Market Abuse / Surveillance regulatory updates from United Kingdom.
We track 81 Market Abuse / Surveillance updates from United Kingdom regulators, published by FCA and BoE. The archive covers 60 news items, 12 speeches and 6 enforcement actions. Most recent update: September 2026. Coverage runs from 2025 to 2026.
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive at TheCityUK dinner, sponsored by Nasdaq. Thank you to TheCityUK and Nasdaq for bringing us together this evening.It’s a fitting venue for us to discuss market transitions: the former HQ of Midland Bank, which of course became part of HSBC.And now HSBC Orion has become the…
Why this matters
This is a substantive policy speech from FCA leadership outlining strategic regulatory approach to emerging technologies (tokenisation, AI, stablecoins, digital assets) in wholesale markets.
The FCA is partnering across sectors to expand protection insurance coverage for millions of unprotected people. While the market is working well for consumers who have protection insurance, millions of people remain unprotected.Around 58% of adults have no life insurance, critical illness cover or income protection …
Why this matters
This is an informational speech announcing the FCA's partnership strategy to address low protection insurance uptake. It references the Pure Protection Market Study findings and outlines collaborative actions (awareness campaigns, adviser training, TechSprint) rather than imposing new binding rules.
Christopher Woolcott has pleaded guilty to 4 counts of fraud and forgery after creating a fake takeover bid for Touchstone Exploration Inc. Mr Woolcott held shares in Touchstone Exploration Inc and stood to benefit financially from any upward movement in the share price had the fake takeover bid been announced to the…
Why this matters
This is a criminal enforcement case involving fraud and forgery related to a fake takeover bid designed to manipulate share prices. The case demonstrates FCA's commitment to tackling market abuse and financial crime as stated in their 5-year strategy.
In April 2026, 25 financial institutions active in the UK foreign exchange (FX) market participated in the semi-annual turnover survey for the Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC). The survey results are summarised below. Detailed tables for the April 2026 reporting period, linked below, are available…
Why this matters
This is an informational survey report from the BoE on FX market turnover data. It covers capital markets trading activity and reporting requirements for FX institutions. The content is statistical/disclosure-focused rather than prescriptive regulation, making it suitable for null urgency classification.
Transaction reporting requirements become smarter, simpler and more proportionate under new rules from the FCA. Transaction reports are critical to the FCA’s ability to detect and investigate market abuse, monitor market functioning and supervise firms effectively.The new rules are designed to ensure the FCA continues…
Why this matters
FCA announcement finalizing transaction reporting rule changes effective April 2028. Reduces reporting burden by £100m+ annually through streamlined requirements (65 to 52 fields, removal of certain instruments/FX derivatives). Informational content with implementation deadline providing adequate preparation time.
The FCA has published a package of reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen access to market-wide information and support confidence in UK equity markets. The package confirms the framework for a future equity consolidated tape, consults on targeted market structure reforms and introduces an interim market…
Why this matters
FCA announcement on equity market transparency reforms including consolidated tape framework and interim reporting tool. Affects market participants through new data access requirements and market structure changes.
The FCA led an international crackdown on illegal finfluencer promotions – resulting in 3 arrests and 650 social media takedown requests. It also secured a combined 11 years in prison for 2 cases of insider dealing in the first year of its 5-year strategy, according to its Annual report and accounts published today…
Why this matters
FCA annual report announcing enforcement actions against market abuse, finfluencer fraud, and insider dealing; consumer protection initiatives including Firm Checker and BNPL rules; and pro-growth measures. Content is informational/strategic rather than requiring immediate compliance action.
Richard Bloomfield has been charged by the FCA with 5 counts of insider dealing. The FCA alleges that in his role as a solicitor at a law firm, Mr Bloomfield worked on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC and used inside information obtained through his role to deal in securities of Seraphine Group PLC on 5 occasions…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against individual for insider dealing involving securities trading. Classified as informational news update regarding market abuse prosecution. Relevant to all firms given the general nature of insider dealing compliance obligations.
