FCA moves to force firms to 'comply or explain' diversity targets

Regulator proposes new diversity disclosure requirements

clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed new rules forcing listed companies to disclose diversity information about boards and executive teams, including the introduction of “comply or explain statements” on progress in achieving gender and ethnic minority representation targets.

In a consultation on changes to its listing rules published today (28 July), the FCA proposed the introduction of annual publications to ensure any existing disclosure on diversity policies addresses key board committees and also considers broader aspects of diversity. This could include considerations of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, lower socio-economic background and other diversity characteristics. Earlier in July, the FCA, the PRA and Bank of England issued a joint discussion paper exploring how they can improve diversity and inclusion in the financial services secto...

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

John Healey's first Autumn Budget set for 28 October

John Healey's first Autumn Budget set for 28 October

Government looks to "kickstart growth in every postcode"

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 August 2026 • 2 min read
Just 12 firms recieved FCA bereavement survey: Professional Adviser

Just 12 firms recieved FCA bereavement survey: Professional Adviser

Covers advisers, platforms and wealth managers

Sophia Panayi
clock 30 July 2026 • 3 min read
FCA's Consumer Duty review finds weak focus on customer outcomes

FCA's Consumer Duty review finds weak focus on customer outcomes

Review into firms’ outcomes monitoring

Sophia Panayi
clock 27 July 2026 • 2 min read