In the statement, the FCA emphasises that there is nothing in its rules, including those relating to sustainability, that prevents investment in or finance for defence companies. It explains that its sustainable finance rules, which apply to firms providing financial products and services as well as some listed companies, do not require financial institutions to treat defence companies differently because they are in the defence sector.
The statement also flags that it is up to individual lenders and investors whether they provide the capital defence companies need. The FCA reminds firms that some consumers will also want options to invest in line with their ethical values, so it is important they have the freedom to make choices about where they invest their money.