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DB transfers – further findings from the FCA's supervisory review

Published on 08 Jun 2020. By Rachael Healey, Partner

The FCA produced four documents on Friday addressing defined benefit pension transfers – an update on their supervisory work, a guidance consultation setting out examples of good and bad practice, an "advice checker" for consumers (including helping them consider if they should make a complaint) and a policy statement setting out changes to the defined benefit pension transfer rules which are to largely come into force from 1 October 2020. All are essential reading for an area the FCA continues to fixate on and where it has focussed since the April 2015 pension freedoms.

COVID-19: The Dairy Sector and Welsh health services granted temporary UK competition law exemptions and the European Commission issues first 'Comfort Letter' to Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

Published on 01 Jun 2020. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

The UK Government has granted a temporary competition law exemption for certain collaboration within the dairy sector and Welsh health services and the European Commission has published its first 'comfort letter' to allow co-operation to ensure supplies of medicines for COVID-19 patients.

Update on the FCA's review of Defined Benefit transfer advice

Published on 21 May 2020. By Zoe Melegari, Associate

The FCA has been looking to improve the quality of pension transfer advice for some time now. However, despite the crackdown on defined benefit transfers being announced as a strategic priority earlier this year, it appears that factors, such as Covid-19 have put the FCA's investigations into advice suitability on the back foot – for now, at least.

Adams v Carey – the judgment – over 2 years in the making, where does it leave the SIPP market

Published on 19 May 2020. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate and David Allinson, Partner and Rachael Healey, Partner

More than two years since the trial in March 2018, the High Court has dismissed the claim against Carey Pensions on all counts. The landmark case is sure to have far reaching ramifications for the SIPP industry and beyond.

FOS complaints and hindsight – categorical statement from the Chief Ombudsman

Published on 11 May 2020. By Rachael Healey, Partner

The FCA has been producing a range of temporary measures with the aim of ensuring that firms can work at pace during the pandemic for the benefit of customers. However, where procedures are bypassed or corners cut what will FOS do in response? The response from FOS to that questions raises another – the use of hindsight when coming to its decisions.

Regulated Activities Order amendments for the new Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Published on 05 May 2020.

On 1 May 2020, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Order 2020 was published and came into force on 4 May 2020.

Regulatory Roundup Q1 2020

Published on 30 Apr 2020. By Gavin Reese, Partner

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Regulatory Roundup, which aims to pull together the key developments across regulatory regimes – and help you to navigate the maze.

COVID-19: What is the CMA's current approach to UK merger assessment?

Published on 29 Apr 2020. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

The CMA has been adapting its working practices to react to the ongoing challenges of a change in working environment that has an impact on almost all businesses.

The Financial Ombudsman Service's response to COVID-19

Published on 23 Apr 2020. By George Smith, Partner and Laura Sponti, Associate

A few weeks ago, the FOS announced it was closing its office in response to government guidance but was continuing to receive and respond to complaints both old and new. The FOS' latest newsletter offers useful further insight into the FOS' response to the current crisis.

SM&CR temporary arrangements extended to 9 months for FCA solo-regulated firms

Published on 07 Apr 2020. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner

As well as giving general guidance on its expectations on how solo-regulated firms should be complying with SM&CR during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCA has announced that it will permit unapproved individuals to cover for Senior Managers for up to 36 weeks. In a separate joint statement, the FCA and PRA confirmed that this rule change will not apply to dual-regulated firms but that the position is under review.

COVID-19: Coronavirus and Competition Law - The Current Enforcement Scene

Published on 06 Apr 2020. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

FCA's expectations of insurance firms

Published on 02 Apr 2020. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner

Over the last couple of weeks, the FCA has been publishing information and guidance for firms in relation to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to its general update on COVID-19, the FCA has set out specific expectations of insurance firms.

Back to Brexit – House of Lords EU Financial Affairs Committee recommendations on financial services after Brexit

Published on 01 Apr 2020. By Lucy Kerr, Senior Associate

The House of Lords EU Financial Affairs Committee has published recommendations on the financial services industry post-Brexit. The Committee recognised that this may not be a government priority due to COVID19, but EU negotiations and the future of the UK's financial services industry will be important issues in future months.

COVID-19: CMA provides guidance to business on its approach to co-operation in response to the pandemic

Published on 01 Apr 2020. By Melanie Musgrave, Of Counsel

Businesses, which do not benefit from the specific competition law exemptions granted by the Secretary of State (in the groceries, Solent Ferries and healthcare services sectors), may co-operate without fear of enforcement action by the Competition and Markets Authority (the "CMA"), provided that this co-operation is undertaken "solely to address concerns arising from the current crisis and does not go further or last longer than what is necessary".

COVID-19: key financial workers

Published on 31 Mar 2020.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released guidance on steps financial services firms should take to help identify 'key workers'.

