The retail distribution review

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Ring
Keyword(s):  
Financial Planning ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Market Failures ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Issues ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the effect of reforms to the UK’s retail advice sector as a result of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). Design/methodology/approach The paper takes the form of a review of the RDR in the context of the Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR). Findings There is a lack of clarity, experienced by both consumers and financial advisers, concerning the nature of “advice”. This results from the use of an array of regulatory and non-regulatory terms. Whilst enhancing professionalisation and reducing commission bias, the RDR is failing to address the needs of many financial consumers – identified by many as an “advice gap”. It is argued that the focus of the RDR, and previous reforms, on addressing market failures may be misplaced. Practical implications The paper provides an analysis designed to help in the process of developing a retail advice sector that meets the needs of consumers, in the context policy reforms placing more emphasis on the responsibilities of individuals for financial planning. Social implications The study has the potential of better outcomes for consumers and reputational returns for the financial services sector. Originality/value This paper is a review of the current regulatory issues facing financial advisers and retail consumers in the context of the RDR and FAMR.

SEC charges private fund administrator with gatekeeping failures

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-67
Author(s):  
Keith Miller ◽  
Martin E. Lybecker ◽  
Jesse Kanach ◽  
Mary C. Moynihan ◽  
Hillary B. Levun
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Financial Service ◽  
Securities And Exchange Commission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Enforcement Activity

Purpose To explain a set of recent US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) administrative settlements targeting fund administrators and to alert fund administrators and other financial service providers to their growing “gatekeeper” obligations. Design/methodology/approach This article explores the factual and legal contours of SEC administrative settlements with a fund administrator, as well as related enforcement actions against investment managers, to better understand the affirmative steps the SEC is expecting financial service providers to take to help root out fraud and misappropriation in the financial services sector. Findings The SEC’s administrative settlements with this fund administrator illustrate the SEC’s expanding focus on the “gatekeeper” function and signal the intent of the SEC to impute culpability for wrongdoing to fund administrators and other financial service providers simply for not doing enough to root out fraud and misappropriation in the financial services sector. Originality/value This article contains valuable information about recent SEC enforcement activity and practical guidance from experienced white collar, securities, and investment management lawyers.

TMT overtaking the traditional sectors

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 244-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Woodford ◽  
Milena Kuljanin
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Central Business Districts ◽  
External Sources ◽  
Main Engine

Purpose – The paper aims to examine the state of the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector at the global level from an occupier perspective. It provides a snapshot of activity in various geographic locations and looks at the major trends and underlying drivers. The paper suggests the implications of these trends for property with emphasis on opportunities for corporate occupiers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses in-house data on property take up and internal as well as external sources on economic activity combined with documentary analysis and expert knowledge. Findings – The paper suggests that the TMT sector could overtake the financial services sector as the main engine of global office take up. The paper also finds that the TMT sector is increasingly choosing to locate in central business districts as opposed to traditional out-of-town business parks. Originality/value – This paper fulfils the need to understand some of the major shifts taking place within the TMT sector and make a connection between these changes with the property sector emphasizing on corporate occupation.

Slipping through the net

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-214
Author(s):  
Adebola Adeyemi
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the activities of the FCA with respect to the incidence of money laundering and highlight regulatory gaps. The financial services sector provides a crucial infrastructure for the promotion of wealth and innovation in the UK. This attractive infrastructure also appeals to criminals looking to launder the gains of their illicit activities. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses the UK money laundering regime, highlighting specific challenging areas. The paper investigates the role of politically exposed persons and the use of corporate structures in promoting money laundering. In this context, it also becomes crucial to investigate the role of financial institutions and the sufficiency of their governance approach in lessening the incidence of money laundering. The paper investigates secondary sources and relies on their findings. It compares these findings to the regulatory outcomes. Findings The paper recommends steps that can be used to lessen the incidence of money laundering in the UK. From the reports evaluated, it is clear that the Financial Conduct Authority is working towards reducing the incidence of money laundering, but this could be further strengthened with the adoption of additional enforcement tools. Practical implications The paper suggests that different approaches should be used based on firm size, the type of business and the risk that a financial services firm presents to the financial sector. A large firm will need to bear more regulatory burden compared to a smaller firm. Originality/value The paper investigates the current approach to minimising the incidence of money laundering in the UK. It suggests that the regulator can guide financial services firms to meet the regulatory objectives by relying on an approach that discerns the regulatory risks presented by different firms depending on their size.

