In this podcast episode, Simon Lovegrove is joined by Peter McBurney, a consultant and Professor of Computer Science, and Matthew Gregory, Matthew Gregory, a partner in our London financial services team, to examine the FCA’s Emerging Technology Horizon Scan 2026 — the regulator’s first external publication of its kind. The report explores how converging technologies are reshaping financial services, structured around three scenarios: Personalised Intelligence, Synthetic Insecurity and Programmable Finance.
The FCA’s paper is an ideal document for financial institutions to review as part of a strategy day, given that it provides a structured framework for thinking about plausible futures and their implications for product design, compliance, market structure and competitive positioning. Our financial services team regularly supports boards and senior leaders in financial services firms in the facilitation of strategic planning and structuring, and in the evaluation of legal and regulatory risks. A structured series of sessions exploring the risks and opportunities described in the FCA’s Emerging Technology Horizon Scan could assist firms during an away day by facilitating discussion around the legal, regulatory and operational considerations, helping institutions translate the FCA’s foresight analysis into actionable strategic and compliance priorities.
Listen to the episode here.