COVID-19 forces POS and FOS office closures – what does it mean for complaints?

Published on 30 Mar 2020. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The COVID-19 outbreak (and the subsequent UK lockdown) continues to impact our daily lives and it seems the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and The Pensions Ombudsman (POS) are not immune. With office closures announced, we look at the impact this will have on outstanding complaints and those yet to be made.

New FCA signposting travel insurance rules

Published on 27 Mar 2020. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate

Earlier this month the FCA published a policy statement detailing new requirements aimed at helping consumers with pre-existing medical conditions (PEMCs) obtain travel insurance. The new requirements demonstrate the FCA's continuing focus on improving the treatment and protection of vulnerable consumers accessing insurance and other forms of financial services.

Key regulatory guidance following COVID-19 pandemic

Published on 27 Mar 2020. By Gavin Reese, Partner

As the world tackles the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s Regulators have published a host of useful guidance that firms should take good note of during this period of uncertainty. While not an exhaustive list, we hope this summary highlights the key obligations and requirements currently being brought in by the Regulators.

Regulatory update - March 2020

Published on 27 Mar 2020. By Gavin Reese, Partner

Welcome to the March edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

COVID-19 – FCA's update for consumers

Published on 26 Mar 2020.

In the current unsettling time, in addition to publishing guidance for firms, the FCA is keen to maintain contact with consumers. The FCA wants to ensure consumers are being protected and therefore, is providing regular advice on the steps that consumers can take to stay aware of any potential impact on their finances.

COVID-19: FCA's update for firms

Published on 23 Mar 2020. By Jonathan Charwat, Partner

The FCA's website may not be your first port of call to keep up-to-date on the COVID-19/coronavirus situation here in the UK, but it should be on your list. Why?, you may ask!

FOS warns consumers to ensure insurance applications correct

Published on 23 Mar 2020. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has warned consumers of the risks in providing incorrect details in relation to insurance policies in a new insight report. The risks include policies being avoided due to misrepresentation or material non-disclosure or potentially facing a significant shortfall due to underinsurance.

The FCA's key concerns for the pensions market in 2020

Published on 09 Mar 2020. By Zoe Melegari, Associate

In its Sector Views published on 18 February 2020, the FCA has announced its strategic priorities for the pensions sector for this coming year. Key issues include transfer advice, which continues to be a supervision priority, and poor value products that lead to lower living standards in retirement.

Happy Birthday to the SIPP

Published on 06 Mar 2020.

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the first self invested personal pension (SIPP).

Defined Benefit pension transfers and SIPP FOS complaints on the rise

Published on 26 Feb 2020.

Official FOS figures from the end of 2019 show Defined Benefit pension transfers and SIPP complaints are on the rise although the percentage of these complaints upheld has dropped. How will the FOS respond in an area where we have seen a heavy CMC presence?

Regulatory update - February 2020

Published on 13 Feb 2020.

Welcome to the February edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

Regulatory update - January 2020

Published on 15 Jan 2020.

Welcome to the January edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

A new issue for SIPP providers?

Published on 14 Jan 2020. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate and Rachael Healey, Partner

Self invested personal pension providers are facing a new type of complaint brought in relation to investments made via investment managers – is this a potential area of risk for SIPPs or is this taking their obligations one step too far?

FCA sees SM&CR as catalyst and opportunity to transform culture in financial services

Published on 09 Jan 2020. By Lauren Murphy, Senior Associate and Jonathan Charwat, Partner

Its recent 'Dear CEO' letter, the FCA sets out its expectations on firms and Senior Managers in tackling non-financial misconduct. For some time the FCA has emphasised the importance of culture at firms causing financial conduct issues. In this recent letter, the FCA makes clear that non-financial misconduct will be a key focus for its supervision of firms and senior managers.

Regulatory update - December 2019

Published on 11 Dec 2019.

Welcome to the December edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

Bossing the rules

Published on 03 Dec 2019. By Aimee Talbot, Knowledge Lawyer

Watch out for RPC's new blog mini-series on the SRA Standards and Regulations 2019.

Regulatory update - November 2019

Published on 11 Nov 2019.

Welcome to the November edition of our monthly Regulatory Update, which aims to pull together key developments from the past month across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

Emerging Risks: crypto-assets under international and domestic regulatory scrutiny

Published on 30 Oct 2019. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The latest in our emerging risks series of blogs discusses the long-running saga of cryptocurrency regulation. At an international level, the Financial Stability Board has been looking at the regulation of stablecoin. On the domestic front, the Financial Conduct Authority has published a consultation paper regarding the recovery of their costs for supervising cryptoasset businesses.

