This article argues that having a compliance advocate at board level is not just a token gesture to satisfy regulators, but a strategic necessity.
SM&CR

The Risks of Marginalising Compliance
What happens when compliance is absent or ignored in the boardroom? In short, regulatory blind spots multiply and the risks – both to customers and the firm – escalate.

A Compliance Voice Is a Strategic Asset – Not a Constraint
Giving compliance a seat at the board table is about baking in long-term resilience. It’s about making your business stronger and more sustainable.

Lloyd’s Conduct Consultation Embodies Sector Struggle to Combat Non-financial Misconduct and Clarify Approach
Lloyd’s of London has announced it is consulting on changing its by-laws to combat misconduct in the commercial insurance market in a continuing battle to dispel its long-standing reputation for sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by market participants.

Strategies for Aligning Policies, Procedures, and Culture with SM&CR
Amidst increased scrutiny surrounding how firms within the financial services deal with non-financial misconduct, this article explores how firms can reasonably ensure policies and procedures comply with SM&CR and demonstrate a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Financial Sector – Expectations for ‘Small Firms’
Diversity and inclusion are central to firms’ roles as businesses and employers. The regulators have been taking increasing steps to enhance diversity and inclusion within the financial sector. What can small businesses do to improve measures for diversity and inclusion?

FCA Launches Senior Managers and Certification Regime Review
The Financial Conduct Authority has launched a review into the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and has opened a consultation where firms can submit feedback to help identify potential changes.

The Truth Will Out – The Importance of Regulatory References
A recent Supreme Court hearing has highlighted the importance of properly verifying a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for a post. Are you aware of the requirements for regulatory referencing under SM&CR?

Conduct Rules – A Reminder
Our Development Zone Course of the Month for April is ‘SM&CR – Individual Conduct Rules’. The Conduct Rules set out the basic standards of personal conduct that individuals working in financial services are expected to abide by and apply to almost all staff who carry out financial services roles within a firm.