FCA: CP26/23: Consumer Duty – scope and proportionality
FCA is consulting on changes to its rules and non-Handbook guidance to: remove business with non-UK customers from the Consumer Duty's scope; clarify where the Consumer Duty applies and where it does not; clarify when and how firms can rely on each other when they work together in distribution chains, and explain the interaction between the Consumer Duty and other product governance rules. Responses are required by 18 September 2026. FCA emphasises that the changes are part of its plans to “give wholesale firms the confidence to apply the Duty proportionately”. A blog by Simon Walls has been published alongside the consultation.
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Last updated · 29 Jun 2026
Regulatory News - Financial Services & Regulation
See all Regulatory News - Financial Services & RegulationFCA: CP26/30: Supporting equity market transparency and considering market structure developments/ CP26/31: Policy Statement for the framework for a UK equity consolidated tape and next steps for delivery
CP26/30 builds on Chapter 4 of CP25/20 and proposes targeted changes intended to reinforce transparency and market functioning, which recognise the growth of bilateral trading and support the establishment of a consolidated tape. CP26/31 contains final rules on the framework for a UK equity consolidated tape and the next steps for its delivery, including proposals on further aspects of how the equity consolidated tape will work. Responses are required by 16 October 2026.
FCA: Market activity reporter for shares
FCA has launched a market activity reporter for shares which provides visibility of overall UK equity market activity each day. A user guide and methodology document have been published and may be accessed via the following link.
FCA: Handbook Notice 143
The Handbook Notice sets out changes to the Handbook and other material as made by the FCA Board on 25 June 2026 and 30 July 2026.
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PSR: CP26/2 Specific Direction 17 (Confirmation of Payee) – removing the expiry date and expanding the scope of directed firms
Specific Direction 17 is due to expire on 1 November 2026. PSR is consulting on proposals to remove the expiry date and views on whether it would be appropriate to expand its scope to place all payment service providers) currently offering confirmation of payee on equal regulatory footing, including those that offer it on a voluntary basis. Responses are required by 20 August 2026.
FCA: Regional financial development and growth in the UK
FCA has now published two independent research reports. The first report analyses bank lending to SMEs, branch density, stock market listings and fintech across UK International Territorial Level 2 regions from 2009 to 2023,. The second report considers what channels FS hubs contribute to UK GDP growth (including the relative contribution of London versus regional hubs), and whether regional FS hubs generate distinct growth benefits compared with additional growth in London.
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- https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/external-research/regional-financial-development-and-growth-uk
- https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/external-research/regional-financial-development-growth-uk.pdf
- https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/external-research/role-played-financial-services-clusters-centres-local-city-regional-growth.pdf