Will the FCA pull its ‘name and shame’ plan?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is in hot water over its controversial proposal to publicly name firms under investigation before those investigations are even concluded. The House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee has told the regulator, in no uncertain terms, to withdraw the plan unless it can prove that it has adequately addressed stakeholder […]
The Irish corporal who got caught laundering millions
Money laundering can lure anyone, even an Irish Defence Forces corporal. And the result? A three-year jail conviction for laundering millions in drug money. The question is how did that happen? The corporal, Richard Kearney, had no prior convictions. He had a job, a family and a career in the Irish Defence Forces, which was […]
Is a major overhaul of SMCR coming? FCA chief thinks so
The head of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is getting ready to shake up the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). In an interview, FCA chief executive, Nikhil Rathi, made it clear that the FCA supports a shift towards a less burdensome regulatory model, especially for junior staff and that he backs government efforts to […]
A bribery scandal, no investigation and a system that seems to work? Some say yes
Allegations of bribery in local government are serious, but what happens when no formal investigation follows? A recent scandal involving Slough Borough Council and claims of cash-for-planning-permission has raised concerns – but also demonstrated that the proper channels for handling such accusations were followed.
Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht. What does this mean for crypto compliance?
Making good on a campaign promise to Libertarians, President Donald Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2015. Ulbricht is the creator of Silk Road, a website that was termed the “most sophisticated and extensive criminal marketplace” on the internet and became best-known for sales of illicit drugs. Silk Road […]
Trump obliterates DEI US government policies. How will this impact UK DEI efforts?
Possibly the most controversial element of the new Trump administration is the approach to diversity, equity and inclusion programs or DEI. It took President Trump two days to essentially obliterate DEI efforts with an executive order that cut DEI policies in the US federal government. Essentially, all discriminatory programs, including DEI and “diversity, equity, inclusion, […]
It’s inauguration day for President Donald J. Trump. What compliance challenges are ahead for your company?
Don’t miss our webinar this Wednesday, The US Election and Compliance – Navigating the challenges of the second Trump Administration It’s anticipated that the new conservative administration under President Trump will significantly reshape the regulatory environment for many companies, specifically in areas of compliance. We only have to look at Trump’s previous tenure, where his […]
SRA ends the year with a fining blitz, continuing to make good on its threats
Over £600K levied against UK firms over the past year When the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) passed last fall, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was provided with increased powers to collect data and impose increased fines. The regulator did not waste a lot of time wielding its new clout. Over the past […]
What to expect from AI & GDPR in 2025
The intersection of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and artificial intelligence (AI) is going to be a key focus for compliance in 2025 – and our guide is here to help you get ready. As AI gets increasingly sophisticated – leaving massive amounts of data in its wake – it is also becoming embedded […]
What to expect in AML, fraud and financial crime in 2025
The world of anti-money laundering (AML), fraud and corruption is rapidly evolving, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. With new technologies – think AI – upping the threat levels in cryptocurrency-related crimes, cybersecurity breaches and supply chain abuses coupled with stricter global regulations, it’s going to get harder for businesses to […]