Actuarial monitoring scheme announced

Published on 16 Oct 2019. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate and George Smith, Partner

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) has launched a new monitoring scheme, designed to improve the effectiveness of actuarial regulation, as well as make wide-spread improvements across the profession. The Actuarial Monitoring Scheme was created following a consultation by the IFoA.

Regulatory update - October 2019

Published on 10 Oct 2019. By Gavin Reese, Partner

Welcome to the October edition of our monthly Regulatory update, which aims to pull together key developments from across the various UK regulators – and help you to navigate the regulatory maze.

Abridged Advice and Workplace Pension Schemes - digging deeper into the FCA's Latest Pension Transfer Consultation Paper

Published on 15 Aug 2019. By Anthony Cutler, Associate

Now that the dust has settled on the FCA's latest Consultation Paper on Pension Transfers (CP19/25), is there more to the regulator's proposals than first met the eye?

Abridged Advice and Workplace Pension Schemes - digging deeper into the FCA's Latest Pension Transfer Consultation Paper

Published on 15 Aug 2019. By Anthony Cutler, Associate

Now that the dust has settled on the FCA's latest Consultation Paper on Pension Transfers (CP19/25), is there more to the regulator's proposals than first met the eye?

The Senior Managers and Certification regime: The Final Countdown

Published on 08 Aug 2019. By Lucy Kerr, Senior Associate

With only a few months to go until the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) is extended to apply to all sole-regulated firms, the FCA has released further near-final rules and produced a report on its findings as to how firms in the banking sector have embedded the regime since March 2016.

Court of Appeal guidance on liability of financial advice networks for appointed representatives

Published on 31 Jul 2019. By George Smith, Partner

In what circumstances is a financial advice network liable for the acts and omissions of its appointed representatives (ARs)? The Court of Appeal has today provided valuable guidance for those operating this business model. The decision will be welcomed by financial advice networks in confirming, in particular, that they are able to place restrictions on the business of ARs for which they have accepted responsibility.

Trends in FCA Enforcement: the Enforcement Annual Performance Report for 2018/2019

Published on 22 Jul 2019. By Lucy Kerr, Senior Associate

FCA announces new rules on peer-to-peer lending

Published on 08 Jul 2019. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The FCA has published its policy statement on peer-to-peer (P2P) lending following a lengthy public consultation into the crowdfunding industry in general. The policy statement introduces a large number of new rules for P2P platforms and includes restrictions on direct marketing to non-sophisticated / high net worth investors unless they are receiving regulated advice, and ensuring such investors do not place more than 10% of their investable capital in P2P platforms.

Brexit: A blessing or a curse for accountants?

Published on 08 Jul 2019. By Matthew Watson, Partner

A recent survey has indicated that the accountancy profession is well placed to accommodate the uncertainties surrounding Brexit.

New pension transfer data – FCA's concerns remain

Published on 20 Jun 2019. By David Allinson, Partner

The FCA has published the results of data received from firms carrying out DB transfers and set out the next steps in its supervisory work.

FCA and PRA jointly fine bank for repeated outsourcing failings

Published on 12 Jun 2019. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

R. Raphael & Sons PLC (Raphaels), one of the UK's oldest lenders, has been criticised and fined jointly by the FCA and PRA after it was found that the bank had failed to manage its outsourcing arrangements properly.

Financial Reporting Council considers the test for "misconduct"

Published on 20 May 2019. By Robert Morris, Partner and Matthew Watson, Partner

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.

All bets are off for binary options

Published on 04 Apr 2019. By Lucy Kerr, Senior Associate

Following consultation, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced on 29 March 2019 that, as of 2 April 2019, the sale, marketing and distribution of binary options (including securitised binary options) to retail consumers will be prohibited indefinitely.

Seeking the "right regulation" of digital services: Lords' Communications Committee articulates its vision

Published on 11 Mar 2019.

In 2018, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, told the US Senate Judiciary Committee that the question was no longer whether there should be regulation of the internet, but what is the right regulation.

FCA promises "greater clarity" over Crypto regulation

Published on 31 Jan 2019. By Ash Daniells, Senior Associate

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made further progress in relation to the regulation of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, in an attempt to tackle the growing market. The aim of regulation will be to provide greater clarity to both the industry and consumers.

Trainees took on 2018: did we predict the unpredictable?

Published on 16 Jan 2019.

2018 certainly will not be forgotten in a hurry, and what a year it was. Brexit negotiations dominated headlines, Theresa May's 'Dancing Queen' routine went viral, and England made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup! No, we didn't predict that either.

Addo - Disclosure against HMRC in tax appeals

Published on 20 Dec 2018.

In Addo v HMRC [2018] UKFTT 530 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) considered the principles governing disclosure in the context of appeals before the FTT. This blog is based on an article which was first published in Tax Journal on 22 November 2018. RPC acted for the taxpayer in this case.