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More Than 50% of Firms Are Not Prepared for Consumer Duty (How to Become Consumer Duty Compliant Today!)

July 2023 brings the introduction of the Financial Conduct Authority’s new Consumer Duty. Regulated firms held to the standards of the New Duty will need to act fast in order to become compliant to the latest set of regulations. Is your firm not prepared for Consumer Duty? Here’s how you can change that…
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How To Check if a Firm Is Authorised

Discover how to verify the authorisation of financial firms in the UK with our comprehensive guide. Learn the importance of the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) approval and regulation, how to access the Financial Services Register, and the steps for firms to become authorised.
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What is Consumer Duty?

The Consumer Duty directs the actions of firms operating within the financial sector and outlines the standard to which the Financial Conduct Authority will hold the firms it regulates. The Consumer Duty in this way is a central document to FCA compliance and avoiding penalisation, as well as a thriving business and happy customers. So, what is Consumer Duty?
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What is the 12th FCA Principle of Business?

A new principle of business has been included in the latest release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty. This now totals 12 principles which guide the conduct of firms in the financial industry. With the FCA 12th principle set to come into effect 31st July 2023, are you acquainted with its finer details?
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Consumer Duty Monitoring and Governance

Consumer Duty Monitoring and Governance: Monitoring consumer duty is achieved through firm assessment and evidence. Principals and appointed representatives are responsible for ensuring that their firms are compliant.
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What is the Expectation of Firms Under Consumer Duty (FG22/5)?

Expectation of Firms Under Consumer Duty are based on the actions a firm needs to take to meet the four outcomes of the Duty. View the four outcomes for the Consumer Duty in more detail.
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What are the Rights of Financial Crime Victims?

Discover your rights as a financial crime victim in the UK. This comprehensive guide elaborates on the legal protections and services available, including respect, information access, and compensation. Learn how to navigate the complexities of financial crime and assert your rights effectively.
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Financial Discrimination: How Does Regulation in FCA Regulated Markets Combat Discrimination?

In their reinforced effort to eradicate financial discrimination, the FCA is intensifying regulations across UK markets. This article delves into the FCA's strategic use of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to ensure fair treatment and equity in financial services, aiming to foster greater trust and accountability within the sector.
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How Does Regulation Promote Healthy Competition in the Automotive Industry?

Discover how regulation shapes healthy competition in the automotive industry, ensuring firms adhere to fair practices that benefit consumers. This article explores the impact of Financial Conduct Authority guidelines on curbing negative competition and promoting a trustworthy market environment.
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How to Claim Compensation Due to Firm Failure

Discover how to navigate the complexities of claiming compensation in the event of a firm's failure. This article guides you through the necessary steps and introduces key resources like the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, ensuring you are well-prepared to protect your financial interests.
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What Effect Will Consumer Duty Have on the Regulation of the Automotive Sector?

Explore the implications of the new Consumer Duty for the automotive sector. This comprehensive guide delves into the regulatory changes mandated by the Financial Conduct Authority, focusing on motor financing and insurance. Understand how enhanced customer understanding, fair pricing, and robust support will redefine industry standards.
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Four Consumer Duty Outcomes To Be Delivered

Discover how the Financial Conduct Authority's new Consumer Duty, effective from July 2023, mandates rigorous standards for customer care in the financial sector. Explore the four crucial outcomes intended to enhance transparency, suitability, market confidence, and accessibility.
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Is There Now More Expectation Placed on Appointed Representative Responsibilities?

As financial harms rise, the FCA tightens regulations for Appointed Representatives and their Principal Firms. This article explores the increased expectations and responsibilities, the impact on network sizes, and measures to mitigate misleading financial promotions. Discover the implications for the financial industry and consumer protection.
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The Rise in Financial Harm Across Regulated Markets

In response to increasing financial harm in regulated markets, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is intensifying regulations, focusing on Principals and their networks. This article explores the evolving challenges and the strategic regulatory enhancements designed to stabilise the financial market and ensure its safety.
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Treating Customers Fairly: What are the 11 Principles of Business?

Explore the essential 11 Principles of Business set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that dictate how firms must operate within regulated markets. Understand the foundations of integrity, customer fairness, and rigorous management to ensure your business not only complies with FCA regulations but, excels in them.
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How To Identify Vulnerable Customers Within FCA Regulated Markets?

Explore the critical methods by which the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) ensures the identification and protection of vulnerable customers in regulated markets. This article delves into the essential practices, from training staff to recognise signs of vulnerability to implementing tailored support strategies. Understand the importance of compliance and the proactive steps businesses must take to safeguard these individuals.
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Reporting Suspected Market Abuse: Why It’s Important for your Team to be Knowledgeable and Vigilant

Understanding and addressing market abuse is crucial in the financial sector. This article explores why vigilance and knowledge are essential for teams, particularly in automotive dealerships, and provides actionable guidance on recognising and reporting market abuses, including insider trading and market manipulation.
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Reporting Suspected Market Abuse: Does Your Team Know How to Report Market Abuse?