The FCA has appointed members to its advisory committee on secondary markets for the period July 2026 to July 2028. The committee will increase from 25 to 27 members. The Secondary Markets Advisory Committee supports the FCA’s work in wholesale secondary markets in equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and…
Why this matters
Informational announcement regarding FCA's Secondary Markets Advisory Committee appointments for 2026-2028 term. Relevant to capital markets participants including exchanges, brokers, asset managers, and trading venues. No immediate compliance action required; serves as governance and stakeholder engagement update.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This is meeting minutes from the London FXJSC covering FX market developments, operational resilience workflows, digital asset adoption in FX, and benchmark regulation updates. Content is informational/governance-focused rather than requiring urgent action.
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive at techUK's Agents of Change: Generative and Agentic AI in Financial Services 2026. On joining the FCA over five years ago, I said we would become as much a data and tech regulator as financial services regulator.Being invited to speak here today reflects that.We’re building…
Why this matters
This is a regulatory speech outlining FCA's strategic approach to AI regulation rather than a binding directive. It addresses cross-sector implications of AI adoption (agentic systems, tokenisation), emphasizes operational resilience risks from third-party dependencies and frontier AI, and discusses market...
The FCA is concerned 11 traders may have shared sensitive information or coordinated trades, potentially restricting competition. Following an investigation, the FCA is concerned 11 traders may have hindered competition in commodity futures markets and infringed competition law by exchanging potentially sensitive…
Why this matters
FCA investigation into commodity futures traders regarding potential information sharing and trade coordination. Involves competition law concerns in capital markets. Informational news update on proposed commitments and consultation process rather than urgent enforcement action.
For the first time, investors and market participants can access a single, real-time source of prices and trading activity across the UK bond market, following the launch of its bond consolidated tape, operated by ETS Connect UK. Until now, data on bond trades was scattered across multiple sources, making it difficult…
Why this matters
This is an informational announcement about the launch of the UK bond consolidated tape, a market infrastructure initiative improving post-trade transparency. It affects capital markets participants through enhanced real-time reporting and data access requirements.
Speech by Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight, delivered at the International Bar Association (IBA) Anti-Corruption Conference. I’ve been practising law for over 3 decades now.Starting out, I thought every case would be like the ones on US television: dramatic, with a big…
Why this matters
This is an informational speech by FCA leadership outlining enforcement strategy and financial crime prevention approaches. It covers multiple sectors through examples (life sciences fundraising, electronic money services, cryptoasset firms, motor finance) and emphasizes proactive supervision, market oversight, and...
Speech by Emad Aladhal, director of retail banking at the Later Life Lending Summit. IntroductionIn the years ahead, housing wealth will become an increasing part of how many people provide for their retirement. But it continues to be seen as an option of last resort, if thought about at all.Knowing I had this speech…
Why this matters
FCA speech outlining regulatory priorities for later life lending market development. Addresses consumer trust, product design, holistic advice frameworks, and market readiness. Informational content announcing upcoming consultations and market study on retirement interest-only products and later life mortgages.
