Context
The FCA has announced an increase in firms’ confidence, satisfaction and trust in the FCA, as it publishes the FCA Practitioner Panel 2026 survey results. The results are accompanied by a key findings summary and a ‘methodological note’. The annual survey of regulated firms provides valuable insights into how firms think the FCA is performing.
Key points to note and next actions
- The latest survey shows 79% of firms are highly satisfied with their relationship with the FCA, up from 74% last year.
- The proportion of firms rating the FCA as a highly effective regulator also increased from 69% to 76%, while 75% reported high levels of trust.
- Firms were most confident in the FCA’s work to protect consumers (87%), ensure markets work well (85%) and enhance the integrity of the UK financial system (85%).
- There was a 27-percentage point increase in firms’ understanding of the Secondary International Competitiveness and Growth Objective and a 25-percentage point increase in confidence in the FCA’s delivery of it.
- The FCA took on board feedback from last year’s survey and provided further guidance to help firms embed the Consumer Duty. This year, 88% of firms say they understand what the FCA expects on supporting consumers and embedding the Duty.
- The findings also provide valuable insight into where firms would like to see further progress, including on regulatory burden. The FCA is already simplifying reporting by removing outdated or duplicated data returns for 90% of firms.