Compliance Functions In Corporate Finance Markets

On 8 October 2026, the FCA published the results of a survey assessing corporate finance firms’ compliance functions and their ability to effectively challenge the business. The FCA had previously announced in their March 2026 Regulatory Priorities Wholesale Markets report that they would assess corporate finance firms’ compliance functions.

The FCA surveyed 411 corporate finance firms in relation to their compliance resources and activities and received 382 responses. Although most firms reported carrying out key compliance activities, the findings also show where more needs to be done.

The FCA acknowledge that there is no single blueprint for what effective compliance looks like, finding that firms operated a range of different practices. However, they say the findings underline an overarching principle that compliance cannot be seen as simply a series of tasks, but a culture that senior managers must embed throughout the business.