Why frontier AI matters for firmsArtificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly. Frontier AI models represent a step-change in capability, with significant implications for cyber security and operational resilience.The cyber capabilities of current frontier AI models are already exceeding what a skilled…
The FCA has announced 2 permanent appointments to its executive team, strengthening leadership at a pivotal time for UK and global financial markets. Simon Walls appointed executive director, marketsSimon Walls has been appointed permanent executive director, markets. Having taken on this role on a temporary basis…
Speech by Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive, at the Investment Association's Private Markets Summit 2026. Headlines are always a tough read when funds run into difficulty.And lately, the language has been stark.Some have even asked if private credit has a canary in the coal mine.That’ll make you sit up a bit…
Following the legal challenges to our motor finance compensation scheme, we are setting out further advice for firms and consumers. Our priorities remain to secure fair compensation for consumers as quickly as possible and ensure a healthy motor finance market.Our industry-wide scheme is the quickest, fairest and most…
The Market Participants Group (MPG) is a senior-level forum for financial market participants to share their views on relevant themes and narratives in financial markets with members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
Following the publication of financial reporting by PayPal Holdings Inc, we can confirm we are investigating Mastercard, PayPal and Visa under Chapter I in the Competition Act 1998, and Mastercard and Visa under Chapter II in the Competition Act 1998, for suspected anti-competitive conduct linked to thefunding and…
We are launching a review of the claims management market, following concerns that consumers are being failed by some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms. The review will look at the root causes of poor practices across the market, like aggressive marketing, misleading advertising and unfair exit fees…
Three people have been arrested as part of a crackdown on suspected illegal financial promotions. Two homes in the Chelmsford and Romford areas were searched, as part of an operation led by the FCA and the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), a specialist policing unit that tackles serious and organised…
Our objective has been, and remains, to ensure consumers receive fair compensation as quickly as possible and to maintain a healthy motor finance market. An industry-wide scheme is the fastest, simplest route for consumers and the most efficient way for firms to put things right and give certainty to their investors…
The FCA has charged Shaun Lawrence for operating as a mortgage broker without authorisation. Mr Lawrence, who also goes by the names Shaun Lawrence-Bright and Shaun Bright, was previously authorised to give mortgage advice.However, in 2008 he had his permissions revoked and was fined. He was also banned from working…
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the Association of Foreign Banks (AFB) luncheon. When I saw that a boxing ring had been temporarily installed in this room last autumn, I wasn’t quite sure whether it was a warning to us regulators…Or some kind of art installation commenting on the past few years in…
We have written to people who complained about how we handled Wellesley & Co Ltd (WCL). Complainants raised concerns about our actions in relation to the wider Wellesley Group. WCL was the only FCA-regulated company in the Group and was responsible for approving financial promotions marketed to investors.We carefully…
Our scheme is the quickest, fairest and most efficient way to compensate consumers. It is disappointing that some have decided to challenge it and delay consumers getting their money back, when for many the payouts would be very welcome this year as they face rising household bills. This also prolongs the uncertainty…
The FCA is seeking views on proposals to change rules that govern the publication of research during the initial public offering (IPO) process. The FCA is consulting on removing the requirement for a 7-day delay before connected research on an IPO can be published. It also consults on removing rules that require firms…
The FCA has led international action to stop illegal finfluencers putting consumers' money at risk. Seventeen regulators worldwide took part in the 'week of action' which included enforcement activity, consumer awareness campaigns, and educational programmes for finfluencers who want to act responsibly. Activity…
Sapia has agreed to make a voluntary payment of £19,637,950 to WealthTek clients and the FCA has censured the firm. Sapia began working with WealthTek in 2013 and later appointed it as one of its appointed representatives. This resulted in Sapia holding and being responsible for protecting client money resulting from…
We’ve no vested interest in setting up a motor finance redress scheme. What matters to us is getting fair compensation for consumers as quickly as possible and supporting a healthy motor finance market for the future.That's what our scheme will do, and it's free for consumers to use.Learn more about our motor finance…
We have published findings from our Financial Adviser Survey. The findings provide an updated picture of how the UK financial advice market is evolving and what this means for firms, consumers and future growth. The survey brings together responses from more than 4,100 financial advice firms; alongside analysis of…
The FCA is looking for expressions of interest from market participants to join our advisory committee. The committee was established in 2022, and we are renewing the membership in line with our terms of reference.The purpose of the committee is to support our work in wholesale secondary markets for equities…
Speech by Sheree Howard at the APCC Spring Conference 2026. This weekend, tens of thousands of runners will line up in Greenwich Park for the start of the London Marathon.Well done to them – a Netflix marathon is much more my speed.Unlike what’s needed to prepare for a Netflix marathon – opening a bag of sweet and…
Firms willbenefitfromreduced costs andgreater flexibility, andfind it easier tocomply with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR),following reformsset outon 22 April by theFCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The changes, which come as the first phase of a multi-stage package of reform from the…
The FCA has carried out its first operation with partners to disrupt illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading across multiple London locations. Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), the FCA targeted 8 premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading…
Speaking at UK FinTech Week, Jessica Rusu, chief data, information and intelligence officer at the FCA, has confirmed the second group of firms selected to join AI Live Testing. Eight new firms, including Barclays, Experian, Lloyds Banking Group (Scottish Widows), and UBS, have been chosen by the FCA to live test AI…
The SONIA Stakeholder Advisory Group supports the Bank’s administration of SONIA by providing advice and technical input to the Bank and the SONIA Oversight Committee
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers discussions around SONIA, the UK's risk-free rate, including the impact of potential changes to the UK Treasury bill market and the rise of stablecoins.
