In July 2022, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published
its final rules and policy statement, 'PS22/9: A new Consumer Duty'. The
Consumer Duty sets higher and clearer standards of care that firms
must provide to retail customers.
The Consumer Duty forms part of the FCA's
transformation to become a more innovative, assertive and data-led
regulator, and is a key part of the FCA's new three-year
strategy to improve outcomes for consumers and in markets
throughout the UK. The FCA has confirmed it is embedding
the Consumer Duty into its approach for authorisation, supervision
and enforcement.
This article gives an overview of the key new requirements - and
practical considerations - for boards and senior managers when
preparing for, and implementing and embedding, the new Consumer
Duty into their firms' strategies, governance, leadership and
people policies.