Why financial crime controls fail when firms do not act The FCA’s £44 million fine against Nationwide Building Society reinforces a core regulatory message. Financial crime controls only protect firms when they drive action. Between 2016 and 2021, weaknesses in…
Why firms must be ready for rapid regulatory scrutiny Regulators are asking for market abuse risk assessments more frequently and with less notice. Firms that cannot produce a clear, current, and defensible assessment risk uncomfortable questions about governance, culture, and control effectiveness. Below we outline the…
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has significantly strengthened its surveillance of transaction reporting and Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STORs). With particular attention directed towards sectors offering spread betting and contracts for difference (CFDs). This intensified scrutiny reflects a concerning…
The financial markets thrive on integrity and trust. Regulators, investors, and counterparties expect that prices are formed in fair, transparent, and competitive markets. The Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) is central to this expectation. It sets a clear framework that prohibits…
The FCA recently warned investors about trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs). FCA is concerned that when investors use overseas or unregulated providers, they risk losing key protections. The FCA also highlighted poor conduct, weak onboarding controls, and aggressive marketing behaviours. Specifically…
The FCA has released Consultation Paper CP25/29, setting out proposed reforms to the UK short-selling regime. The proposals are designed to streamline reporting requirements, enhance market integrity, and support growth and liquidity in UK capital markets. The changes will be…
In today’s fast-moving financial landscape, robust financial crime and anti-money laundering (AML) controls are more than just a regulatory requirement, they’re a business imperative. They are fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system and ensuring the stability…
In the intricate world of financial regulations, understanding the role and responsibilities of various individuals across your firm is crucial. Two acronyms continue to shape how responsibility flows through Banks and Financial Institutions: MRTs (Material Risk Takers) and SMFs (Senior…
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has significantly strengthened its surveillance of transaction reporting and Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports (STORs), with particular attention directed towards sectors offering spread betting and contracts for difference (CFDs). This intensified scrutiny reflects a concerning…
On 29 January 2025, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a landmark fine against trading platform Infinox Capital, marking its first enforcement action under the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) since the regulation came into effect in 2018. The £99,200 fine highlights key challenges facing…