In this episode, we unpack the FCA’s latest reflections on year two Consumer Duty Board Reports and what boards should be focusing on as the third reporting cycle approaches. We discuss where firms are making progress, common weaknesses still being flagged by the regulator, and what good, outcome‑focused reporting really looks like in practice. We also touch on the ongoing scrutiny around financial promotions, recent updates on risk warnings, and other regulatory developments firms should have on their radar as they plan ahead for the year.

Vicky Pearce and Rachel MacRae unpack the FCA’s latest operational resilience observations, from mapping and testing to embedding resilience into wider risk frameworks and board decision-making. They also look at what recent cloud outages, cyber incidents and third-party risks mean for firms now, plus a quick update on the FSCS MELL for 2026-27.

This week on Beyond the Buzz, Vicky and Rachel break down two major FCA consultations shaping the future of advice. From a more proportionate approach to suitability and flexible ongoing reviews, to proposed fee changes and new operational guidance, they explore what these updates mean in practice. Plus, a look at targeted support and the latest scrutiny around the British Steel Pension Scheme .

In this episode of Beyond the Buzz, Vicky and Rachel break down key FCA and FOS updates, including proposed complaints handling reforms, new expectations on proactive consumer redress, and upcoming changes to incident and third-party reporting.

The focus is clear: earlier action, stronger governance, and more consistent, transparent processes.

In this episode, Vicky and Rachel explore the FCA’s latest priorities across pensions and mortgages, focusing on value for money, consumer support, innovation, and the continued central role of Consumer Duty. They then unpack the regulator’s findings on consumer understanding, highlighting the need for evidence-based communication, effective testing, and stronger governance rather than assumptions.

The discussion also covers higher-risk areas, including second charge mortgages and the importance of clear advice, affordability assessments, and record-keeping. Finally, they examine the fine line between helping clients understand past advice and straying into regulated complaints activity, emphasising the need for clear internal boundaries, consistency, and strong controls across firms.

In this episode, Rachel and Vicky unpack key regulatory developments for advisers and wealth managers, including the FCA’s consumer investment priorities and expectations around communication, governance, Consumer Duty and financial crime controls. They also cover updates from Quarterly Consultation Paper No. 51, including CCR009 reporting and changes to the authorisation process. Finally, they explore the targeted support gateway and key Spring Statement messages on inheritance tax, highlighting what firms should consider when reviewing compliance frameworks, reporting and client communications.

In this episode, Rachel MacRae and Vicky Pearce break down key takeaways from the FCA’s Raising Standards seminar, including increased engagement with compliance consultants and a shift toward publishing good and poor practice examples. They cover upcoming changes such as the CCR009 return, the Credit Information Market Study, and new sector-based Regulatory Priorities reports, with a focus on insurance and Consumer Duty. The episode also touches on SDR fund labelling and the importance of reviewing disclosures, before closing with a look at industry views on compliance and what firms want from their compliance partners.

In this episode of the B-Compliant Podcast, Rachel MacRae and Vicky Pearce unpack a series of recent regulatory and supervisory developments, using only the FCA, HM Treasury, Upper Tribunal and FOS updates provided. They explore the FCA’s shift towards an outcomes-based approach under Consumer Duty, HM Treasury’s proposed reforms to the Appointed Representatives regime, and a significant Upper Tribunal decision upholding FCA bans and penalties over unsuitable pension investments. They also discuss the Financial Ombudsman Service’s warning about increasingly sophisticated financial scams and what this means for advisers. The conversation remains professional yet lightly sarcastic, highlighting the practical implications for firms seeking to evidence good consumer outcomes, maintain robust governance and protect clients in a fast-evolving risk landscape.