Given at the HLS-PIFS Symposium on “Building the Financial System of the 21st Century: An Agenda for Europe and the United States”
Why this matters
The speech discusses key financial stability risks and vulnerabilities in the UK financial system, including in private markets, government bond markets, and asset valuations.
The FCA has finalised a simpler UK short selling regime that reduces reporting burdens for firms, while maintaining regulatory oversight. Short selling plays an important role in financial markets by supporting price formation, providing liquidity, and facilitating risk management.The new rules follow legislative…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA introduces changes to the UK short selling regime, including simplified reporting requirements for firms. This impacts capital markets participants and is of medium urgency as it reduces administrative burdens while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers developments in the FX market, including market trends, the BIS Triennial FX Turnover Survey, and the growth of the FX options market. It also includes updates on the work of the Global Foreign Exchange Committee and FXJSC sub-committees.
Our Financial Policy Committee (FPC) meets to identify risks to financial stability and agree policy actions aimed at safeguarding the resilience of the UK financial system.
Why this matters
The regulatory update covers a range of financial stability risks and policy actions, including vulnerabilities in sovereign debt markets, risky asset valuations, risky credit markets, and the resilience of the UK banking system.
The FCA has fined Dinosaur Merchant Bank Limited (DMBL) £338,000 for failing to put in place effective systems and controls to detect and report suspicious trading in its contracts for difference (CFD) business. CFDs are sophisticated financial products that are used to speculate on various assets going up or down in…
This Market Notice sets out the schedule for sales in Q2 2026 of gilts held in the Asset Purchase Facility (APF) for monetary policy purposes.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to the Asset Purchase Facility (APF) and the sale of gilts held by the central bank. It provides details on the planned gilt sales schedule for Q2 2026, which is relevant for banks, asset managers, and broker-dealers that participate in the gilt market.
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, at the Goldman Sachs EMEA Head of Trading conference 2026. And as we roll with the punches, we also shouldn’t sell ourselves short.We gained ground last year - London just one point behind New York in the latest Global Financial Centres Index.There is understandable focus…
Why this matters
This speech covers key regulatory updates and priorities for the UK wholesale finance sector, including actions on market integrity, operational resilience, and embracing technological innovation like AI and crypto.
The FCA has fined Richard Howson £237,700 for his part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc. As group chief executive, Mr Howson was aware of serious financial troubles in Carillion’s UK construction business. He failed to reflect this in company announcements or alert its board and audit committee…
The Market Participants Group (MPG) is a senior-level forum for financial market participants to share their views on relevant themes and narratives in financial markets with members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers discussions between the Bank of England and market participants on international and domestic economic and financial market developments, which are relevant for banks, asset managers, broker dealers, and hedge funds in terms of prudential requirements, market conduct, and reporting...
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdiction where it is unlawful to distribute this announcement
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to the management of the UK's foreign currency reserves, which is a key prudential and capital requirement for banks and other financial institutions.
The FCA has fined Dipesh Kerai and Bhavesh Hirani for insider dealing in shares of Bidstack Group Plc. Mr Kerai has been fined £52,731, and Mr Hirani has been fined £56,000.In December 2021, Mr Hirani was the interim Chief Financial Officer at Bidstack, a company that placed advertising inside video games. This meant…
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdiction where it is unlawful to distribute this announcement
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to the management of the UK's foreign currency reserves, which is a key function of central banks. It covers topics such as financing, transparency, and forward-looking statements, which are relevant for banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers involved in...