Understanding and reporting market abuse is critical for maintaining integrity within the financial markets. This article details how to identify signs of market abuse, its impact on the automotive industry, and the essential steps for FCA-compliant reporting.
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How To Spot Misleading Promotions

This article delves into the complexities of identifying deceptive offers in regulated sectors, such as the automotive industry. It provides individuals with the tools to recognise and combat misleading tactics in line with the FCA's recommendations.
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Report Suspected Market Abuse Today Using Correct Protocol and Processes

This guide outlines the correct procedures for both firms and individuals to ensure compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority, safeguarding the integrity of financial markets. Learn to identify and report abuses effectively to maintain a safe and compliant financial environment.
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What Steps can be Taken to Ensure Fair Treatment of Vulnerable Customers in Regulated Markets?

Explore the essential steps for ensuring fair treatment of vulnerable customers in regulated markets. This article delves into the FCA's principles, the identification of vulnerable individuals, and the necessary adjustments within financial services to uphold equity and care in consumer interactions.
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How Can You Achieve Better Compliance as a Principal Firm and Appointed Representative?

Discover how Principal Firms and Appointed Representatives can achieve enhanced compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority's updated regulations. This article provides essential insights into the roles, responsibilities, and recent changes that affect your compliance strategies. Stay informed and compliant by understanding these critical updates.
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How to Properly Tackle and Report Misleading Financial Promotions

Discover how to identify and report misleading financial promotions with our comprehensive guide. It details the characteristics of deceptive adverts across various platforms and outlines the steps to take action through the Financial Conduct Authority. Safeguard your financial interests by staying informed and vigilant.
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Treat Customers Fairly: How to Evidence That the Customer is at the Heart of The Outcome?

This article delves into the importance of TCF for long-term success, its enforcement by the FCA, and practical steps to ensure compliance and enhance customer trust. Dive deeper to learn how to leverage these principles for improved customer satisfaction and business growth.
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What is SM&CR? (Senior Management & Certification Regime)

Discover how adherence to SM&CR not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also enhances overall governance and accountability within your organisation. The SM&CR regime demands rigorous compliance from financial services firms, introducing three critical components: the Senior Managers Regime, Certification Regime, and Conduct Rules.
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How Can KPIs Support Your Business

Explore how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can revolutionise your business by enhancing productivity and decision-making in the automotive industry. This article delves into the role of KPIs in driving efficiency and aligning business operations with strategic goals.
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What is FCA Compliance?

Explore the core of FCA compliance, an essential regulatory framework that ensures fair treatment of consumers and integrity in the market. Learn about the enforcement procedures, basics, and key tactics outlined in this comprehensive guide.
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SMCR: Am I limited Scope Firm, Core Firm or Enhanced Firm?

The Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) have altered financial services regulation, classifying firms into Limited Scope, Core, or Enhanced, depending on their size and the complexity of their activities. This system aims to strengthen accountability and establish strong governance within the industry.
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Treating Customers Fairly by Delivering Openness, Clarity and Transparency

ASUKL's TCF software ensures automotive compliance with FCA standards, enhancing performance through clarity, transparency, and fairness. Tailored to each business, it supports sales advisors with intuitive tools and updates in line with evolving regulations, ensuring that customer interactions are jargon-free and fully compliant.
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How do KPIs Affect Compliance?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are critical in guiding the automotive industry towards strategic goals and compliance with regulatory standards. This article discusses how KPIs influence staff behaviour, impact customer service, and ensure adherence to FCA regulations, balancing sales targets with ethical business practices.
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Can FCA Compliance Be An Investment?

FCA compliance not only safeguards fair customer treatment but also serves as a strategic investment. By enabling finance options, automotive dealers not only enhance sales but also bolster their reputation, proving their commitment to legal and ethical standards.
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How to Deliver the 6 TCF Principles

The Financial Conduct Authority's principles of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) ensure that firms focus on fair customer treatment across all their business operations. By adhering to these six key outcomes, businesses demonstrate compliance and enhance consumer trust, fostering a responsible and transparent financial environment.
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5 Common Breaches of SM&CR that Could Be Affecting Your Business

Explore the five common breaches of the SM&CR that could be undermining your business, including issues with training, conduct rules, reporting, Statements of Responsibility, and customer treatment. Ensure compliance to foster a culture of accountability and safeguard your firm's integrity.
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Unlocking the Power of Investment Compliance: How Compliance Can Be Your Best Investment

Investment in compliance is not just a regulatory necessity but a strategic asset for automotive dealerships. Understanding FCA compliance helps safeguard your business, enhance customer trust, and secure a healthy ROI. Embracing technology can help streamline processes and guarantee fairness in all transactions.
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how to ensure fca compliance

How to Ensure FCA Compliance when Determining Staff KPIs?

Ensuring compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) when setting staff KPIs is essential for businesses operating in financial markets. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to integrate FCA compliance into the framework of staff performance indicators, thereby enhancing both regulatory adherence and business efficacy in financial operations.
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