Financial Services Risk and Regulation Unravelled Podcast

Episode 59: Regulatory update - FCA regulation updates and challenges

The controversy over the FCA’s proposal to name and shame firms under investigation and the political and industry opposition to it, PRA Business Plan and its focus on international policy, growth and AI regulation and the FCA’s finalised guidance on anti-greenwashing are just some of the key topics discussed by David Morrey and Ben Farmer in this episode. Other developments discussed include; FCA’s consultations on extending the sustainability disclosure regime to portfolio managers and FCA’s enforcement action against Link Financial Services for its failures in overseeing the Woodford funds.

Episode 58: Regulatory update – FCA Business Plan

The FCA Business Plan 2024/25 landed slightly earlier than usual, but the content and structure are very similar to last year's plan. There's a continuation of familiar regulatory proprieties, but the growing remit and responsibilities of the FCA are clear. David Morrey and Ben Farmer delve into it, and discuss what it means for businesses in the rest of the year and beyond. Other key topics include the FCA’s enforcement consultation paper, Treasury Select Committee’s Sexism in the City report, social media financial promotions guidance, and more.

Episode 57: Insurance challenges and trends for 2024

The insurance industry is undergoing a transformative journey driven by digital innovation, regulatory scrutiny, and enhanced consumer expectations.

In our latest podcast, Head of Financial Services, Alex Ellerton is joined by Rob Benson, Partner, Head of Insurance, and Stuart Riddell, Director, to explore the key themes for the sector in 2024. The conversation covers Consumer Duty, AI, climate and sustainability, data and governance and mergers and acquisitions.

Episode 56: Banking and capital markets challenges and trends for 2024

Volatile interest rates, AI, and technology, regulation, and macroeconomic uncertainties are just some of the challenges the banking and capital markets will continue to face this year. The sector will need to ensure they have the correct processes, governance, and agility to adapt effectively.

In our latest podcast, Head of Financial Services, Alex Ellerton is joined by Paul Garbutt, Partner, Head of Banking Advisory, and Ed Allen, Managing Director of BRS, to explore the key themes for the sector in 2024.

Episode 55: Regulatory update – FCA feedback on Consumer Duty implementation

The FCA has published an insight setting out examples of good and bad practice that it has observed in firms' implementation of the Consumer Duty.

David Morrey and Ben Farmer discuss the FCA’s thematic feedback on the implementation, highlighting good and bad practices. Other developments discussed include: the FCA’s intervention in the GAP insurance market, the PRA’s sector letters for insurance and banking, and a significant consultation on how the FCA Enforcement approach could change.

Episode 54: Investment management challenges and trends for 2024

The year ahead is set to bring both opportunities and reasons for caution to investment managers, with challenges spanning the uncertain impact of regulatory change, emerging technologies, and the long-running struggle with shrinking margins.

In our latest podcast, Head of Financial Services, Alex Ellerton is joined by David Morrey, Partner, Head of Investment Management, and Jonathan Charles, Director, to explore the key themes for the sector in 2024. The conversation covers Consumer Duty, AI, sustainability, macroeconomic factors, and future proofing.

Episode 53: Regulatory update – PPI with wheels on?

Could the ongoing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into the motor finance industry could be as big as the PPI scandal? David Morrey and Ben Farmer discuss the ongoing motor finance market review and what it could mean for the industry. Other developments discussed include: the overseas fund regime, PRA sector priority letters, an update on the Ringfencing Regime review, a near-record fine from the PRA, Labour’s FS policy, and much more.

Episode 52: Regulatory update – Horizon scanning and regulatory developments

David Morrey and Ben Farmer discuss regulatory topics for 2024 that will have a significant impact on institutions operating in the financial services space. They also touch upon Consumer Duty next steps, operational resilience and expected supervisory activity over the next 12 months. 

Episode 51: COP28 Principles for Responsible Banking

In this episode Irina Velkova welcomes Eric Usher, head of the UNEP Finance Initiative, to discuss its Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB). We also addressed The Paris Agreement, critical agreements for COP28, challenges hindering global efforts to finance sustainable projects, and delivering climate goals. 

Episode 50: COP28 transforming finance

In this episode, Irina Velkova welcomes Niki Mardas, Executive Director of Global Canopy, to discuss nature-positive investments, COP28 notable moments and key takeaways, the State of Finance for Nature report, and TNFD final recommendations for nature-risk management and disclosure.