i-law.com - Newsletter (Compliance Monitor)

Consultation sets out Value for Money DC pension scheme ratings

A consultation has been launched that proposes from 2028 to include performance as a top-line issue in the regulation of Defined Contribution (DC) pension schemes.

Online Published Date: 08 January 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Confiscation order secured against second Currie brother after P2P platform fraud

The FCA has succeeded in obtaining a confiscation order against Andrew Currie, a year after it was granted permission for one against his brother Peter.

Online Published Date: 09 January 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Wealth managers ordered to review complex ETPs as market soars

Firms selling products at the complex end of the exchange traded products (ETPs) market are instructed by the FCA to review their procedures after it found "unclear disclosures" and other issues in an examination of practices by a range of wealth managers of different sizes.

Online Published Date: 12 January 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Oil consultant fined for insider trading on drilling projects

A consultant in the oil and gas industry has been fined £309,843 for insider trading after some of his share trading transactions were reported to the FCA as STORs, (Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports).

Online Published Date: 16 January 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Tribunal backs FCA enforcement against "worst" adviser for British Steel pensions

The Upper Tribunal has confirmed an FCA ban and £2 million fine against a pensions adviser whose misconduct was deemed by the regulator to be "the worst we saw out of all the British Steel Pension Scheme cases".

Online Published Date: 19 January 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

A quarter-century of Compliance

"So long, it's been good to know you." For decades, Compliance Monitor has been examining the eventful evolution of financial regulation in the United Kingdom. In its final issue, long-term contributor Adam Samuel reviews coverage of some of the twists and turns - through mis-selling scandals and redress schemes, the financial crisis, rule-making and deregulation cycles, the often politicised tool of enforcement, Brexit, and the transforming advance of technology.

Online Published Date: 01 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Regulatory easing and the risk of financial misconduct

Financial regulation is inherently reactive and pro-cyclical, with each pivot in political priorities setting the stage for the next cycle. As regulatory easing modifies the decision environment within firms, internal discipline should be seen as more rather than less important, writes Prof Peter Szilagy.

Online Published Date: 01 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

UK and EU crypto regimes: the road ahead in 2026

With Europe's cryptoasset framework now in operation and Britain's under development, differences in structure, territorial scope and regulatory mechanics are likely to shape compliance priorities in the coming months. Steven Lightstone and Hubert de Vauplane set out areas of convergence and divergence, along with preparatory steps for firms.

Online Published Date: 01 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

When Compliance is ignored

The Compliance function runs the gauntlet between ensuring that regulatory conditions are met while engaging constructively with business arms of the firm. But, as a number of enforcement notices bring to light, their voice is frequently sidelined when it counts. Neasa MacErlean explores these dynamics and pitfalls to avoid.

Online Published Date: 02 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Bridging the off-network-messages compliance gap

Despite the misconduct risks of financial services employees using off-network messaging applications for business purposes, research suggests that such communications are commonplace - and that senior staff are frequent offenders. Courtney Andrews and Anneka Randhawa discuss US and UK regulatory approaches along with steps for firms to embed compliance.

Online Published Date: 02 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Stablecoins: no longer the new kid on the block

The rapid growth of stablecoins has attracted significant attention from policymakers and financial regulators worldwide, as reflected in the publication of a recent paper from the International Monetary Fund. Drawing on its findings and associated insights, Martin Dowdall and Daniel Hirschfield explore key features of the stablecoin landscape.

Online Published Date: 02 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

SAR struck: trends in NCA suspicious activity reporting figures

While overall volumes of Suspicious Activity Reports remain unwieldily high, some sectors - including 'professional enablers' - are glaringly underrepresented. Ruth Paley examines the latest data.

Online Published Date: 02 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026

Nationwide fined £44m for weak personal customer controls

Failings in its financial crime defences significantly hindered Nationwide's ability to maintain understanding of and monitor all its current account customers properly. This created a particularly high risk where any customers were using their personal accounts for business activity, reports Denis O'Connor.

Online Published Date: 02 February 2026

Appeared in issue: Vol 38 No 5 - 01 February 2026