In April 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published its new five-year strategy, outlining its priorities through to 2030. The strategy sets out how the regulator intends to meet its statutory objectives while adapting to a changing financial landscape.
This article summarises the key points from the FCA’s strategy and considers what they may mean for regulated firms.
The FCA’s Four Strategic Priorities
The FCA has structured its long-term vision around four overarching priorities. These priorities reflect the regulator’s intention to become more efficient and effective, while supporting innovation and safeguarding consumers. Here, we take a look at each.
Becoming a smarter regulator
The FCA intends to improve its internal processes, making better use of technology and data to supervise firms and monitor markets. It will continue its shift towards an outcomes-based approach to regulation, with less reliance on detailed prescriptive rules.
The strategy also commits to reviewing the information the FCA requests from firms, aiming to reduce duplication and focus on data that supports risk-based supervision. The regulator has signalled a more proportionate approach to engaging with firms, with greater flexibility for those demonstrating strong governance and compliance.
Supporting sustained economic growth
The FCA has stated that it will support the UK’s wider economic objectives by promoting investment and innovation within financial services. This includes reducing regulatory burdens where possible and enabling a more flexible environment for firms to develop new products and services.
Efforts will also be made to widen access to capital markets, including retail participation, while maintaining appropriate levels of consumer protection. The regulator’s goal is to support competitiveness without compromising the integrity of the UK’s financial system.
Helping consumers navigate their financial lives
Improving consumer outcomes remains a central part of the FCA’s strategy. It will continue working with industry to improve trust in financial services, ensure products are appropriately designed, and make information clearer and more accessible.
This approach is aligned with the expectations set out under the Consumer Duty, which the FCA views as central to raising standards and improving decision-making for individuals in a wide range of financial situations.
Fighting financial crime
The FCA has committed to intensifying its focus on financial crime, particularly where individuals or firms abuse their regulated status. The strategy outlines a more proactive approach to identifying and disrupting bad actors, using intelligence and data to detect and respond to misconduct more quickly.
The regulator also plans to support firms in playing a more effective role as the first line of defence, particularly in relation to onboarding, transaction monitoring, and reporting obligations.
Regulatory Initiatives and International Focus
Alongside its domestic agenda, the FCA is aiming to strengthen its international position. As UK firms increasingly operate across borders, the regulator is seeking to influence global standards and maintain the UK’s reputation as a well-regulated and attractive financial centre.
Internally, the FCA will continue to invest in its own capabilities, including staff expertise, digital infrastructure, and data analytics. It is also reviewing how it supervises firms, with a view to streamlining engagement and aligning supervisory intensity with risk and conduct history.
What This Means for Firms
Firms that demonstrate strong governance, effective systems and controls, and a good track record on outcomes may benefit from more flexible and proportionate regulatory engagement.
At the same time, the FCA is likely to increase scrutiny of firms that show signs of poor conduct, ineffective controls, or weak consumer outcomes. The shift towards outcomes-based regulation means firms will need to evidence how they deliver good results in practice, not just on paper.
The emphasis on technology, growth, and international coordination suggests a more agile and outward-facing regulator — but one that still expects firms to meet high standards.
Final Thoughts
The FCA’s 2025–2030 strategy sets out a clear direction of travel. While the regulator intends to reduce unnecessary burdens and support innovation, they remain focused on delivering high standards and strong consumer protections.
Firms should consider how their current governance, compliance, and product frameworks align with the FCA’s priorities. Reviewing internal data, customer outcomes, and risk management practices will be essential as the regulator continues to evolve.
API Compliance will continue to monitor how the strategy is being implemented in practice. For tailored advice or support in responding to these developments, please get in touch.
