The UK FCA has taken enforcement action against Curtis Faraday (stopped from providing debt advice to new customers) and banned Howard Duckett of Beauforce Corporation Limited for lack of honesty and integrity. The FCA also issued a consumer warning about red flags in fee-charging debt advice, signaling increased scrutiny of debt solution firms.
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The UK FCA has warned regulated financial firms that it will not tolerate 'slapdash' handling of non-financial misconduct such as bullying, harassment, and ethical failures, following the upheld lifetime ban and £1.5 million fine against former hedge fund director Crispin Odey. Firms are expected to strengthen governance, training, and reporting mechanisms for non-financial misconduct or face enforcement action.
The UK government is expanding the Help to Save scheme from 2028, removing earning criteria for carers and opening eligibility to all Universal Credit claimants, adding an estimated 1.5 million households. The scheme will also transition to a multi-provider model, allowing banks, building societies, and credit unions to offer accounts directly.
HMRC has updated its CWG2 guidance for PAYE and National Insurance contributions, adding a new section on 'Relevant accretions' for the 2026/27 tax year and including India in the list of countries with a social security agreement. These changes affect payroll compliance for UK employers with international employees and those dealing with complex payroll situations.
The FCA published findings from its Pure Protection Market Study, concluding competition generally works well but reminding firms of their Consumer Duty and product governance obligations. No new market-wide measures are planned, but the FCA will act where firms fall short and has launched a cross-sector initiative to improve protection insurance coverage, with a TechSprint application deadline of 13 November.
The UK FCA has initiated High Court proceedings against Osborne Baldwin Limited (trading as Hunter Jones) for allegedly conducting regulated activities without authorization, seeking to halt the activity and return investor funds. This enforcement action signals increased FCA scrutiny of unauthorized financial firms and highlights risks for consumers and counterparties dealing with unregulated entities.
HMRC is sending letters to Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) contractors suspected of applying incorrect tax rates to subcontractor payments during the 2025-2026 tax year. Affected contractors must use a dedicated online form to disclose underpaid tax, correct errors, or dispute findings, with HMRC aiming to respond within 28 working days. This signals increased enforcement scrutiny of CIS compliance.
The FCA shut down an illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading operation across three London premises, signaling increased enforcement against unregistered crypto businesses. This action underscores the regulator's focus on AML/CFT compliance and the need for crypto firms to register and maintain robust controls.
The FCA has opened an investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd for potential breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, including inadequate risk assessments and AML controls. The action follows the firm's forced cessation of e-money and payment services and the appointment of special administrators, signaling heightened FCA scrutiny of AML compliance in the payments and e-money sector.
The proposed UK Housing Bill sets a statutory target of 150,000 new social homes annually in England, requires the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on progress, and expands local authority powers over social housing, affordable housing, and the right to buy, including the ability to end it. It also introduces a rent-to-equity scheme for social housing tenants. This represents a significant regulatory change for local authorities, housing associations, and tenants, affecting property rights and housing market compliance.
The October 2026 phase of the UK Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces expanded trade union provisions, enhanced employer duties to prevent workplace sexual harassment, and potential liability for third-party harassment. Employers must update policies, training, and risk management practices ahead of implementation.
The UK government has published an AI Risk Management Toolkit to help organizations manage AI-related risks and address current and future compliance needs. This non-binding guidance supports responsible AI deployment and aligns with global regulatory trends, signaling the UK's proactive approach to AI governance.
The FCA has published guidance clarifying the regulatory perimeter for the incoming UK cryptoasset regime covering stablecoin issuance, exchanges, dealing, safeguarding, and staking. Firms must apply for approval between September 30 and February 28, 2027, with the full framework taking effect on October 25, 2027. Coordinated enforcement raids on illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading signal the end of the UK's 'light-touch' era, with criminal liability a live risk for unregistered operators.
HMRC published a tax information and impact note on 17 September 2026 announcing a reduction in the annual cash ISA subscription limit to £12,000 for individuals aged under 65, effective 6 April 2027. The change amends the Individual Savings Account Regulations 1998 and requires financial institutions offering cash ISAs to update product terms, systems, customer communications, and regulatory reporting.
The UK FCA has published guidance on the forthcoming cryptoasset regulatory regime, clarifying which activities require authorisation, including issuing qualifying stablecoins, operating trading platforms, dealing, safeguarding, and staking. The regime takes effect on 25 October 2027, with authorisation applications opening on 30 September 2026, and further consultations planned for October.
The FCA, HMRC, and Metropolitan Police conducted coordinated raids on three London premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading on 10 September 2026, issuing cease and desist letters. This signals heightened enforcement scrutiny of unregistered crypto businesses under the UK's 2017 Money Laundering Regulations, which require FCA registration for peer-to-peer crypto trading by way of business.
The FCA has opened an investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd for potential breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, alleging inadequate AML risk assessments, customer due diligence, monitoring, governance, and record-keeping between February 2020 and June 2026. The firm has already been ordered to cease e-money and payment services and placed into special administration, signaling heightened FCA enforcement scrutiny of AML compliance in the payments and e-money sector.
A proposed UK bill would introduce compulsory registration for barbers and hairdressers operating in England, establishing a formal regulatory framework for a currently unregulated sector. The bill is at an early parliamentary stage, with detailed enforcement, fee, and qualification provisions expected in secondary legislation.
A proposed UK bill would require housing developers to complete community infrastructure (roads, schools, utilities, public spaces) before starting housing construction. If enacted, it would significantly alter development timelines, financing models, and contractual arrangements in real estate and construction. The bill is at an early stage and not yet law.
A proposed UK Bill would mandate government reviews of rural local government funding, healthcare access (including radiotherapy), and fuel poverty support, and set energy efficiency standards for new rural homes. It signals upcoming regulatory focus on rural public service equity and energy efficiency, requiring organizations in healthcare, energy, and construction to prepare for new standards and guidance.