The FCA announced it had launched a 3-year plan to ‘improve outcomes for consumers and in markets throughout the UK.’ Part of the three-year plan is to maintain higher standards while at the same time promote healthy competition.
The FCA will make further use of its resources to prevent significant harm to consumers. The UK regulator, for the first time will be accountable against ‘published outcomes and performance metrics.’
One of the key parts of the FCA’s strategy is to shut down companies that do not meet basic regulations. 80 individuals will be recruited to substantially reduce fraudulent activities.
Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority said, “Our new strategy enables the FCA to respond more quickly to the rapidly changing financial services sector.
“It will give us a foundation to continuously improve for the benefit of our stakeholders, and respond swiftly to economic and geopolitical developments.”
FCA and Crypto Firms
Greater attention will be paid to crypto firms that conduct illegal activities or harm consumers.
“We will intervene where crypto asset firms are at risk of being used as conduits for illegal activity and where firms pose harm to consumers or market integrity. We are increasingly data-led, focusing on the effectiveness of systems and controls so we can:
• detect financial crime faster
• disrupt and pursue firms and individuals
• remove FCA regulated fraudsters from the financial system
source: FCA
The FCA also announced that major upgrades will be made to its market surveillance system over the next 2 years. The upgrades were not disclosed at this stage but it may strengthen the FCA’s ability to keep track on various market abuse techniques.
The systems will evolve from market monitoring to as close as possible to real time.
FCA Customer Duty
The FCA Consumer Duty may be enforced in its future plan. This will require financial firms to ‘act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm to their customers and support and empower them to make good financial decisions.’
• they provide products and services that meet the needs of their customers and offer fair value
• consumers are equipped with information to make effective, timely and informed decisions about products and services
• consumers receive good customer service. These proposals aim to ensure firms consider the needs of their customers – including those with characteristics of vulnerability – and how they behave, at every stage of the customer journey.
source: FCA
The regulator would also like to ensure consumers are fully aware of the product they are purchasing including some evidence of it.
Regulating cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies
By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the networks which are used to authenticate blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be thought of as systems that accept online payments which are denoted as “tokens.” Tokens are represented as internal ledger entries in blockchain technology while the term crypto is used to depict cryptographic methods and encryption algorithms such as public-private key pairs, various hashing functions, and an elliptical curve. Every cryptocurrency transaction that occurs is logged in a web-based ledger with blockchain technology.These then must be approved by a disparate network of individual nodes (computers that maintain a copy of the ledger). For every new block generated, the block must first be authenticated and confirmed ‘approved’ by each node, which makes forging the transactional history of cryptocurrencies nearly impossible. The World’s First CryptoBitcoin became the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency and to this day is still the most demanded cryptocurrency and the most valued. Bitcoin still contributes the majority of the overall cryptocurrency market volume, though several other cryptos have grown in popularity in recent years.Indeed, out of the wake of Bitcoin, iterations of Bitcoin became prevalent which resulted in a multitude of newly created or cloned cryptocurrencies. Contending cryptocurrencies that emerged after Bitcoin’s success is referred to as ‘altcoins’ and they refer to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Peercoin, Namecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, and Dash. Cryptocurrencies promise a wide range of technological innovations that have yet to be structured into being. Simplified payments between two parties without the need for a middle man is one aspect while leveraging blockchain technology to minimize transaction and processing fees for banks is another. Of course, cryptocurrencies have their disadvantages too. This includes issues of tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit online activities where anonymity is a dire ingredient in solicitous and fraudulent activities.
By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the networks which are used to authenticate blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be thought of as systems that accept online payments which are denoted as “tokens.” Tokens are represented as internal ledger entries in blockchain technology while the term crypto is used to depict cryptographic methods and encryption algorithms such as public-private key pairs, various hashing functions, and an elliptical curve. Every cryptocurrency transaction that occurs is logged in a web-based ledger with blockchain technology.These then must be approved by a disparate network of individual nodes (computers that maintain a copy of the ledger). For every new block generated, the block must first be authenticated and confirmed ‘approved’ by each node, which makes forging the transactional history of cryptocurrencies nearly impossible. The World’s First CryptoBitcoin became the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency and to this day is still the most demanded cryptocurrency and the most valued. Bitcoin still contributes the majority of the overall cryptocurrency market volume, though several other cryptos have grown in popularity in recent years.Indeed, out of the wake of Bitcoin, iterations of Bitcoin became prevalent which resulted in a multitude of newly created or cloned cryptocurrencies. Contending cryptocurrencies that emerged after Bitcoin’s success is referred to as ‘altcoins’ and they refer to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Peercoin, Namecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, and Dash. Cryptocurrencies promise a wide range of technological innovations that have yet to be structured into being. Simplified payments between two parties without the need for a middle man is one aspect while leveraging blockchain technology to minimize transaction and processing fees for banks is another. Of course, cryptocurrencies have their disadvantages too. This includes issues of tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit online activities where anonymity is a dire ingredient in solicitous and fraudulent activities.
