Part I Regulatory Structure, 1 UK Financial Services Reform

Author(s):  
Walker George ◽  
Purves Robert ◽  
Blair Michael

This chapter examines the reform of financial services regulation in the UK. The objective of the UK's most recent regulatory reforms has been to strengthen the role and function of the Bank of England at the centre of the UK financial system. This was considered necessary, in particular, in light of the need to monitor and manage the financial markets as a whole. The chapter outlines the regulatory background to the establishment of the integrated system of financial control set up under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and its amendment, in particular, under the Banking Act 2009, Financial Services Act 2010, and Financial Services Act 2012 (FSA 2012). It also considers the principal events surrounding the financial crisis in the UK and the immediate official response to it. Finally, it discusses the role and function of the Bank of England under the revised regulatory structure.

Author(s):  
Walker George ◽  
Purves Robert ◽  
Blair Michael

This chapter examines the statutory regime for the regulation of banks and banking in the UK. It first considers the development of UK banking supervision before discussing the traditional nature of bank supervision and the role and function of the Bank of England. It then reviews earlier and more recent crises in UK banking markets, including with regard to Northern Rock, and the circumstances surrounding the transfer of responsibility for bank supervision initially from the Bank of England to the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and then from the FSA to the Prudential Regulation Authority. It also analyses the main provisions contained in the Bank of England Act 1998, later amendments under the the Banking Act 2009 and the Financial Services Act 2012, and relevant sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). Finally, it explores the most recent changes announced with regard to ring-fencing, recovery planning, and resolution.


Author(s):  
Mccormick Roger ◽  
Stears Chris

This chapter charts the passage of the Financial Services Act 2012 (FS Act 2012), from its policy conception through its consultation phase, and to its enactment. The FS Act 2012 received royal assent on 19 December 2012 and came into effect from 1 April 2013. The Act comprised 10 parts and 21 schedules and formally amended the Bank of England Act 1998, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and the Banking Act 2009, to give effect to the reforms. The enactment of the FS Act 2012 represented a significant change in not only the regulatory structure, but the regulatory approach to supervision and enforcement. The new mantra was far a more holistic and intrusive form of regulation. Whether viewed from the perspective of the prudential thresholds, conduct of business requirements and new product intervention powers, or in light of the enhanced investigatory and enforcement priorities and a focus on individual accountability, the reforms were significant.


Author(s):  
Walker George ◽  
Purves Robert ◽  
Blair Michael

This chapter examines the statutory framework for financial services regulation in the UK. The regulatory reforms that culminated in the break-up of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the return of regulatory responsibilities to the Bank of England have complicated but in many ways reinforced the original vision of a consolidated statutory framework for all financial services regulation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). The FSMA is undoubtedly more complicated because of the need to accommodate collaboration between the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England acting as Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The chapter provides an overview of the structure and statutory framework of the FSMA as well as the functions of the FCA and the PRA. It also considers the scope of financial services regulation under the FSMA and the confidentiality of information obtained by the FCA and the PRA in the discharge of their functions.


Author(s):  
McCormick Roger ◽  
Stears Chris

This third edition on legal risk has been expanded to include much new material specifically on conduct risk. It has been updated to take into account developments in the law and professional standards concerning such risks and associated values in the context of the financial markets. Significant (and in some cases, endemic) conduct-related scandals, such as the widespread mis-selling of financial products and LIBOR manipulation, exposed by the financial crisis, have resulted in legal and regulatory change in equal measure (and profound effect) to that of the prudential and financial stability concerns captured in the second edition. Consequently this new edition fully examines the current approach to trust, ethics, and conduct within the broader framework of reputational and legal risk. In doing so, it clarifies what constitutes legal risk in contemporary financial markets and how to manage it, drawing on examples and case studies. Other developments in areas such as the resolution/insolvency of banks, the revision of the UK regulatory structure from the Financial Services Authority to the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, and the recently made new crime of reckless management of a bank are all considered in full. There is also discussion of trends in areas ripe for development such as fiduciary duty amongst financial markets participants.


