Regulatory updates, in plain English.
Staying Ahead of FCA Regulatory Change This Autumn
Since June 2026 the FCA has been pursuing simplification and growth-focused reform alongside sharper expectations on individual accountability, financial crime and customer outcomes.
March 2026 Regulatory Outlook: From Frameworks to Real-World Effectiveness
The first quarter of 2026 has delivered a clear and consistent message from regulators across the UK, EU and US: compliance frameworks must work in practice, not just on paper.
Focus Focus Focus
The first quarter of 2026 has reinforced a clear regulatory message: firms are expected to maintain compliance frameworks that are not only technically sound, but demonstrably effective in practice.
Is there some light in the tunnel?
There has been a lot of news and some action but not possibly at the pace expected with a number of FCA initiatives in play.
The start of UK and EU rules divergence?
The start of the Edinburgh Reforms in Action. Whilst not applicable to every regulated firm, the direction of travel has been sign posted.
Poor Anti Money Laundering Controls (again!)
The requirements on firms to have strong screening tools and processes has been highlighted by recent FCA enforcement action - again.
Poor Anti Sanctions controls is no defence
The requirements on firms to have strong financial sanctions screening tools and processes has been highlighted by recent FCA enforcement action.
Why a Consultant?
Investment firms can benefit greatly from using independent compliance consultants. Here are some key reasons why.
EU & UK Update
The new UK government appears to be seeking to develop closer ties with the EU.
Could the FCA rulebook get thinner?
The FCA had announced a review of the rules which financial services firms in the UK have to follow.
June Update
There was limited FCA news in the lead up to the general election; Labour's vision for financial services was set out in their Financial Services Strategy.
Change but no change....
The name may have changed but the service hasn't.
The magic of an accessible compliance manual
The dreaded compliance manual. All too often it's tedious to write, tedious to read and tedious to search. However, it's hugely important.
How to pull authorisation out of a hat
It may sound trite, to compare applying for authorisation to a magic trick. But if you're under any illusion that less-than-perfect preparation is good enough, take heed.
Are you sure you have the right permissions?
Way too many firms have permissions they don't need. Does it matter? Well, possibly not, but it could be costing you time, money and effort.
Get your FCA application right first time
It's great news for everyone in the world of compliance that the FCA has launched improvements to its Connect system.
The changing face of compliance
Back in the early 00s, when NRS was a fairly new kid on the compliance block, we were relatively tech-savvy.