From AI innovation to consumer outcomes: The FCA’s next regulatory focus

Published 28 May 2026

The FCA has launched two significant initiatives that signal its evolving approach to financial services: the Mills Review on artificial intelligence (AI) and an exploratory review into how firms monitor consumer outcomes under the Consumer Duty. Together, they highlight an increasing supervisory focus on how technology, governance and customer outcomes intersect.

Regulatory News:
27 May 2026

Published 27 May 2026

The FCA has published its authorisations operating service metrics for 2025/26 Q4. The regulator has also updated its information on motor finance complaints. In other news this week, the Financial Ombudsman Service has published it annual data for 2025-26, in which it states that over 220,000 cases were resolved in the last year.

Credit trends: What changes do UK lenders needs to watch?

Published 26 May 2026

The UK credit landscape is entering a period of significant change. As we move through 2026, economic pressure, regulatory reform and shifting consumer behaviour are reshaping how lenders assess risk, opportunity and affordability. The message is clear: deeper visibility and smarter use of data are no longer optional.

Regulatory News:
20 May 2026

Published 20 May 2026

The FCA has published the tenth edition of its Regulatory Initiatives Grid. This sets out the planned regulatory initiatives for the next 24 months. The regulator has also launched a market study in order to understand the root causes of practices it has observed by firms in the claims management market, and how they impact competition and consumer outcomes. The government is moving forward with plans to modernise the Consumer Credit Act (CCA).

Modernising the redress system: Why firms should be paying attention now

Published 20 May 2026

The FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service’s latest consultation on modernising the redress system is more than a technical policy exercise. It signals how complaint handling and redress expectations are likely to evolve across financial services – with a clear direction of travel towards earlier intervention, stronger discipline in evidencing, and more predictable end-to-end handling.

Learning that works for smaller firms

Published 18 May 2026

Smaller lending firms are expected to meet high regulatory standards, often with far fewer people, systems and specialist teams than larger firms. Roles overlap. Time is limited. Judgement matters. That is why learning cannot be treated as a box-ticking exercise. It has to help people make sound decisions in real situations, with the information available at the time. During CCTA Learning Week, we will be exploring what effective learning looks like for smaller and specialist lenders. How firms can build confidence, consistency and good customer outcomes without creating unnecessary complexity.

Not fit for purpose? Does a manufacturer’s recall mean a vehicle was unsatisfactory when supplied?

Published 18 May 2026

Manufacturer recalls are a familiar feature of the motor traders. For consumers and lenders, there is a difficult question is whether the existence of a recall means the vehicle was of unsatisfactory quality in breach of a term implied by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (the CRA) at the time of delivery. The short answer is it will depend on the nature and impact of the issue, and the relevant evidence.

FCA perimeter report: Why it matters for consumer credit and CCTA members

Published 13 May 2026

The publication of the FCA’s latest perimeter report is an important reminder that regulation is not only about the rules inside the system, but also about the growing areas outside it. The report examines the boundary between activities regulated by the FCA and those that sit outside its remit. It highlights areas where consumer harm may emerge, where legislative gaps exist, and where the FCA believes changes may eventually be needed.

Regulatory News:
13 May 2026

Published 13 May 2026

Following the legal challenges to the motor finance redress scheme, the FCA set out further advice for firms and consumers. The regulator has also updated this page to include new priorities, links to work that has now been published, and further details on existing priorities where they may have changed.

Further down the road: What comes next for motor finance?

Published 07 May 2026

Once built around showrooms and paperwork, the motor finance sector has evolved into a digital-first journey shaped by evolving customer expectations, regulatory scrutiny, and rapid technological change. Compliance, technology, and customer experience are no longer separate conversations in today’s landscape, and lenders, brokers, and dealers need to continually adapt their strategies to keep pace to deliver better outcomes.

Regulatory News:
6 May 2026

Published 06 May 2026

The FCA has received four legal challenges to its motor finance scheme. The regulator is launching a review of the claims management market, following concerns that consumers are being failed by some claims management companies (CMCs) and law firms. In other news, both the Bank of England and The Money Charity have released their monthly statistics. 

A sea change: The changing landscape of UK politics and why it matters for consumer credit

Published 04 May 2026

The UK’s political landscape is becoming more fragmented and dynamic. While British politics has historically been dominated by two major parties, recent elections and shifting voter preferences suggest a broader change in the political environment. Alternative political movements are gaining traction, and policy debates are increasingly shaped by issues such as economic fairness, financial resilience and household debt. At the same time, parliamentary activity – particularly among Labour backbench MPs – is bringing renewed attention to the area of financial inclusion.