PS26/6: The SM&CR reforms are now live. What should firms be doing next?
When the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published Policy Statement PS26/6 in April 2026, it marked the start of the most significant review of the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) since its […]
Consumer Duty in 2026. The FCA raises the bar
The shift firms can’t ignore Consumer Duty isn’t new anymore — but the FCA’s expectations are evolving fast. In its latest updates, the regulator makes one thing clear: the conversation […]
The FCA’s claims management message on delivering better outcomes
The FCA’s latest blog examining whether the claims management market is “working” delivers a clear and timely message. While claims management companies continue to play an important role in helping […]
What has Consumer Duty really changed in Wealth Management?
Since its introduction in July 2023, the FCA’s Consumer Duty has moved from a major implementation exercise to a defining force shaping how wealth management firms operate, evidence value, and […]
Is RegTech simply a buzzword or an absolute necessity for compliance?
In recent years, RegTech—short for regulatory technology—has become a prominent topic in compliance, risk and financial services conversations. But is it just another piece of industry jargon, or has it […]
SM&CR Phase 1 Review: What firms need to know
In April 2026, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), alongside the FCA, published its Phase 1 reforms to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR). The changes are designed to reduce unnecessary administrative burden while preserving strong […]
Onboarding Under Scrutiny – The Hidden Risks and Compliance Challenges Facing UK Financial Services Firms
Part 1: The Hidden Compliance Gap: Why onboarding is now a top risk for UK financial services firms Hiring new client-facing or regulated staff can feel like a sign of growth and momentum. But in UK financial services – whether you’re a […]
Building a resilient, SM&CR-ready onboarding framework for financial services firms
In the first blog in this series, we outlined the common pitfalls and risks that arise when onboarding new staff into regulated roles. In this follow-up, we turn to how […]
Training & Competence – The secret weapon behind SM&CR and Consumer Duty
Compliance is just the start – firms that invest in people, culture and capability build trust, reduce risk, and stand out. In part 1 of this short series of blogs, […]
Why SM&CR still matters—And what the new reforms mean for you
As regulatory reform takes shape through CP25/21, now is the time to modernise SM&CR, not walk away from it. Rebuilding trust, not just rewriting rules When SM&CR was first introduced […]