The approach document sets out how the FCA, which will assume responsibility for protecting consumers and markets’ regulation from the end of 2012, will deliver its objectives.
The government has recently published a White Paper outlining how the FCA will “be more outward looking and engaged with consumers and better informed about their concerns and behaviour where this is relevant to regulatory action; intervene earlier to tackle potential risks to consumer protection and market integrity before they crystallise; and be tougher and bolder, building on and enhancing the FSA’s credible deterrence strategy, using its new powers of intervention and enforcement.”
The FSA said the publication sets out the approach the FCA plans to take and raises issues that need to be considered by industry, legislators and consumer representatives.
It wants to create an open debate, seeking to find consensus on the type of regulator needed to restore customer trust in a sector which has generated billions in consumer detriment due to mis-selling scandals.
The FSA would appreciate comments on the approach document by 1 September 2011.
Hector Sants, chief executive at the FSA, said: “Trust in the financial services sector is at an all time low and the new regulatory arrangements provide the opportunity to restore confidence in an industry which has generated in excess of £15bn detriment over the last two decades.
“This document sets out the approach the FCA will be taking to improve regulation, a key element in restoring trust in the industry.
“For the FCA to be successful it must have the support of society and Parliament, and its objectives and approach must be clearly understood by all.
“The document is designed to stimulate debate on the key questions to be resolved, which includes finding the right balance between the benefits of early intervention and the consequent risks of reducing choice and raising costs, and also clarity regarding the balance of responsibilities between consumers and industry.
“The FCA’s proposed approach moves the calibration of these questions in favour of more intervention but the question which needs to be answered is whether society is happy to accept the resultant costs and potential reduction in individual freedom.”
Margaret Cole, interim managing director of the conduct business unit at the FSA, added: “We will now press on with developing our thinking on how to implement the approach set out in this document.
“We are clear that this will require significant investment, building on and improving what the FSA has achieved so far. I am confident that, if implemented, this approach will deliver significantly higher levels of protection than consumers have enjoyed over the last 20 years.”
