'Watershed moment for financial services': FCA unveils final Consumer Duty rules to improve customer outcomes

'Huge undertaking'

Julia Bahr
clock • 3 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published final guidance for firms to implement its new Consumer Duty rules, which the regulator says will lead to a "major shift in financial services".

The new rules, which come into effect on 31 July 2023 for new and existing products and services currently on sale, will improve how firms serve consumers by requiring them to act to deliver better outcomes, the watchdog said. Consumer Duty includes a new Consumer Principle that requires firms 'to act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers' and cross‑cutting rules providing greater clarity on the regulator's expectations under the new principle.  The regulator has also provided rules and guidance setting more detailed expectations for firm conduct in four areas that represent k...

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

PMI sees highest new complaints for protection: FOS

PMI sees highest new complaints for protection: FOS

Q3 2025/26

Jaskeet Briah
clock 05 February 2026 • 2 min read
The perils of misreading the regulator

The perils of misreading the regulator

Loaded premiums and MS24/1

Tony Müdd
clock 03 February 2026 • 4 min read
The COVER Review: FCA Pure Protection Market Study

The COVER Review: FCA Pure Protection Market Study

Week commencing 26 January 2026

COVER
clock 30 January 2026 • 1 min read