​Market integrity, consumer protection (Consumer Duty), competition, and growth emerge as the key focus areas outlined by the FCA in its 2024/2025 business plan, emphasizing the remaining commitments of its three-year strategy.

The Business Plan, published on March 13th, acknowledges the pressures of an uncertain future, citing persistent inflation, global financial and geopolitical risks, and higher interest rates as the primary challenges facing businesses and consumers in the year ahead.

In light of this, the FCA has sustained 13 commitments throughout 2024/25, with a specific focus on:

• Reducing and Preventing Cybercrime – the FCA has committed to increasing investment into their systems in 2024/25, signifying its ongoing data-led approach to technological evolution.

• Putting Customers’ Needs First – Alongside transparency testing and multi-firm market studies, the FCA will conduct a review of firms’ treatment of customers in vulnerable circumstances.

• Strengthening the UK’s Position in Global Wholesale Markets – The FCA aims to encourage innovation by supporting industry work on T+1 settlement.

Growing transactional complexity is poised to test operational resilience in the months ahead. Given the increasing reliance on third-party vendors and transformative AI-driven tech, risk management will be a critical focus area for both the FCA and regulated firms.

Navigating the road ahead demands a defensible, sustainable talent strategy. An agile, tech-enabled workforce is vital to closing skill gaps and maintaining compliance in a changing world.

Our community-led recruitment service is equipped to build the lines of protection and enablement needed to thrive in today’s fast-moving business landscape. Contact Ben Adams or any member of the Broadgate team to find out more.