On 24 April 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued Handbook Notice 140.

This Handbook Notice describes the changes to the FCA Handbook and other material made by the FCA Board and the Executive Regulation and Policy Committee under their legislative statutory powers on 26 March and 22 April 2026.

The changes relate to:

  • Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) (Management Expenses Levy Limit 2026/2027) Instrument 2026: This instrument makes changes to the table in FEES 6 Annex 1R to add the figure for the 2026/27 management expenses levy limit. This figure represents the limit on management expenses to which the FSCS will be subject for the 2026/27 financial year.
  • Short Selling Rules Sourcebook Instrument 2026: This instrument creates new FCA rules on short selling which replace the assimilated EU Regulation on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps (Regulation (EU) No 236/2012), as well as related delegated regulation, technical standards, and guidance. Alongside the Short Selling Regulations 2025, these changes establish a new UK framework for the regulation of short selling.
  • Individual Accountability (SMCR Review) Instrument 2026: This instrument implements the first phase of reforms to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), aimed at making the regime more efficient and proportionate while maintaining strong individual accountability, including to: (1) improve the operation of the 12-week rule, (2) streamline the Senior Management Function (SMF) approval process (including related process and communications changes); (3) extend the validity period for criminal record checks supporting SMF applications; (4) allow longer to notify updates to Statements of Responsibilities (SoRs) and to update certain Directory information; (5) remove duplication in certification roles and provides guidance to support firms’ annual certification processes; (6) provide further guidance on the scope and allocation of certain SMF/ Prescribed Responsibilities and on the application and reporting of the Conduct Rules; (7) update guidance on the period covered by regulatory references on request; (8) raise the thresholds for firms to be classified as Enhanced SMCR; and, (8) makes technical Handbook amendments to align with aspects of the Prudential Regulation Authority’s proposals.
  • Motor Finance Commission Consumer Redress Scheme (2014-2024) Instrument 2026 and Motor Finance Commission Consumer Redress Scheme (2007-2014) Instrument 2026: These instruments make changes in response to the motor finance redress scheme consultation where most agreed that an industry-wide scheme, free for consumers to use, would be the best, most efficient way to compensate consumers, while ensuring a well-functioning market.
  • UK Listing Rules (Miscellaneous Amendments) Instrument 2026, UK Listing Rules (Admission to Listing: Processes and Procedures) Instrument 2026 and UK Listing Rules (Amendment) Instrument 2026: These instruments make minor changes to simplify or clarify listing requirements, and are also intended to remove unnecessary regulatory burden and associated complexity for issuers.