting and audit practices. The taskforce will run for a minimum of six months followed by a progress review.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published consultation paper CP26/15, setting out proposals to review and simplify the financial promotions rules in the Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC). This follows feedback to the 2024 call for input that the regime is overly complex and outdated, particularly in light of the consumer duty. The FCA proposes removing a number of prescriptive rules and guidance that overlap with the duty, while retaining key consumer protections. This includes the ability for consumers to bring private actions for breaches of the financial promotions rules, which is not available for breaches of the consumer duty. The draft rules also include minor amendments to CONC 3.3.1AG to reflect changes introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024.

Furthermore, CP26/15 includes a discussion paper on cost disclosure, seeking views on the effectiveness of representative annual percentage rate (commonly referred to as APR) disclosures in light of research that indicates a lack of understanding among consumers as to how APR functions as a measure of cost.

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a statement confirming that its proposed motor finance redress scheme has been formally challenged, which may delay compensation payments to affected consumers. The FCA expressed disappointment that the challenge could prolong uncertainty for both consumers and the motor finance market. The FCA is considering its response and will provide further details on its approach later this week.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published Handbook Notice No. 140, outlining amendments to the FCA Handbook resulting from the following statutory instruments:

• Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) (Management Expenses Levy Limit 2026/2027) Instrument 2026, entering into force on 1 April. This amends the FEES manual to reflect the approved levy cap for 2026/27.
• Short Selling Rules Sourcebook Instrument 2026, entering into force on 13 July. This introduces a new short selling sourcebook, which replaces the assimilated EU short selling regime and establishes a new UK framework.
• Individual Accountability (SMCR Review) Instrument 2026, with most changes having entered into force on 24 April while certain provisions come into force later in July and September. This implements the Phase 1 reforms of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, aimed at improving proportionality and efficiency.

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a blog post discussing the findings from firms' year 2 consumer duty board reports and what firms can do now to help them prepare for the next round of reporting in Q3. Under the consumer duty, firms must report annually on what their monitoring found about customer outcomes, and what actions they will take as a result. The FCA notes that while firms have improved, further progress is needed ahead of the third reporting cycle.

The FCA observed stronger governance and board oversight, including more formal board review and approval of reports, better action plans and ownership, and wider use of quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate customer outcomes. There is also more evidence of firms improving how they identify and monitor outcomes for vulnerable customers. However, the FCA notes that the quality and depth of analysis was variable.

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The final report from the Risk Warnings Review has been published. The report was commissioned by HM Treasury as part of the Leeds Reforms and sets out recommendations to improve the communication of investment risk to retail consumers.

The report advises moving away from the widespread use of standardised risk warnings which may be misunderstood by less experienced investors and disregarded by more experienced investors. Instead, it recommends rebalancing risk communications towards clearer, more contextual explanations of how investments can rise and fall, presented alongside potential benefits and relevant time horizons, which are seen as more likely to encourage positive actions.

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published an updated webpage with newly issued directions, setting out the process for firms to register for the temporary permission regime (TPR) for deferred payment credit (DPC), formerly known as buy now, pay later. The directions came into force the same day.

DPC will be regulated by the FCA from 15 July ("regulation day"). Firms which were carrying on DPC activity on 15 July 2025 may continue operating under the TPR while their authorisation applications are considered. To enter the TPR, firms must notify the FCA using the prescribed form during the notification window, which runs from 15 May to 1 July, and pay the registration fee of GBP280. Firms granted temporary permission will be able to submit their substantive authorisation applications from 8 July.

Firms that were not carrying on DPC activity on 15 July 2025, or do not intend to continue after regulation day, do not need to register. Firms without authorisation or temporary permission may also continue to service DPC agreements that were taken out before regulation day as these agreements will remain exempt.

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has published its response (dated February) to the FCA's Mills Review on the long‑term impact of AI on retail financial services. The response focuses on two areas: the increasing use of AI by consumers and professional representatives in complaint submissions; and financial firms' use of AI.

The FOS observes an increase in consumers using AI, noting that AI can help consumers organise complaints, overcome language barriers and present clearer cases—especially consumers who are vulnerable and have difficulty expressing themselves in writing. However, there are also concerns where generative AI is used excessively or inaccurately, leading to lengthy, incoherent submissions and "hallucinations". The FOS reports early indications from a small sample analysis that AI may have contributed to around 35% of responses to initial assessments, which can lead to a disproportionate amount of time spent on verifying accuracy. The FOS welcomes the FCA's focus on AI in retail financial services and calls for consistent guidance to firms and consumers as AI use evolves in the complaint process, offering to provide its own insights to support this work.

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The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have published consultation papers (CP26/12 / CP6/26), proposing changes to the loan to income (LTI) flow limit rule in mortgage lending. The regulators propose to remove the firm level 15% cap on high LTI lending (mortgages with an LTI ratio of 4.5 or above), while retaining the 15% limit in aggregate across the market, giving individual lenders greater flexibility to set their own high LTI strategies. This follows interim measures introduced in July 2025, under which PRA firms were permitted, via a modification by consent, to disapply the firm level cap, while FCA firms could seek individual guidance to lend above 15%, pending completion of the policy review.

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