insights & articles
FCA Introduces Faster Authorisation Timelines to Support Growth
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a bold initiative to accelerate approvals for new firms and regulatory variations, designed to fuel growth, support innovation and maintain the UK’s position
FATF’s Global Fight Against Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a series of significant updates in 2025, reinforcing its three core pillars: combatting money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. Two key
Barclays Fined £45 million: Poor Money Laundering Checks and Failures
Overview Just last week, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) imposed a £42 million fine on Barclays Bank UK PLC and Barclays Bank PLC for significant shortcomings in managing financial crime
Data Breaches and ICO Enforcement
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has intensified its focus on data protection, with recent enforcement actions underscoring the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. High-profile data breaches, such as those
How to Get FCA Authorised: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are planning to launch a financial services business in the UK, whether it is a payments firm, investment adviser, e-money institution, or cryptoasset service provider, obtaining authorisation from
Elevating Your Retirement Income Advice: FCA Guidance
Every retiree deserves financial confidence, and as the FCA’s thematic review highlights, effective retirement income advice is the cornerstone of that confidence. Crafting a robust decumulation strategy is not merely
AML Flaws and Failings: Lessons to be Learned from Monzo Bank
Overview The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) imposed a £21 million fine on Monzo Bank Ltd for significant failings in its Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) systems and controls. The penalty stems
FCA Enforcement Actions Following Thematic Review on Money Laundering in Markets
In its thematic review published on 23 January 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) emphasised its awareness of the pervasive threat of money laundering through markets (MLTM) and stressed the