In October 2025, 25 financial institutions active in the UK foreign exchange (FX) market participated in the semi-annual turnover survey for the Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC).
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England provides information on the latest foreign exchange turnover survey, which is relevant for banking, capital markets, and payments firms operating in the UK FX market.
The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA’s decision that Rangecourt SA (formerly Banque Havilland), Edmund Rowland, the former London CEO and Vladimir Bolelyy, a former Bank employee, acted without integrity. The Tribunal agreed with the FCA that significant fines should be imposed, deciding that fines of £4m, £352,000…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA involves misconduct by a bank (Banque Havilland) and its employees in attempting to manipulate the Qatari currency and economy, which has implications for financial crime, prudential requirements, and market abuse.
We have signed a contract with Etrading Software (ETS) to deliver the UK bond consolidated tape. A high-quality tape will provide investors with a comprehensive overview of the bond market and support price formation and liquidity. It will help maintain the UK’s position as a highly competitive and compelling place to…
GC25/1 within Primary Market Bulletin No. 55 consults on targeted amendments to FCA Knowledge Base technical notes to align with UK Listing Rules (UKLR) changes effective 29 July 2024 and a new ESEF taxonomy for digital reporting. This matters for listed issuers and advisors as it updates formal guidance on periodic reporting, inside information handling, and position disclosures, ensuring compliance with post-reform listing regime requirements.
Suggested considerations
Review blacklined amendments in GC25/1 and PMB 55; submit feedback by 15 May 2025 if impacted.
Update internal policies, training, and procedures to reflect finalised notes (e.g., enhanced notification under Listing Principle 2, ESEF taxonomy for DTR 4.1 reporting) once published by July 2025.
Until finalised, interpret existing guidance in light of UKLR; monitor for TN/710 update in future PMB.
For digital reporting, prepare for new ESEF taxonomy in annual IFRS statements.
What changed
- Amendments to five technical notes: FCA/TN/506.2 (Periodic financial information and inside information), Primary Market/TN/507.1 (Structured digital reporting for IFRS annual statements,...
Broader PMB 55 finalises 44 notes (e.g., TN/209.4 on Listing Principle 2 notifications, TN/305.3 on hostile takeovers, TN/307.2 on aggregating transactions for closed-ended funds) from prior...
Changes are non-substantive, focusing on updating references to UKLR (PS24/6), removing outdated content, and maintaining guidance status under UK Listing Rules, Prospectus Regulation Rules, and...
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium – Past consultation deadline (15 May 2025) as of January 2026, but finalisation expected by July 2025 requires proactive policy reviews to avoid non-compliance with updated listing guidance. Matters for market integrity and operational alignment with UKLR reforms, with low immediate risk but potential enforcement exposure post-finalisation.
The FCA's CP25/31 proposes a regulatory framework for introducing a UK equity Consolidated Tape (CT), operated by a Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP), to collate and distribute comprehensive post-trade data (prices and volumes) across trading venues and OTC trades in equities, including shares, ETFs, depository receipts, and similar instruments. This matters for compliance as it imposes new data contribution obligations on trading venues and APAs, aims to enhance market transparency and competitiveness under the FCA's 2025-2030 Strategy, and builds on FSMA 2023 powers for Data Reporting Services Providers (DRSPs). Firms must engage now to shape rules via consultation, with potential operations targeted for 2027.
Suggested considerations
Respond to Consultation: Submit feedback by 13/02/2026 via FCA online form, email ([email protected]), post, or phone (020 7066 9758); focus on design trade-offs like pre-trade data, CTP numbers, revenue sharing, resiliency.
Data Readiness: Trading venues/APAs assess internal systems for mandatory data provision to CTP (e.g., trade prices/volumes); prepare for authorisation/procurement processes if pursuing CTP status.
