FCA Sets Out Strategy for 2022-25 and Business Plan for 2022-23

The key commitments set out in the strategy are related to dealing with problem firms, reducing harm from firm failure, reducing and preventing financial crime, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, preparing financial services for the future, and developing regulatory approaches to digital markets. To deliver on the commitments, the business plan sets out the following:

• Build on the regulatory framework by actively monitoring the effective implementation of disclosures by firms and listed companies, working with the government in support of its ambition in green finance, and engaging proactively on the design and governance of transition plans. In 2022, FCA will publish a report covering the recommended disclosures of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
• Work with international regulators and the fintech community to solve global problems through innovation as well as monitor firms and take enforcement action as needed on how they manage the impacts, risks, and opportunities from ESG issues.
• Set rules and standards to ensure greater consistency is applied to firms, firms better understand standards the obligations on them, and harms are properly taken into account. This can be achieved by embedding the new Investment Firms Prudential Regime (IFPR), inputting into developing crypto policies and developing standards for consumer investments firms promoting the need for wind-down plans.
• Develop its approach for effectively supervising the anti-fraud systems and controls of the firms it regulates Continue its work to supervise crypto-assets firms' compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations. FCA will rapidly intervene where firms risk being used as conduits for illegal activity, or where firms pose harm to consumers or market integrity (for example operating without registration, perpetrating fraud or high-risk activities).
• Complete the next phase of Cancellation of Firm Authorization Project. This will allow FCA to automate some of its processes, increasing efficiencies while still providing effective decision-making individuals at the right points.
• Conduct a small number of complex Threshold Conditions test cases to determine whether its aims are supported by current legislation and policy and, where necessary, seek to make changes to support the ambitions. Threshold Conditions are the minimum conditions which a firm is required to satisfy, and continue to satisfy, to be given and retain permissions.

Related Links

• Press Release on Strategy for 2022-25
• Strategy 2022-25 (PDF)
• Business Plan 2022-23 (PDF)

Keywords: Europe, UK, Banking, Securities, Business Plan, IFPR, Climate Change Risk, ESG, Strategic Priorities, AML CFT, Disclosures, Investment Firms, FCA