Author(s):  
Walker George ◽  
Purves Robert ◽  
Blair Michael

This chapter examines the evolution of the European Union' financial services law and its impact on the development of financial services law in the UK, as it stands at the end of 2016, six months after the EU referendum. It first describes the evolving role and functions of the EU institutions, namely: the Council of Ministers, the European Commission, the European Court of Justice, and the European Parliament. It then considers the primary sources of EU law, including treaties, and the effects of the various changes in the Treaty of Rome. It also discusses the establishment of the single market in financial services and the moves to establish a banking union. Finally, it analyses the substantive financial services measures that have been adopted in the EU since the 1970s.


Author(s):  
Proctor Charles

This chapter explains the various authorities involved in UK banking market regulation. It first considers the role of the UK Financial Services Authority (FSA), including its statutory objectives and powers under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. It then discusses the role of the Bank of England in the fields of financial stability and monetary policy; the role of Her Majesty's Treasury; the development of regulatory bodies at the European level, largely in response to the credit crunch and the problems to which it gave rise; and some recent international initiatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-397
Author(s):  
Arlene Weekes

In the UK, decisions to approve adoptive parents and foster carers and authorise adoptions rest with specialist panels. While their formal role and function are clear, there is concern that their composition and the biographies and background characteristics of members could introduce bias and influence the decisions made. This article examines the validity of these criticisms with findings from a study of eight agencies, 15 panels and 22 members. It was found that the panel system achieves its aims in terms of having a representative constitution and providing considered recommendations in a timely manner to senior managers, but that individual biography affects panel members in carrying out their role to an unexpectedly high degree, possibly leading to flawed decisions. Actions to remedy this problem, at both an individual and group level, are suggested.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-113
Author(s):  
John Kevin Ashton

Purpose The study examines influence of behavioural economic theories of add-on goods and contingent charges on the regulation of two touchstone markets in the UK. These markets, the payment protection insurance (PPI) market and the market for overdrafts can both be characterised as add-on goods, have displayed excessive levels of profitability and been the focus of continuing and substantial public mis-trust. Despite these similarities, the regulatory treatment of these two markets has been very different. The purpose of this paper is to explore the context of these cases and examine why these differences in regulatory reporting have developed. Design/methodology/approach The research questions are examined through a detailed review of the regulatory reporting in the UK PPI and overdraft market. This review of over 20 regulatory reports, numerous enforcement actions, associated legal proceedings and related international evidence is employed to determine commonalities and differences in the regulatory actions proposed, motives adopted and success of these regulatory processes. Findings It is reported the dynamic and fragmented regulatory structure, multiple policy agendas and a successful legal intervention have all influenced how these financial services markets have been regulated and behavioural economic concepts applied. In particular aspects of overdraft markets remain challenging to address as it is still possible to exclude competition within aftermarkets. The regulatory intervention into PPI markets by contrast addressed concerns raised by add-on good theory and amended the form of distribution underlying this market more directly and successfully. Originality/value There have been numerous excellent reviews of behavioural economics and finance published on a diversity of topics. Despite such a wide coverage, a relatively under-researched aspect of this literature remains the application of these relatively new theoretical insights within markets and how these have influenced regulatory practice. This review of regulatory reporting addresses this gap in the literature through considering two of the most problematic financial services markets of the last decade in the UK.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 17-25
Author(s):  
Andrew McKay

"Established to manage the art collections of one of Auckland city’s former businessmen, the Mackelvie Trust Board has operated for over 125 years. The Trust was set up to administer James Tannock Mackelvie’s(1824−85) collection of European paintings, books, decorative arts and objets de vertu including bronzes, clocks, coins and natural treasures now held at the Auckland Art Gallery, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Public Library. This article will explain how part of the collection came to be at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, how the Trustees administered the will, and how the Trust Board itself evolved to include professional expertise. The impact of this evolution on Mackelvie’s gifts and bequest and the collection’s development is one of the most important findings. After an evaluation of the collection’s management over time, it is concluded that while the Mackelvie Trust Board has always endeavoured to implement Mackelvie’s wishes, financial and physical restrictions led to certain compromises regarding control and display of the collection. Nevertheless, the Trustees have always acted in good faith and protected Mackelvie’s legacy for the enjoyment of future generations of Aucklanders and visitors to the city."


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