Monitor Updates: Review full CP PDF (https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp25/31.pdf), January 2026 CBA methodology note, and linked docs like CP23/15, Europe Economics report, CP25/20.
Engage Stakeholders: Potential CTPs express interest via FCA opportunities; data users provide input on accessibility/pricing.
Compliance Mapping: Map proposals to existing DRSP/venue rules under FSMA 2023 and repealed DRSRs.
What changed
- CTP Obligations: Proposed rules establish core regulatory requirements for CTPs, including governance, operational resiliency, data collation/distribution, competitive pricing, and simple licensing...
Data Contributor Obligations: Trading venues and Approved Publication Arrangements (APAs) must provide trade data (e.g., prices, volumes) to the CTP, covering trades across venues and OTC equity...
Scope and Outcomes: CT focuses on post-trade data initially (with trade-offs on pre-trade inclusion); seeks to increase UK equity data usage, improve liquidity visibility, support innovation, and...
Authorisation and Procurement: Streamlined process for CTP authorisation; FCA to run procurement for operator selection, balancing speed with robustness.
Evidence-Based Design: Addresses complexities like number of CTPs, revenue sharing, resiliency standards; follows prior feedback from CP23/15 and Europe Economics report.
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – While still in consultation (closes 13/02/2026), proposals mandate data contributions from trading venues/APAs and CTP setup, with 2027 operations targeted; non-engagement risks misaligned systems or missed CTP opportunities. Matters due to FSMA 2023 empowerment, links to equity transparency reforms (CP25/20), and strategic push for UK market competitiveness – firms face new reporting/resiliency burdens but gain liquidity/transparency benefits.
The FCA has fined Russel Gerrity £309,843 for using inside information to net himself £128,765. As a consultant, Mr Gerrity had access to information about whether oil and gas had been discovered during the drilling of wells. Between October 2018 and January 2022, he took advantage of this and used inside information…
This Market Notice sets out amendment to the schedule for sales in Q1 2026 of gilts held in the Asset Purchase Facility (APF) for monetary policy purposes.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to changes in the schedule for sales of gilts held in the Asset Purchase Facility, which is a monetary policy tool. This is likely to impact banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers who participate in the gilt market.
This page contains information about fines published during 2026. The total amount of fines so far is £371,700. Firm or individual finedDateAmountReasonRichard Adam07/01/2026£232,800The Final Notice refers to knowing concern in breaches of Article 15 of the Market Abuse Regulations, Listing Rule 1.3.3R, Listing…
Why this matters
This regulatory update covers fines imposed by the FCA in 2026, which relate to breaches of market abuse regulations, listing rules, and governance requirements. This impacts a range of financial firms including banks, broker-dealers, and asset managers.
The FCA has fined 2 former finance directors for their part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc. Richard Adam and Zafar Khan were both aware of serious financial troubles in Carillion’s UK construction business but failed to reflect this in company announcements or alert the Board and audit…
The Money Markets Committee is a forum for market participants and authorities to discuss the UK unsecured deposits and funding market and securities lending and repo markets.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the UK Money Markets Code, which covers unsecured deposits, funding markets, securities lending, and repo markets. This is relevant for banking, capital markets, and investment management firms that participate in these markets.
This Market Notice sets out the schedule for sales in Q1 2026 of gilts held in the Asset Purchase Facility (APF) for monetary policy purposes.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to the sale of gilts held in the Asset Purchase Facility, which is relevant for banking, capital markets, and investment management firms. It covers prudential requirements, market abuse, and reporting obligations.
The Money Markets Committee is a forum for market participants and authorities to discuss the UK unsecured deposits and funding market and securities lending and repo markets.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the Money Markets Committee, which is a forum for discussing the UK unsecured deposits and funding market, as well as securities lending and repo markets.
We confirm that the FCA has opened an investigation into WH Smith PLC. The investigation concerns potential breaches of UK Listing Principles and Rules and Disclosure and Transparency Rules in relation to the matters announced by WH Smith PLC on 19 November 2025.