Towards a framework for public relations practice in the financial services sector of Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Anani-Bossman ◽  
Takalani Eric Mudzanani
Keyword(s):  
Public Relations ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Managerial Roles

PurposeThe goal of the study is to develop an integrated, non-sequential framework for excellent public relations management for the financial services sector in Ghana. The study empirically analyzes how PR is conceptualized and practiced in relation to the purpose (models) and roles (activities).Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the qualitative in-depth interview approach to gauge the views of 22 PR practitioners.FindingsPractitioners of most communication departments have no PR background, and this influenced their conceptualization of PR. Essentially, PR in Ghana is shaped, to a large extent, by a western ideology. PR is however influenced greatly by strong interpersonal relationships, which is premised largely on the culture of the country. What is obvious is that PR in the financial services sector is not fully strategic. Although practitioners occupy managerial roles, they are limited in their ability to make impact due a lack of understanding by management about the purpose of PR and budgetary constraints.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of a qualitative approach means the result cannot be generalized. As the study focussed on one sector, it will be essential to look at other sectors using a generalized sample.Originality/valueThe study developed an integrative non-sequential PR framework based on literature and empirical findings. The framework differs in certain aspects from some of the recommendations made by literature for an excellent PR practice.

FIFA – highlighting the links between global banking and international money laundering

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmad Naheem
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Global Banking ◽  
Beneficial Ownership ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper uses the recent (August 2015) FIFA arrests to provide an example of how illicit financial flows are occurring through the formal banking and financial services sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore which elements of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance need to be addressed to strengthen the banking response and reduce the impact of IFFs within the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the indictment document currently prepared for the FIFA arrests and the District Court case of Chuck Blazer the FIFA Whistleblower. It uses the banking examples identified in the indictment as typologies of money laundering and wire fraud. Corresponding industry reports on AML compliance are included to determine where the major weaknesses and gaps are across the financial service.FindingsThe main findings from the analysis are that banks still have weak areas within AML compliance. Even recognised red flag areas such as off shore havens, large wire transfers and front companies are still being used. The largest gaps still appear to be due diligence and beneficial ownership information.Research limitations/implicationsThe research topic is very new and emerging topic; therefore, analysis papers and other academic writing on this topic are limited.Practical implicationsThe research paper has identified a number of implications for the banking sector, addressing AML deficiencies, especially the need to consider the source of funds and the need for further enhanced due diligence systems for politically exposed and influential people and the importance of beneficial ownership information.Social implicationsThis paper has implications for the international development and the global banking sector. It will also influence approaches to AML regulation, risk assessment and audit within the broader financial services sector.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is the link between the emerging issues associated with allegations of bribery and corruption within FIFA and the illicit financial flow implications across the banking sector.

Beyond placement, layering and integration – the perception of trade-based money laundering risk in UK financial services

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Menz
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Trade Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proceeds Of Crime ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of trade-based money laundering in Letters of Credit (“L/C”) transactions among trade finance practitioners in the UK banking sector and to compare it to the perception of the same risk by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the regulator of the UK’s banking sector. Design/methodology A survey was used to carry out research among financial services professionals engaged in trade finance in the UK. Findings This paper contributes to the existing literature in a number of ways. First, it investigates the perception of trade-based money laundering risk from the perspective of financial services professionals, which has not previously been done. Second, it argues that the perception of trade-based money laundering in financial services is overly focussed on placement, layering and integration, and that the full extent of the offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is less well known. It further found that financial services firms need to improve their understanding of the nature of trade-based money laundering under UK law. Practical implications This study argues that the financial services sector’s perception of trade-based money laundering risk in trade finance is underdeveloped and makes suggestions on how to improve it. Originality/value It provided unique insight into the perception of trade-based money laundering risk among financial services professionals.