Read this Term is among the goals of the FCA. An investigation will be conducted to understand how a users access information before deciding to buy cryptocurrencies or tokens.
While it is not mentioned directly, it is possible the FCA will follow the steps of ASIC
ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the prime regulator in Australia for corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit. It is empowered under the financial service laws to facilitate, regulate, and enforce Australian financial laws. The Australian Commission was set up and is administered under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act of 2001. ASIC was initially the Australian Securities Commission based on the 1989 ASC Act. Initially, the idea was to unite regulators in Australia by replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission and the Corporate Affairs offices. ASIC does not regulate business or register business structures, only business names. One of the unique features of the Australian regulator is that over 90% of its operating budget comes from fees and fines levies. These fees for service, including company registration fees and licensing fees for banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. What is ASIC Responsible For?The regulator is charged with protecting the public from financial fraud and to make sure the investor is knowledgeable and understands their involvement. To this end, the Commission provides a license to each Financial Services provider. ASIC tests and assesses the qualification and experience of Financial Advisors. An Australian financial services (AFS) licensee, an authorized representative, employee or director of an AFS licensee, or an employee or director of a related body corporate of an AFS licensee, is authorized to provide personal advice to retail clients concerning relevant financial products to retail clients ASIC monitors the behavior of Financial Advisors and can access fines and remove or suspend their license. The regulator also licenses all investment and trading companies doing business in Australia. One service of the most outstanding benefits is the Australian Market Regulation Feed. To monitor trading activity, brokers and market operators have to facilitate access to ASIC’s Integrated Market Surveillance System. This means brokers and other relevant bodies in the registry must allow daily access to: All orders, trades, and quotes that are processed and circulated by the trading engine All messages related to trading sessions, product price and status They are closely monitoring all online and day trading
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the prime regulator in Australia for corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit. It is empowered under the financial service laws to facilitate, regulate, and enforce Australian financial laws. The Australian Commission was set up and is administered under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act of 2001. ASIC was initially the Australian Securities Commission based on the 1989 ASC Act. Initially, the idea was to unite regulators in Australia by replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission and the Corporate Affairs offices. ASIC does not regulate business or register business structures, only business names. One of the unique features of the Australian regulator is that over 90% of its operating budget comes from fees and fines levies. These fees for service, including company registration fees and licensing fees for banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. What is ASIC Responsible For?The regulator is charged with protecting the public from financial fraud and to make sure the investor is knowledgeable and understands their involvement. To this end, the Commission provides a license to each Financial Services provider. ASIC tests and assesses the qualification and experience of Financial Advisors. An Australian financial services (AFS) licensee, an authorized representative, employee or director of an AFS licensee, or an employee or director of a related body corporate of an AFS licensee, is authorized to provide personal advice to retail clients concerning relevant financial products to retail clients ASIC monitors the behavior of Financial Advisors and can access fines and remove or suspend their license. The regulator also licenses all investment and trading companies doing business in Australia. One service of the most outstanding benefits is the Australian Market Regulation Feed. To monitor trading activity, brokers and market operators have to facilitate access to ASIC’s Integrated Market Surveillance System. This means brokers and other relevant bodies in the registry must allow daily access to: All orders, trades, and quotes that are processed and circulated by the trading engine All messages related to trading sessions, product price and status They are closely monitoring all online and day trading
Read this Term and require social media influencers to acquire a license in order to promote digital assets.
The FCA announced it had launched a 3-year plan to ‘improve outcomes for consumers and in markets throughout the UK.’ Part of the three-year plan is to maintain higher standards while at the same time promote healthy competition.
The FCA will make further use of its resources to prevent significant harm to consumers. The UK regulator, for the first time will be accountable against ‘published outcomes and performance metrics.’