AI Analysis
The FCA has launched an investigation into WH Smith PLC for potential breaches of UK Listing Principles and Rules, as well as Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs), stemming from announcements made by the company on 19 November 2025. This underscores the FCA's heightened scrutiny of listed companies' disclosure practices and adherence to market conduct standards. Compliance professionals should note this as a signal of enforcement risk in timely and accurate market disclosures, potentially setting precedents for similar cases.
Key dates
19 November 2025
WH Smith PLC announcement triggering the investigation; (reference point for alleged breaches)
Suggested considerations
For WH Smith PLC: Cooperate fully with FCA requests for documents/interviews; conduct internal review of disclosure processes; prepare for potential enforcement outcomes (e.g., financial penalties under FSMA s.91 for listing rule breaches or DTR violations).
For other listed firms:
1. Review disclosure policies against DTR 4 (inside information) and Listing Rule 9; stress-test recent announcements (post-19 Nov 2025).
plan profit warnings or material updates, documenting decision trails.
What changed
This is not a policy change or new rule; it is an enforcement investigation announcement with no immediate regulatory amendments. It highlights ongoing enforcement of existing rules:
UK Listing Principles and Rules: These require listed issuers to act with integrity, provide accurate and timely information, and maintain effective systems for compliance (e.g., Principle 2 on...
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTRs): Specifically, DTR 4 mandates inside information disclosures via Regulatory Information Service (RIS), DTR 5 on periodic financial reporting, and DTR 2 on...
Compliance impact
Urgency: High. This matters due to the FCA's aggressive enforcement posture on market abuse/disclosures (e.g., post-SPPF reforms emphasizing individual accountability). Breaches can lead to multimillion-pound fines (e.g., 10% of annual revenue), director bans, and reputational damage, amplified by public naming. For listed firms, it signals rising risk in a volatile economic environment where trading updates are frequent; non-compliance could cascade to shareholder claims or delisting risks.
The FCA welcomes the Government’s consultation on a new benchmarks regime for the UK. Since the introduction of the current regulatory framework, the financial landscape has evolved significantly. We now have an opportunity to build a regime that is more targeted to current market conditions and to reduce unnecessary…
AI Analysis
The FCA welcomes HM Treasury's consultation on reforming the UK Benchmarks Regulation (BMR) to create a narrower, risk-based **Specified Authorised Benchmarks Regime (SABR)**, reducing regulatory scope by 80-90% to target only systemically important benchmarks and administrators while easing burdens on industry. This matters for compliance professionals as it shifts from broad regulation of all benchmarks to targeted oversight, requiring firms to reassess benchmark usage, prepare for transition, and adapt to FCA rules on risk management, enhancing UK competitiveness post-FSMA 2023 repeal of assimilated laws.
Key dates
17 December 2025
- HM Treasury publishes consultation on benchmarks regime reform
1 January 2026
- Reforms take initial effect; UK becomes only jurisdiction regulating all local benchmarks pre-reform; EU BMR reforms effective, highlighting UK divergence
Due course 2026 Deadline
- FCA consults on regulatory requirements for designated administrators/users
2026
- FCA expected to publish updated guidance on critical benchmarks and implement SABR refinements
Suggested considerations
Review current benchmarks for potential designation risk (systemic impact criteria) and map usage across portfolios.
Participate in HMT consultation (responses via gov.uk) and prepare for FCA consultation on rules.
Develop/revise policies for benchmark risk management, including cessation/wind-down plans for regulated/non-regulated benchmarks per future FCA guidance.
Assess transition from current authorisation (if non-designated, prepare for deregistration); overseas firms evaluate ORR eligibility.
Update governance/conflicts frameworks for any designated activities; monitor ESG data inclusion in rules.
What changed
- Narrower scope: Regulation limited to benchmarks/administrators designated by HM Treasury (HMT) on FCA advice, based on criteria like systemic impact on UK financial integrity, consumers, or...
