Latest by Matthew Watson
Brexit: A blessing or a curse for accountants?
A recent survey has indicated that the accountancy profession is well placed to accommodate the uncertainties surrounding Brexit.
Read moreFinancial Reporting Council considers the test for "misconduct"
A recent Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Tribunal decision provides some welcomed clarity on the distinguishing features of misconduct and negligence for those in the accountancy profession.
Read morePension Transfers – FCA provides an end of year report
As the end of the calendar year approaches the FCA's recent publication indicated that the regulator remains concerned as to the suitability of pension transfer advice. If the FCA's recent review was an end of term school report this would be best summed up as "could do much better".
Read moreScope of duty narrows for accountants
Accountants not liable for transaction losses despite negligent accounting treatment
Read moreUnregulated cryptocurrencies – an end in sight?
Since their creation, cryptocurrencies have been somewhat of an enigma. Decentralised digital currencies such as Bitcoin have remained unregulated, despite becoming more prevalent in our day-to-day lives. That could be about to change with the FCA announcing plans to include them as part of their other regulated products or services.
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Robo-Advice: not so black and white?
The Chairman of the FCA, John Griffith-Jones has provided an insight into the Regulator's concerns that the advent of technological developments has blurred the distinction between when customers are receiving advice or guidance.
Read moreScrapping of secondary annuity markets – a backpedalling on Pension Reforms?
In a further nail in the coffin of the Cameron-Osborne legacy the government announced this week that it would be scrapping one of George Osborne's flagship proposed reforms to the pensions market – a proposed secondary market for annuities.
Read moreIntroducers & Inappropriate Influence
Last week must have been a busy one for those working at the FCA.
Read morePension redress methodology – more changes afoot?
Unsuitable DB pension transfer to personal pension? Advisers have woken up this morning to the Financial Conduct Authority's announcement that next year may see an update to the methodology used to calculate redress due in such situations.
Read morePension freedom advice complaints: Delays and insistent clients cause of concern for the FOS
Following reassuring news about low pension-related complaint numbers, the Financial Ombudsman's latest newsletter has revealed further details of the types of complaints they have received since the sweeping changes to the pension freedom rules in April of last year.
Read moreBlock Notifications and Robo-advice
The recent case of Ocean Finance & Mortgages Ltd v Oval Insurance Broking Ltd provides useful guidance on the often contentious issue of making block notifications to PI insurers.
Read moreFCA – feeling the political heat?
The FCA escaped a vote of "no confidence" during last night's debate in the House of Commons, despite facing a barrage of scathing remarks from MPs.
Read moreFinancial Advice Market Review – Bridging The "Advice Gap"?
HM Treasury have embarked on what they call a "major new review to radically improve access to financial advice".
Read moreA step closer to ring-fencing of banking activities?
The Government has taken some tentative steps towards ensuring ring-fenced banks cannot become liable for the pension schemes of other entities.
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