Enhancing brand value using corporate social responsibility initiatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 575-602
Author(s):  
Ahmed Suhail Ajina ◽  
Sanjit Roy ◽  
Bang Nguyen ◽  
Arnold Japutra ◽  
Ali Homaid Al-Hajla
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Service ◽  
Brand Value ◽  
Socially Responsible ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose This study aims to investigate employees’ perceptions of socially responsible financial services brands in Saudi Arabia. The study also identifies the motives and challenges for Islamic banks for higher involvement in social responsibility initiatives to enhance their brand values. Design/methodology/approach An inductive approach was used in this study to identify the motives and challenges related to corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The research design uses a qualitative approach where in-depth interviews were carried out among the employees in the financial services sector in Saudi Arabia. Findings Findings provide insights about how CSR initiatives for financial services brands in a developing and Islamic country are perceived. Results show that the focus of CSR activities is on the attribute of CSR, the magnitude of CSR and attitude towards CSR. Results show two main motives to engage in CSR activities, which are instrumental and ethical motives. The main challenges are related to the government, business, charitable organisations and customers and society. Practical implications Implications exist for how CSR is perceived in a new context and in the financial services industry. Understanding the current perception of CSR from a financial service brand perspective helps policymakers to develop appropriate platforms for financial service providers to become more socially involved. Originality/value The major contribution of this study lies in investigating the CSR perception among the key stakeholder (i.e. the employees) from a brand management perspective in the Saudi Arabian financial services sector. Further, this study shows the main motives and challenges, which local financial service brands face to become socially responsible. The categories of attributes, magnitude and attitudes can be used to enhance brand value in one of the economically advanced countries in the Arabic world, Saudi Arabia. In the first category “attribute”, the perception of socially responsible banks are highlighted, while the elements of CSR, including its dimensions, are emphasised in the second category “magnitude”. The third category “attitude” shows two themes, including stakeholders’ issues and business-related issues.

Employee champions an inside job

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 33-35
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Brand Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internal Brand Management ◽  
Service Staff ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Internal brand management was a major contributor to job satisfaction, brand commitment and intention to stay for service staff at a Southern African financial services company. While brand identity and external brand communication play important roles in creating sound internal brand management, internal brand communication is the most important contributor. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Association between performance measurement systems and organisational effectiveness

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 853-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bedanand Upadhaya ◽  
Rahat Munir ◽  
Yvette Blount
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
Financial Services Sector ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of performance measurement systems in organisational effectiveness in the context of the financial services sector within a developing country. Design/methodology/approach – Using the mail survey method data were collected from 69 financial institutions operating in Nepal. Multivariate analysis, in particular multiple regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. Findings – The results suggest that non-financial measures and feedback are tightly intertwined with organisational effectiveness. While institutions are focused on using the performance measures concerning internal business process perspective, less emphasis is placed on using customer and employee-related performance measures because they are considered less significant to organisational effectiveness. The findings also reveal that strategy-related feedback is considered more critical by management, as opposed to performance and staff. The study also provides evidence that 40.58 per cent of the financial institutions in Nepal had implemented the Balanced Scorecard, which is considered to be high when compared with other developing countries. Practical implications – The findings provide managers with valuable insights pertaining to the role of non-financial performance measures and the importance of feedback in improving organisational effectiveness, which could assist them in (re) aligning their performance measurement practices. Originality/value – The findings of this study contributes to the limited management accounting literature on performance measurement and the impact on organisational effectiveness by providing evidence from the financial services sector within the context of a developing country.

ESMA issues Brexit opinions to EU regulators: a warning shot not only to the UK but also to the EU27

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 50-52
Author(s):  
William Yonge ◽  
Simon Currie
Keyword(s):  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Response ◽  
Market Participants ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Practical Guidance ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Eu

Purpose To summarize and analyse four opinions issued in May and July 2017 by the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) concerning regulatory and supervisory arbitrage risks that arise as a result of increased requests from financial market participants to relocate activities and functions in the EU27 following the UK’s decision to withdraw from the EU, and the expected regulatory response to those risks. Design/methodology/approach Discusses the possible relocation of financial firms, activities and functions following the UK’s decision to withdraw from EU; the resulting cross-sectoral regulatory and supervisory arbitrage risks that ESMA foresees; nine principles that ESMA enumerates to guide its regulatory response to those risks; some common themes that emerge from ESMA’s July Opinions; and the implications for UK firms and trading venues seeking to establish a presence in the EU 27. Findings ESMA foresees regulatory and arbitrage risks in Brexit and a potential “race to the bottom” as certain national regulators jostle for and grab UK market share. Practical implications UK firms and trading venues seeking to establish a presence in the EU27 from which to operate will need to give detailed consideration and focus to the resources and operational substance which will need to be located in the jurisdiction in which that presence is established. Originality/value Practical guidance from experienced financial services, securities and fund management lawyers.

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