In its latest financial services 40 minute briefing webinar lawyers, compliance and government relations professionals from our financial services group considered market conduct in these uncertain times.

Whilst the FCA has been flexible in its approach so that firms may focus on operational resilience during the pandemic the regulator has made it clear that the obligations arising under the Market Abuse Regulation remain in full force. The FCA’s latest Business Plan reminds firms that the regulator remains vigilant to potential misconduct and is cognisant that there may be some who see these uncertain times as an opportunity for poor behaviour.

Obviously, having staff work at home or from other less secure locations could increase market abuse risks for firms and senior management need to be alive to these. In response to these risks, the FCA has suggested that the steps firms could take include enhanced monitoring or retrospective reviews.

In this briefing we covered:

  • Hot market integrity topics: (i) adverse financial performance and inside information and (ii) the wider impact of market turbulence
  • Proactive compliance: measures that firms can take to reduce the risks of market abuse, especially in the world of remote working
  • Looking ahead: potential implications of Brexit and the MAR review.

Please click on this link and register to access the recording of the May 40 minute briefing.