Regulation Risk Debate FCA Chief Calls for Coherent Approach to Cutting Red Tape

The head of the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Nikhil Rathi, has urged ministers to clarify their approach to risk tolerance as the government embarks on a drive to cut regulatory red tape. Speaking to the Lords financial services regulation committee, Rathi emphasised the need for an open discussion on how far to loosen rules while maintaining coherence across the financial system.

His comments come in the wake of a speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who described existing regulations as burdensome and argued that in some areas, they act as a “boot on the neck of businesses.” Reeves outlined her ambition to eliminate excessive regulation to spur economic growth, adding pressure on regulatory bodies to recalibrate oversight measures without compromising stability.

Rathi noted that achieving a consistent approach to risk management across the system is challenging. Citing efforts to loosen mortgage lending rules to support first-time buyers, he pointed out the conflicting nature of some policies, such as the government’s mortgage charter introduced in 2023. The charter was designed to prevent repossessions during periods of rising interest rates, but Rathi questioned its alignment with broader deregulatory initiatives aimed at increasing market responsiveness.

The FCA chief stressed the importance of parliament leading the debate to define acceptable levels of risk and social cost from regulatory changes. He remarked that regulatory decisions are nuanced and involve trade-offs that different societies tolerate to varying degrees. While officials are pushing for streamlined rules, he insisted the goal is not to avoid accountability but to ensure transparency and coherence in policymaking.

In a separate development, Rathi addressed concerns around staff working conditions at the FCA. Employees have threatened industrial action if the regulator increases its requirement for staff to work in the office for at least 40 per cent of working days each month. This highlights ongoing tensions as organisations balance operational efficiencies with staff morale in the post-pandemic workplace.

As the government intensifies its push to deregulate, the debate over how much risk can be tolerated continues to grow. These discussions will likely shape the UK’s financial landscape for years to come and influence the balance between economic growth and market stability.