One of the key parts of the FCA’s strategy is to shut down companies that do not meet basic regulations. 80 individuals will be recruited to substantially reduce fraudulent activities.
Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority said, “Our new strategy enables the FCA to respond more quickly to the rapidly changing financial services sector.
“It will give us a foundation to continuously improve for the benefit of our stakeholders, and respond swiftly to economic and geopolitical developments.”
FCA and Crypto Firms
Greater attention will be paid to crypto firms that conduct illegal activities or harm consumers.
“We will intervene where crypto asset firms are at risk of being used as conduits for illegal activity and where firms pose harm to consumers or market integrity. We are increasingly data-led, focusing on the effectiveness of systems and controls so we can:
• detect financial crime faster
• disrupt and pursue firms and individuals
• remove FCA regulated fraudsters from the financial system
source: FCA
The FCA also announced that major upgrades will be made to its market surveillance system over the next 2 years. The upgrades were not disclosed at this stage but it may strengthen the FCA’s ability to keep track on various market abuse techniques.
The systems will evolve from market monitoring to as close as possible to real time.
FCA Customer Duty
The FCA Consumer Duty may be enforced in its future plan. This will require financial firms to ‘act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm to their customers and support and empower them to make good financial decisions.’
• they provide products and services that meet the needs of their customers and offer fair value
• consumers are equipped with information to make effective, timely and informed decisions about products and services
• consumers receive good customer service. These proposals aim to ensure firms consider the needs of their customers – including those with characteristics of vulnerability – and how they behave, at every stage of the customer journey.
source: FCA
The regulator would also like to ensure consumers are fully aware of the product they are purchasing including some evidence of it.
Regulating cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies
By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the networks which are used to authenticate blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be thought of as systems that accept online payments which are denoted as “tokens.” Tokens are represented as internal ledger entries in blockchain technology while the term crypto is used to depict cryptographic methods and encryption algorithms such as public-private key pairs, various hashing functions, and an elliptical curve. Every cryptocurrency transaction that occurs is logged in a web-based ledger with blockchain technology.These then must be approved by a disparate network of individual nodes (computers that maintain a copy of the ledger). For every new block generated, the block must first be authenticated and confirmed ‘approved’ by each node, which makes forging the transactional history of cryptocurrencies nearly impossible. The World’s First CryptoBitcoin became the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency and to this day is still the most demanded cryptocurrency and the most valued. Bitcoin still contributes the majority of the overall cryptocurrency market volume, though several other cryptos have grown in popularity in recent years.Indeed, out of the wake of Bitcoin, iterations of Bitcoin became prevalent which resulted in a multitude of newly created or cloned cryptocurrencies. Contending cryptocurrencies that emerged after Bitcoin’s success is referred to as ‘altcoins’ and they refer to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Peercoin, Namecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, and Dash. Cryptocurrencies promise a wide range of technological innovations that have yet to be structured into being. Simplified payments between two parties without the need for a middle man is one aspect while leveraging blockchain technology to minimize transaction and processing fees for banks is another. Of course, cryptocurrencies have their disadvantages too. This includes issues of tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit online activities where anonymity is a dire ingredient in solicitous and fraudulent activities.
By using cryptography, virtual currencies, known as cryptocurrencies, are nearly counterfeit-proof digital currencies that are built on blockchain technology. Comprised of decentralized networks, blockchain technology is not overseen by a central authority.Therefore, cryptocurrencies function in a decentralized nature which theoretically makes them immune to government interference. The term, cryptocurrency derives from the origin of the encryption techniques that are employed to secure the networks which are used to authenticate blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies can be thought of as systems that accept online payments which are denoted as “tokens.” Tokens are represented as internal ledger entries in blockchain technology while the term crypto is used to depict cryptographic methods and encryption algorithms such as public-private key pairs, various hashing functions, and an elliptical curve. Every cryptocurrency transaction that occurs is logged in a web-based ledger with blockchain technology.These then must be approved by a disparate network of individual nodes (computers that maintain a copy of the ledger). For every new block generated, the block must first be authenticated and confirmed ‘approved’ by each node, which makes forging the transactional history of cryptocurrencies nearly impossible. The World’s First CryptoBitcoin became the first blockchain-based cryptocurrency and to this day is still the most demanded cryptocurrency and the most valued. Bitcoin still contributes the majority of the overall cryptocurrency market volume, though several other cryptos have grown in popularity in recent years.Indeed, out of the wake of Bitcoin, iterations of Bitcoin became prevalent which resulted in a multitude of newly created or cloned cryptocurrencies. Contending cryptocurrencies that emerged after Bitcoin’s success is referred to as ‘altcoins’ and they refer to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Peercoin, Namecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, and Dash. Cryptocurrencies promise a wide range of technological innovations that have yet to be structured into being. Simplified payments between two parties without the need for a middle man is one aspect while leveraging blockchain technology to minimize transaction and processing fees for banks is another. Of course, cryptocurrencies have their disadvantages too. This includes issues of tax evasion, money laundering, and other illicit online activities where anonymity is a dire ingredient in solicitous and fraudulent activities.
