FCA Regulatory Sandbox Open for Applications to Cohort 6
FCA announced that it is accepting applications from firms for Cohort 6 of its regulatory sandbox until December 31, 2019. The sandbox is open to authorized firms, unauthorized firms that require authorization, and technology businesses that are looking to deliver innovation in the UK financial services market. FCA has identified two technology areas where it would like to see more innovation and testing. Thus, it is welcoming applications from firms using federated learning and traveling algorithms as well as complex scenario modeling and simulation.
The regulatory sandbox allows businesses to test innovative propositions in the market, with real consumers. FCA has specified the eligibility criteria for application and is particularly interested in receiving applications from firms with the following propositions:
- Make finance work for everyone by addressing issues around access, exclusion, and vulnerability
- Support the UK in the move to a greener economy by responding to the challenges posed by climate change
- Use technology to overcome regulatory challenges by helping regulated firms comply with their obligations
To apply for cohort 6 of the sandbox, firms should review the eligibility criteria and submit the completed application form. The sandbox seeks to provide firms with the ability to test products and services in a controlled environment, reduced time-to-market at potentially lower cost, support in identifying appropriate consumer protection safeguards to build into new products and services, and better access to finance. The sandbox provides access to regulatory expertise and a set of tools to facilitate testing. The tools include restricted authorization, individual guidance, informal steers, waivers and no enforcement action letters. FCA closely oversees the development and implementation of tests. Sandbox tests are expected to have a clear objective and to be conducted on a small scale. Firms will test their innovation for limited duration with a limited number of customers.
Related Links
Keywords: Europe, UK, Banking, Insurance, Securities, Fintech, Regtech, Regulatory Sandbox, Climate Change, Scenario Change, Scenario Modeling, Cohort 6, FCA
Previous Article
European Council Agrees Stance on EU Framework for Covered BondsRelated Articles
BIS and Central Banks Experiment with GenAI to Assess Climate Risks
A recent report from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub details Project Gaia, a collaboration between the BIS Innovation Hub Eurosystem Center and certain central banks in Europe
Nearly 25% G-SIBs Commit to Adopting TNFD Nature-Related Disclosures
Nature-related risks are increasing in severity and frequency, affecting businesses, capital providers, financial systems, and economies.
Singapore to Mandate Climate Disclosures from FY2025
Singapore recently took a significant step toward turning climate ambition into action, with the introduction of mandatory climate-related disclosures for listed and large non-listed companies
SEC Finalizes Climate-Related Disclosures Rule
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has finalized the long-awaited rule that mandates climate-related disclosures for domestic and foreign publicly listed companies in the U.S.
EBA Proposes Standards Related to Standardized Credit Risk Approach
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has been taking significant steps toward implementing the Basel III framework and strengthening the regulatory framework for credit institutions in the EU
US Regulators Release Stress Test Scenarios for Banks
The U.S. regulators recently released baseline and severely adverse scenarios, along with other details, for stress testing the banks in 2024. The relevant U.S. banking regulators are the Federal Reserve Bank (FED), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Asian Governments Aim for Interoperability in AI Governance Frameworks
The regulatory landscape for artificial intelligence (AI), including the generative kind, is evolving rapidly, with governments and regulators aiming to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this transformative technology.
EBA Proposes Operational Risk Standards Under Final Basel III Package
The European Union (EU) has been working on the final elements of Basel III standards, with endorsement of the Banking Package and the publication of the European Banking Authority (EBA) roadmap on Basel III implementation in December 2023.
EFRAG Proposes XBRL Taxonomy and Standard for Listed SMEs Under ESRS
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), which plays a crucial role in shaping corporate reporting standards in European Union (EU), is seeking comments, until May 21, 2024, on the Exposure Draft ESRS for listed SMEs.
ECB to Expand Climate Change Work in 2024-2025
Banking regulators worldwide are increasingly focusing on addressing, monitoring, and supervising the institutions' exposure to climate and environmental risks.