FCA: Simplifying responsible lending and advice rules for mortgages
FCA has published a letter from Nikhil Rathi to Emma Reynolds. He notes that the regulator is taking steps today, and in the coming weeks, to improve access and flexibility for mortgage borrowers. FCA intends to shortly launch a Call for Evidence on current and alternative approaches to stress testing. Later in the month, FCA will consider how improved smart data sharing can enhance products and services. In May, FCA will consult on making it easier for consumers to remortgage with a new lender, reduce their overall cost of borrowing through term reductions, and discuss their options with a firm outside a regulated advice process. It will also propose to retire guidance where the Consumer Duty now ensures consumers are protected, reducing regulatory burden and complexity. In June, FCA will produce a discussion paper on risk appetite and responsible risk-taking; alternative affordability testing and product innovation; lending into later life; and consumer information needs.
Last updated · 13 Mar 2026
Regulatory News - Banking & Finance
See allPRA: PS10/26: Amendments to Resolution Assessment threshold and Recovery Plans review frequency
Further to CP14/25, this PS provides feedback and final policy. The policy in this PS will take effect on 1 April 2026.
FCA: UK MiFID transparency calculations
FCA has updated its webpage with the latest results of the annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments for the UK.
FCA: Regulatory priorities – mortgages
FCA’s first annual regulatory priorities report for the mortgages sector sets out its priorities for the coming year: improving consumer outcomes under the Mortgage Rule Review; encouraging responsible lending and supporting mortgage borrowers in financial difficulty, and ensuring the quality of advice. The report also notes other areas of focus. FCA has included an indicative timeline for specific workstreams, including details of the Mortgage Rule Review.
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FCA: Second charge mortgages – improving outcomes for consumers
This FCA review has found that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm. Although it found examples of good practice across the sector, the review raised a number of concerns, including: affordability assessments that appeared to overlook key living expenses; advice that steered customers towards debt consolidation when it was not clear if it was appropriate; inadequate record keeping, and unclear fees.
FCA: Regulatory priorities – retail banking
FCA’s first annual regulatory priorities report for the retail banking sector sets out its priorities for the coming year: access to cash and essential banking services; good outcomes from products and services ; fighting fraud and other financial crime; operational resilience and data security. The report also notes other areas of focus. FCA has included an indicative timeline for specific workstreams.
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