The Fairer Finance podcast

FCA mortgage market review/The launch of the Fairer Finance Retirement Compass 16.06.2026 42мин

In this week's episode, we discuss the FCA's latest mortgage market consultation, which looks to relax the rules around interest-only mortgages, and open the door for more people to be able to borrow in retirement. In the second half of today's show, we discuss the findings from Fairer Finance's new research - The Retirement Compass - which looks to understand which groups of people may need to access their housing wealth in retirement - as well as what public perceptions are of doing so.&nbs...

Financial Services & Markets Bill/Pensions Commission Interim Report 02.06.2026 41мин

In this week's episode we discuss the new Financial Services & Markets Bill which was recently laid in Parliament. It's a mish mash of different things - most of which have been well trailed. But there's a few last minute tweaks and additions - including an unexpected but welcome acceleration of the Consumer Credit Act reforms. In the second half of this week's show, we discuss the Pension Commission's interim report. With people not saving enough for retirement, the Commission is c...

The UK's lack of pension provision/Claims Management Company market review/Motor finance (again) 14.05.2026 36мин

In this week's episode, we start by looking at three new reports into the pensions market - which focus on the lack of savings for many of those in mid life as well as the growing affordability problem with the UK state pension. One of the reports - from the Tony Blair Institute - includes the controversial recommendation that state pension ages should be personalised and linked to your health records. We'll be discussing that idea - as well as following the response from industry commentator...

Prediction markets/FCA consumer credit consultation/Motor finance update 30.04.2026 44мин

In this week's episode, we look at the fast growing world of prediction markets - which have caught fire in the US over the past two years. While neither of the two big US players have launched in the UK yet - there are already plenty of UK markets to bet on, with UK investors getting access to the platforms using VPNs. The FCA included the market on its lists of perimeter risks earlier this year, and the Gambling Commission is also on standby. But what could these products mean if they catch...

FCA motor finance redress scheme/Open Finance/Investment risk warnings 20.04.2026 44мин

In this week's episode, we take a look at the detail behind the FCA's motor finance redress scheme. With up to £7.5bn of compensation due to be paid out to customers, it's the biggest mass redress scheme since PPI. We discuss some of the complex decisions the regulator had to make in deciding how much customers were owed - as well as what the scheme tells us about the FCA's current direction of travel. In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's recent Open Finance roadmap. Whi...

Financial Ombudsman Service reforms/Simplified financial advice 30.03.2026 36мин

In this week's episode, we take a look at the latest detail from the Treasury and FCA around the reform of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Treasury has confirmed it plans to impose a 10-year time bar on complaints, as well as give itself new powers to hire and fire the chair and chief Ombudsman of the FOS. It is also considering whether to exclude the Consumer Duty and other principles from FOS decisions. In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's proposals to introduce a...

FCA regulatory priority reports - insurance, consumer investments & pensions/Government financial inclusion strategy update 12.03.2026 31мин

In this week's episode, we take a look at the first of the FCA's new regulatory priority updates - which it plans to publish in each sector once a year. The first three to go live are insurance, consumer investments and pensions. We discuss what's in the documents - and whether these new publications will materially reduce the burden for industry compliance teams. In the second half of the show, we discuss the latest developments in the financial inclusion space. It's four months since the Go...

FCA credit information market reforms/Buy Now Pay Later rules unveiled 27.02.2026 35мин

In this week's episode, we start with a discussion about the FCA's latest proposals for the Credit Information market. These are the final stages of a market review that began almost seven years ago. We dive into the detail. In the second half of the show, we take a look at the draft Buy Now Pay Later rules which are due to come into force in July. With Consumer Credit Act reform continuing to move at snail's pace, the BNPL rules - with a lighter touch on disclosure - may be an indication of ...

The Fairer Finance Interview: Nikhil Rathi, CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority 18.02.2026 1ч 6мин

In this special edition of the Fairer Finance podcast, we're delighted to be joined by chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, Nikhil Rathi. We have a wide ranging conversation with Nikhil, covering everything from the FCA's changing approach to rule-making and enforcement, through to its relationship with Treasury and the forthcoming motor finance redress scheme. Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to fairerfinance@fairerfinance.com

FCA premium finance market study/Apple Pay in the Competition Appeal Tribunal 12.02.2026 35мин

In this week's episode, we talk about the conclusions of the FCA's recent premium finance market study. Unusually, the final report recommends no market changes and side-steps some of the major problems in the market. In the second half of the show, we discuss a new case against Apple which was recently filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The case is being brought by none other than Fairer Finance's own James Daley (under the banner of James Daley Class Representative LLP) and con...

