Financial Services Risk and Regulation Unravelled Podcast

Grant Thornton UK LLP

Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Financial Services Risk and Regulation Unravelled podcast brings you conversations about the dynamic world of risk and regulation. We help our financial services clients understand new regulatory and risk developments, upcoming changes and talking points in the industry. Led by Grant Thornton’s Partner, David Morrey and Director, Irina Velkova alongside renowned experts as they share their insights each month. read less
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Episodes

Episode 68: Regulatory update – the Government's financial services reforms
6d ago
Episode 68: Regulatory update – the Government's financial services reforms
In the latest episode David Morrey and Ben Farmer discuss a bumper list of current regulatory issues as previewed in Rachel Reeves's Mansion House speech, aimed at unlocking innovation and growth: Modernising the Financial Ombudsman Service The Government's desire to modernise the Financial Ombudsman Service framework, including the previously issued call for inputs.  Certification regime consultation An upcoming consultation on replacing the certification regime with a more proportionate system to reduce costs. National payments The Government's plan to publish a national payments vision and launch a pilot to deliver a digital gilt instrument using distributed-ledger technology. ESG and green finance The ongoing focus on ESG and green finance, with several upcoming consultations on various related items. Financial services growth and competitiveness strategy The Government's plans to publish a financial services growth and competitiveness strategy in spring 2025, alongside a call for evidence to gather industry input on the direction it should take. FCA consultation on financial decision making An upcoming FCA consultation aimed at helping households make better-informed financial decisions as part of the advice guidance boundary review. Captive-insurance companies framework The Government's consultation on a new framework for UK-based captive-insurance companies to make the country a more attractive hub for them. Pension system reforms The Chancellor's plans to reform the pension system to allow for greater investment. Modernising the redress system A call for input on modernising the redress system, focusing on improving the process for handling mass redress-events and addressing perceived misalignments between the FCA and the Financial Ombudsman Service.   Other recent developments discussed include: FCA market study on premium finance New FCA market study on premium finance in home and motor insurance. The study aims to understand the reasons behind rising premiums and assess whether premium finance arrangements represent fair value for customers. Court of Appeal decision on motor finance The recent Court of Appeal decision related to motor finance claims, which could potentially open the door for challenges to finance-related contracts with undisclosed commissions.
Episode 63: Regulatory update: FCA's clear verdict – why firms are still missing the mark
18-09-2024
Episode 63: Regulatory update: FCA's clear verdict – why firms are still missing the mark
David Morrey and Ben Farmer dive into the latest key regulatory updates. Consumer Duty The FCA's thematic review 24/2 on product governance and its implications for the market, including the importance of firms adhering to product governance rules and the FCA's expectations around product reviews, fair value assessments, and the need for firms to provide evidence to support their conclusions. There is also similar feedback on Consumer Duty outcomes monitoring. Audit firms' fines Recent actions taken by the FCA against audit firms, specifically fines imposed on PwC and McIntyre Hudson for failings in their audits of Wealth Tech and London Capital and Finance plc, respectively. This conversation underscored the regulatory expectations and consequences for audit firms failing to detect or report fraudulent activities.   Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner A case reviewed by the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner involving a firm's complaint about the FCA's handling of a Voluntary Requirement (VREQ). The case highlighted issues with the FCA's communication and process around VREQs, leading to recommendations for the FCA to develop better guidance and processes.   Do you need guidance on the Consumer Duty? You can get regular updates from our dedicated hub. Visit our Consumer Duty Hub here.    Get the latest insights and guidance for financial services professionals straight to your inbox, subscribe here.
Episode 62: Regulatory Update - Consumer Duty; let the rule changes begin
22-08-2024
Episode 62: Regulatory Update - Consumer Duty; let the rule changes begin
David Morrey and Ben Farmer dive into the latest key regulatory update topics, which include: Consumer Duty: discussion of the Consumer Duty one year after its establishment, focusing on the consequential changes and the FCA's call for input on updating the handbook to align with the Consumer Duty principlesHandbook changes: insights into the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) request for firms to identify areas in the handbook that create complexity or confusion, potentially leading to updates in the handbookCommercial insurance: examination of the definition of a consumer in the context of commercial insurance, with a discussion on potential changes to align with the Consumer Duty's scopeDefined contributions pension schemes: a consultation on changing the rules for value for money assessments in defined contributions pension schemes to align with Consumer Duty standardsMotor finance complaints: update on the FCA's review of motor finance complaints, including an extension of the pause on handling complaints and the likelihood of a consumer redress schemeEnforcement Case: a £250 million enforcement case involving H2O Asset Management, focusing on investment due diligence failures and misleading the FCA Get the latest insights and guidance for financial services professionals straight to your inbox, subscribe here.  Do you need guidance on the Consumer Duty? You can get regular updates from our dedicated hub. Visit our Consumer Duty Hub here.