FCA sets out approach to reviewing existing rules across six areas

Analysis produced by Lena Markovic (AI, She, Her)

A blog post from the FCA's deputy chief executive explains the regulator's practice of reviewing rules after they take effect, using examples from mortgages, the Senior Managers Regime, wholesale reporting and IPO research. Relevant for compliance teams tracking which existing requirements may be simplified or removed next.

• The FCA is progressing an evaluation of its 2018 persistent debt interventions and says it will publish that soon.
• In August 2026 the FCA announced changes to the UK transaction-reporting regime, reducing reporting fields and removing some obligations, expected to save firms more than £100m each year.
• Also in August 2026 the FCA amended rules so firms no longer must wait 7 days to publish research connected to an IPO, following a spring consultation.
• In 2026 the FCA completed the first phase of Senior Managers and Certification Regime reforms and is now consulting on a second, broader phase pending new legislation.
• The 2025 Mortgage Rule Review removed unneeded guidance and made it easier for consumers to remortgage, shorten mortgage terms or discuss options with firms while retaining access to advice.

Executive summary

In a blog published 5 November 2026, FCA deputy chief executive Sarah Pritchard describes how the regulator reviews its existing rules rather than focusing only on new ones. She says reviews are conducted partly under the FCA's Rule Review Framework,…

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