FCA protection market study/Mills' AI report/CMA regulation bonfire 30.01.2026 42мин

In our latest episode, we start with a look at the interim report of the FCA's protection market study. Later in the show, we discuss Sheldon Mill's review into the impact of AI in financial services. And we wrap up with a look at the CMA's latest commitment to review and potentially scrap 60% of regulatory decisions. Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to fairerfinance@fairerfinance.com

Pensions value for money/Predictions for 2026 16.01.2026 43мин

In this week's episode, we start with a look at the latest pensions value for money proposals released by the FCA - which include a new RAG rating with two different shades of green. In the second half of the show, we look ahead to what is coming up across the rest of 2026, including making some predictions. We also look back at how James got on with his 2025 predictions (spoiler alert - not great!). Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to fairerfinance@fairerfina...

FCA responds to the Which? insurance super-complaint/FCA mortgage reforms/Cryptocurrency regulation 22.12.2025 43мин

In our last episode of 2025, we take a look at the FCA's response to the Which? super-complaint about home and travel insurance. While there's no market study, the FCA has committed to follow up with more work looking at the link between sales journeys and claims outcomes. We discuss the response in detail and what it means for the industry. In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's latest mortgage market reforms, as well as their new regime for regulating cryptocurrency. Email u...

Targeted support and FCA consumer investment drive/Motor insurance taskforce 15.12.2025 38мин

In this week's episode, we start by unpacking a number of new FCA papers designed to get more people investing. As well as simplifications to the disclosure rules, the FCA published a new discussion paper looking at how to change consumer attitudes towards investing. We also discuss the near final Targeted Support rules, published on the 11 December. In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's motor insurance taskforce report, and look ahead to its response to the Which? super-compla...

Budget 2025 Special 27.11.2025 22мин

In this special Budget edition of the podcast, we take a look at the headlines and relevant news for the financial services sector in this week's Budget. After months of speculation about major changes to the Isa and pensions system - what changes were actually announced? As ever, Eve, James and Tim catch you up with their analysis. Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to fairerfinance@fairerfinance.com

FCA focus on contracts for difference/Hollowing out in the general insurance market 24.11.2025 41мин

In this week's episode, we take a look at the FCA's recent activity in the Contracts for Difference market. The regulator's review of the sector unveils some poor practice and sends a warning shot to the market. In the second half of the show, we take a look at new research from Fairer Finance focusing on hollowing out in the general insurance market. A number of pet insurers now have low underlying limits which cap payouts on some of the most common costs. While travel insurers increasingly ...

Government financial inclusion strategy/Consolidation in the financial advice sector 10.11.2025 48мин

In this week's episode, we take a look at the Government's new financial inclusion strategy. With recommendations to improve access to banking, credit and insurance - there are some initiatives to be welcomed, but the recommendations are fairly meek. In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's recent multi-firm review focusing on consolidation in the financial advice sector. Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to fairerfinance@fairerfinance.com

How is AI changing financial services/House of Lords Regulation Committee/FCA Value measures data 24.10.2025 41мин

In this week's episode, we look at how AI is being used in financial services and how it might involve in future. We follow the recent discussion between MPs and financial regulators on the topic in the House of Commons and talk about some of the risks as well as the opportunities. Staying in Westminster, we take a brief look at the House of Lords Financial Regulation Committee - and its recent inquiry into Car Finance, where many of the members appeared to have conflicts of interest. A...

FCA consumer duty update/Motor finance compensation scheme 13.10.2025 42мин

In this week's episode, we discuss the detail behind the FCA's proposed motor finance redress scheme. While millions of consumers could be in line for compensation, some consumers are unhappy with the design of the scheme. In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's latest consumer duty updates, and it's work plan for the year ahead. With Buy Now Pay Later being brought into FCA regulation and the Consumer Credit Act under review - the FCA is kickstarting a review of its credit discl...

Which? insurance super-complaint/FCA consultation on crypto-currency 25.09.2025 35мин

In this week's episode, we start with a look at Which?'s super-complaint into the home and travel insurance markets. Fairer Finance supported Which? with its analysis, and shares its concerns. But it's likely to have gone down like a lead balloon at the FCA, where resources are stretched and management are being told to focus on the Treasury's pro-growth, deregulation agenda. In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's latest consultation into regulation of the crypto currency market...