Background
On 29 January 2026, the FCA published its interim findings (MS24/1.4) on its market study into the distribution of pure protection products to individual retail customers (the Interim Report). The Interim Report focuses on issues identified across the following areas in respect of critical illness, term assurance, whole of life insurance
On 20 January 2026, the House of Commons Treasury Committee (Committee) published a report on artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services.
Background
On 3 February 2025, the Committee launched an inquiry to examine the opportunities and risks posed by AI for the UK financial services sector. In response to its call
On 8 January 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published webpages setting out further information in relation to its proposed approach to the new regulatory regime for Cryptoassets.
Background
In October 2023, HM Treasury (HMT) published proposals for the creation of a regulatory regime for cryptoassets and, in December 2025, the government
On 6 January 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its third report on marketing requirements and marketing communications under the Regulation on cross-border distribution of funds (Regulation (EU) 2019/ 1156, the Regulation).
Background
The Regulation provides that, by 30 June 2021 and every second year after this, ESMA shall
On 2 January 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published an explanatory statement under Article 28a(9) of the UK Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation
(600/2014) (UK MiFIR) relating to the FCA’s Direction on the Derivatives Trading Obligation (DTO).
Background
On 31 December 2024, the FCA issued a new Direction