'Elephant in the jungle': FCA chief addresses Consumer Duty worries

Regulator has overcome ‘biggest stumbling blocks’ in rule implementation

Julia Bahr
clock • 3 min read

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) chief executive Nikhil Rathi addressed concerns around the incoming Consumer Duty in a speech at the UK Finance Annual Dinner yesterday (16 November), stating it was the "elephant in the jungle" that needed to be tackled.

He said the regulator's role was to seize opportunities whilst navigating the rules of sometimes dangerous terrain. "Or as one commentator wrote recently, the jungle." In his view, the ‘Consumer Duty elephant' in this jungle had to be addressed. He pointed out that the FCA had overcome the ‘biggest stumbling blocks' in the design and implementation of the new rules. Rathi said: "We know that you have concerns about the Consumer Duty. How do we measure it? How could we quantify it? How do we monitor it? "Parliament debated and explicitly mandated the Consumer Duty due to falling pub...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Regulation

Shabana Mahmood predicted to succeed Rachel Reeves as chancellor

Shabana Mahmood predicted to succeed Rachel Reeves as chancellor

Andy Burnham to announce 20 July

Cristian Angeloni
clock 16 July 2026 • 1 min read
Regulators launch consultation for UK captive insurance

Regulators launch consultation for UK captive insurance

“This consultation marks the starter's gun”

Cameron Roberts
clock 15 July 2026 • 2 min read
UK Government launches action plan to support unpaid carers

UK Government launches action plan to support unpaid carers

Helping unpaid carers remain in work or education

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 July 2026 • 5 min read