Read this Term is among the goals of the FCA. An investigation will be conducted to understand how a users access information before deciding to buy cryptocurrencies or tokens.
While it is not mentioned directly, it is possible the FCA will follow the steps of ASIC
ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the prime regulator in Australia for corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit. It is empowered under the financial service laws to facilitate, regulate, and enforce Australian financial laws. The Australian Commission was set up and is administered under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act of 2001. ASIC was initially the Australian Securities Commission based on the 1989 ASC Act. Initially, the idea was to unite regulators in Australia by replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission and the Corporate Affairs offices. ASIC does not regulate business or register business structures, only business names. One of the unique features of the Australian regulator is that over 90% of its operating budget comes from fees and fines levies. These fees for service, including company registration fees and licensing fees for banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. What is ASIC Responsible For?The regulator is charged with protecting the public from financial fraud and to make sure the investor is knowledgeable and understands their involvement. To this end, the Commission provides a license to each Financial Services provider. ASIC tests and assesses the qualification and experience of Financial Advisors. An Australian financial services (AFS) licensee, an authorized representative, employee or director of an AFS licensee, or an employee or director of a related body corporate of an AFS licensee, is authorized to provide personal advice to retail clients concerning relevant financial products to retail clients ASIC monitors the behavior of Financial Advisors and can access fines and remove or suspend their license. The regulator also licenses all investment and trading companies doing business in Australia. One service of the most outstanding benefits is the Australian Market Regulation Feed. To monitor trading activity, brokers and market operators have to facilitate access to ASIC’s Integrated Market Surveillance System. This means brokers and other relevant bodies in the registry must allow daily access to: All orders, trades, and quotes that are processed and circulated by the trading engine All messages related to trading sessions, product price and status They are closely monitoring all online and day trading
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is the prime regulator in Australia for corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit. It is empowered under the financial service laws to facilitate, regulate, and enforce Australian financial laws. The Australian Commission was set up and is administered under the Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act of 2001. ASIC was initially the Australian Securities Commission based on the 1989 ASC Act. Initially, the idea was to unite regulators in Australia by replacing the National Companies and Securities Commission and the Corporate Affairs offices. ASIC does not regulate business or register business structures, only business names. One of the unique features of the Australian regulator is that over 90% of its operating budget comes from fees and fines levies. These fees for service, including company registration fees and licensing fees for banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. What is ASIC Responsible For?The regulator is charged with protecting the public from financial fraud and to make sure the investor is knowledgeable and understands their involvement. To this end, the Commission provides a license to each Financial Services provider. ASIC tests and assesses the qualification and experience of Financial Advisors. An Australian financial services (AFS) licensee, an authorized representative, employee or director of an AFS licensee, or an employee or director of a related body corporate of an AFS licensee, is authorized to provide personal advice to retail clients concerning relevant financial products to retail clients ASIC monitors the behavior of Financial Advisors and can access fines and remove or suspend their license. The regulator also licenses all investment and trading companies doing business in Australia. One service of the most outstanding benefits is the Australian Market Regulation Feed. To monitor trading activity, brokers and market operators have to facilitate access to ASIC’s Integrated Market Surveillance System. This means brokers and other relevant bodies in the registry must allow daily access to: All orders, trades, and quotes that are processed and circulated by the trading engine All messages related to trading sessions, product price and status They are closely monitoring all online and day trading
Read this Term and require social media influencers to acquire a license in order to promote digital assets.
Source: https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/the-fca-announced-a-new-three-year-strategy-digital-assets-are-included/