FCA warns ARs should not be seen as easy route into regulation

Principals have ended relationships with over 1300 ARs

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned that becoming an appointed representative (AR) should not be viewed as an easy route into the regulatory perimeter.

In the regulator's latest update on its AR regime, published yesterday (28 September), the FCA detailed that it has often seen principal firms submitting applications without declaring their full regulatory history. Specifically, there has been frequent examples among "outlier firms with weak AR recruitment arrangements", the FCA noted, although its data suggests most firms do some checks. Issues that have been encountered with these outlier firms include applications being ‘partially' or ‘inadequately' completed, with references either not being asked for or not checked, and overlook...

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

ABI launches economic and domestic abuse support guides

ABI launches economic and domestic abuse support guides

Partnership with Surviving Economic Abuse

Jaskeet Briah
clock 09 September 2026 • 4 min read
Chancellor pledges growth in every postcode but avoids tax questions

Chancellor pledges growth in every postcode but avoids tax questions

Healey's first major speech as chancellor

Jack Roach
clock 07 September 2026 • 3 min read
IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

Up by £100m on last year

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read