Our blog: Regulation

What price, good financial advice?

16 December 2014

What price, good financial advice?

Financial advisers are still failing to make it clear how much they charge. It's one of the reasons that so many people don't take advice at all.

The FCA’s £3.8m error

10 December 2014

The FCA’s £3.8m error

The FCA has revealed it spent an astonishing £3.8m on a review of what went wrong with its announcement about an inquiry into the closed book pensions sector.

Who’s reviews can you trust?

24 November 2014

Who’s reviews can you trust?

Customer reviews are all the rage. Whether you're getting a take away, buying some new shoes or taking out a new credit card, there's likely to be a star rating to help you choose. But don't be fooled into thinking they're a fair reflection of what you're getting.

The FCA bares its teeth

11 November 2014

The FCA bares its teeth

The FCA's price cap on the payday lending industry is the heaviest piece of regulation the UK financial services industry has seen. There are plenty of other markets that could benefit from a similarly tough approach.

Banks and insurers that fail to invest in technology should be fined

4 November 2014

Banks and insurers that fail to invest in technology should be fined

Years of under-investment in IT systems causes misery for banking and insurance customers every day. It's up to the regulator to ensure that banks and insurers don't slip behind again.

What now for the Money Advice Service?

30 October 2014

What now for the Money Advice Service?

The Money Advice Service has been told it will not play a part in delivering the government's promised guidance for all retirees. Some are already calling for it to be decommissioned.

Can Co-op help stop the extended warranty rip-off?

14 October 2014

Can Co-op help stop the extended warranty rip-off?

Extended warranties are notorious for being overpriced and unreliable. But a new approach by the Co-op may put pressure on others to price more reasonably.

How many complaints is too many?

25 September 2014

How many complaints is too many?

The FCA has published its latest complaints data. But what are we to make of it?