On 14 January 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England and Prudential Regulation Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Supervisory Authorities to enhance cooperation and oversight of critical third parties (CTPs) that fall under the UK’s CTP regime. The MoU establishes a framework for coordinating and
FCA CP26/3: Retail Banking Business Models data
By Simon Lovegrove (UK) on
On 14 January 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published Consultation Paper 26/3: Retail Banking Business Models data (CP26/3).
Proposals
In CP26/3 there are proposals to require certain retail banks and building societies to send to the FCA an annual regulatory reporting return with information on their business models. This will…
SAMA introduces fees guide for financial institutions’ services
By Ratul Roshan & Karl Masi on
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has introduced the new “Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services”, set to replace the current Banking Tariff.
This initiative reinforces SAMA’s commitment to customer protection, transparency, and financial inclusion. The new Guide aims to ensure fair and reasonable fees, improve disclosure standards, and support digital transformation by…
SAMA issues updated finance companies regulation
By Ratul Roshan & Hasanali Pirbhai on
- Clear requirements for all financing activities.
- Updated aggregate finance limits and bank guarantees for licensing.
A Historic Milestone – Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Opens to All Foreign Investors
By Ratul Roshan & Matthew Shanahan on
- Eliminates the concept of the Qualified
UAE SCA Renamed CMA, and Other Landmark Legislations
By Ratul Roshan & Karl Masi on
On 1 January 2026, Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2025 and Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2025 took effect which establish the regulatory framework for the capital markets sector and the Capital Market Authority (CMA) in the UAE.
This step is part of the UAE’s ongoing programme to modernize the sector’s legislative and…
ESMA updates Data Strategy and adopts new Digital Strategy
By Simon Lovegrove (UK) & Selma Jonker on
On 13 January 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) announced that it had adopted a new Digital Strategy and updated its Data Strategy.
Data Strategy
The Data Strategy 2023–2028 has been updated to reflect the focus on burden reduction, the evolving technological landscape, and ESMA’s desire for unlocking efficiency opportunities. While…
G7 CEG quantum roadmap
By Simon Lovegrove (UK) on
On 13 January 2026, the G7 Cyber Expert Group (G7 CEG) issued a statement on advancing a coordinated roadmap for the transition to post-quantum cryptography in the financial sector. The statement follows an earlier statement that the G7 CEG issued in September 2024 which highlighted the benefits and risks associated with quantum computing.…
Dutch proposal to narrow the bonus cap
By Nikolai de Koning & Selma Jonker on
- Scope: the rules apply to all financial firms,
- Application: the rules cover
PRA CP1/26 / FCA CP26/2 – FSCS: MELL 2026/27
On 13 January 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority issued a joint consultation paper (PRA CP1/26, FCA CP26/2) setting out the proposal for the Management Expenses Levy Limit (MELL) for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for 2026/27. The MELL covers the FSCS’ costs of operating the UK’s…