FCA-led firm-facing rules: HMT delegates requirements (governance, conflicts, oversight, methodology transparency, record-keeping) to FCA Handbook; removes legislative obligations on users to only...
Overseas benchmarks: Replaces equivalence/endorsement with Overseas Recognition Regime (ORR); designated overseas administrators may avoid dual regulation if ORR-eligible.
No opt-in: Non-designated benchmarks/administrators unregulated; contributor obligations shift to FCA rules.
Enhanced FCA powers: Potential extension to intervene/wind-down designated benchmarks and direct firms to restrict usage; may cover non-price data like ESG metrics.
Compliance impact
Urgency: High - Significant scope reduction eases burdens but introduces transition risks, new FCA rules, and designation uncertainty; firms must act now on consultation (post-Dec 2025) and prep for 2026 FCA changes to avoid non-compliance during shift, especially with 1 Jan 2026 milestone amplifying competitiveness pressures.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Operations Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the operations of the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee, which involves market participants, infrastructure providers, and UK financial regulators.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England covers the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee meeting, which is relevant to banking, capital markets, and payments firms.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The FXJSC includes market participants, infrastructure providers, and UK financial regulators.
In line with the Bank's transition to a repo-led, demand-driven operational framework for providing reserves, the Bank is today announcing a reduction in the spread to Bank Rate of the Operational Standing Facility (OSF). This Market Notice confirms the new, recalibrated spread of the OSF at Bank Rate +15bps for the…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England is relevant to banks, wealth managers, and asset managers as it announces changes to the Operational Standing Facility, which is a key part of the central bank's monetary policy framework.
Given at the ISDA Conference on Trading Book Capital
Why this matters
This speech from the Bank of England discusses updates to the Basel 3.1 framework, which sets prudential capital requirements for banks and broker-dealers. It also touches on market risk and surveillance, which are relevant topics for capital markets firms.
The Bank of England welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recognition of the 2024 versions of the FX Global Code and UK Money Markets Code under its code recognition scheme.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England and FCA recognizes the revised FX Global Code and UK Money Markets Code, which are relevant for banking, capital markets, and payments firms.
This was the first meeting of the Market Participants Group (MPG), a senior-level forum for financial market participants to share their views on relevant themes and narratives in financial markets with members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the first meeting of the Market Participants Group, a forum for financial market participants to share views with the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee.
Given at AFME's 20th Annual European Government Bond Conference
Why this matters
This speech by the Bank of England covers topics related to strengthening market resilience in sovereign bond markets, which is relevant for banking, capital markets, and investment management firms.
The Money Markets Committee is a forum for market participants and authorities to discuss the UK unsecured deposits and funding market and securities lending and repo markets.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the Money Markets Committee, which is a forum for discussing the UK unsecured deposits and funding market, as well as securities lending and repo markets.
This Market Notice confirms that the previously announced increase to the minimum spread over Bank Rate on bids against Level A collateral in the Indexed Long-Term Repo (ILTR) operation will take effect from 17 November 2025.
Why this matters
This update relates to changes in the minimum spread over Bank Rate on bids against Level A collateral in the Indexed Long-Term Repo (ILTR) operation, which is relevant for banks and broker-dealers participating in capital markets and trading activities. It impacts prudential requirements and market surveillance.
The Securities Lending Committee is a forum for market participants and authorities to discuss the UK securities lending market.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the Securities Lending Committee, which is a forum for market participants and authorities to discuss the UK securities lending market. This is relevant for banking, capital markets, and investment management firms that engage in securities lending activities.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England covers the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC), which is a forum for discussion of the wholesale foreign exchange market. The update is likely relevant for banking, capital markets, and payments firms that participate in the foreign exchange market.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee, which involves market participants, infrastructure providers, and UK financial regulators.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Operations Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the operations of the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee, which involves market participants, infrastructure providers, and regulators in the banking, capital markets, and payments sectors.
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan or any other jurisdiction where it is unlawful to distribute this announcement.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to foreign currency reserves, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms.