Financial services regulation in the UK
FSA (Financial services authority) was criticised for the lead up to the credit crunch in 2007 so was disbanded in 2013 and replaced by:
All firms in financial services industry fall under jurisdiction of either
- FCA
PRA regulates firms involved in (3)
If conducting other investment business, should apply to FCA
Prudential supervision =
Monitoring the adequacy of internal systems and controls as well as management and financial resources
Conducting business regulation
Involves overseeing firms’ dealings with investors eg checking all information provided is clear, fair and not misleading
PRA and FCA have both
Criminal and civil powers
PRA and FCA have the power to: (5)
FPC features (4)
FPC key job
Job is to identify emerging problems in financial system and take action to protect wider economy
PRA responsible for
Prudential regulation of individual banks, building societies and insurance companies (note that FCA is also their conduct regulator therefore dual-regulated)
PRA applies
Measures used by FPC at a company level > greater discretion to tackle risks at source
PRA part of
BoE
Chairman and Chief Exec = Governor and Deputy Governor of BoE
FCA took on
Majority of FSA’s roles and functions
FCA areas of responsibility (3)
FCA strategic objective
Ensure relevant markets function well
FCA operation objectives (3)
FCA accountable to who?
- Accountable to Parliament and Treasury
FCA regulates.. (2)
If incidental investment business, can undertake some of regulated activities under supervision by
Designated professional body eg ICAS, ICAEW, Law Society of England and Wales
FCA supervises
Six recognised investment exchanges (RIEs) eg LSE, NEX, ICE Futures Europe, London Metal Exchange
FCA is UK authority for
Admission of securities to the Main Market of LSE.
Reviews and approves all listing particulars, prospectuses and other related documentation
FCA responsibility
Educating consumers about financial services, and plays important role in fighting financial crime and reducing market abuse
Regulation of financial services across Europe is overseen by European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS) (3)
European Systematic Risk Board (ESRB)
Responsible for macro-prudential oversight of the EU financial system. BoE is voting member