Context
Although the press release opens with a focus on an international crackdown on illegal finfluencer promotions, resulting in three arrests and 650 social media takedown requests, and on two cases of insider dealing in the first year of its 5-year strategy, the FCA has published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26 noting that it has focused its efforts on the most serious risks and harms. It has taken decisive action to protect consumers, fight financial crime and uphold market integrity. The press release contains short commentary under each of the four headings which underpin the FCA’s current strategy (helping consumers, fighting financial crime, supporting growth, and being a smarter regulator).
Key points to note and next actions
- The FCA has commented on the strengthening of consumer protection through its Firm Checker tool, which allows consumers to see if a firm is authorised and avoid dealing with fraudulent firms.
- The FCA also commented on how the Consumer Duty fair value rules have led to estimated savings of around £157m per year for those paying monthly insurance premiums.
- Alongside other reforms, the FCA has commented on the new protections for Buy Now Pay Later customers, with regulation commencing on 15 July.
- Fighting financial crime remains a key objective, with over 2,300 warnings being issued about unauthorised or potential scam firms in 2025.
- The FCA has secured seventeen criminal convictions, including two individuals receiving prison sentences and others being fined a total of £1.77m for market abuse offences. Further crackdowns on illegal “finfluencer” promotions resulted in three arrests and requests for 650 social media sites to be removed.
- The FCA also commented on its efforts to support growth, to make the UK more competitive, attract international investment and reinforce its position as a leader in financial services regulation.
- The FCA has published a raft of other reports and data in providing an update on its Outcomes and Metrics progress for 2025/26.
- The Annual Public Meeting is again confirmed as taking place at The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Tuesday 6 October.