FS regulatory affairs newsletter - Q1 2024
In this instalment of the FS regulatory affairs newsletter, our experts have summarised the significant updates firms should be aware of in the first quarter of 2024.
Financial crime - Q1 2024
FCA Business Plan 2024/25 – Financial Crime #1 RecommendationThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) unveiled its Business Plan for 2024/25 in March, outlining their focus for the next 12 months as they hit the mid-point of the 3-year strategy announced in 2022. The plan is pivotal in achieving the operational objectives of the FCA strategy, which focuses on:
Reducing and preventing financial crime is noted as one of three core priorities in the Business Plan - also referred to as its public commitments, of which there are 13. The FCA outline three key outcomes, the first relating to slowing growth in Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud cases and losses. No surprise here given this is thought to impact more than 200,000 consumers a year. Slowing losses from investment fraud is also a focus and ties in with the FCAs enhancing its capabilities to identify and remove websites and social media accounts associated. This is in addition to a continued focus on lowering the incidence of money laundering through supervision and enforcement. Proactive assessment of AML systems and controls for higher risk firms is noted as a particular focus as is supervision and enforcement of Sanctions systems and controls. As a result, the FCA are increasingly using the data at their disposal to identify and target firms that may present a financial crime risk, be that from deficient systems and controls, to an unacceptable risk appetite or unauthorised financial promotions. As stated in the business plan, the FCA will make “increased investment in our systems to use intelligence and data more effectively within our financial crime work, so we can target higher risk firms and activities.” Moreover, the FCA note a number of continued activities, which include the use of enforcement powers for breaches of financial crime systems and controls, as well as proactive assessments of for those firms deemed higher risk. Closer cooperation with partners such as the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) and proactive supervision through the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) is also noted, which is likely to result in greater sharing of information and alignment of intelligence gathering and supervision methodologies. An increase in fraud awareness campaigns can also be expected to continue, in line with the focus on APP fraud and investment scams. |
What management should considerThe Business Plan aligns with what we are seeing in the market and whilst it contains no significant surprises, it should serve as a reminder of key issues to focus on. Firstly, ensuring that you are comfortable with your plans to deal with the increase in workload and ability to deal swiftly and competently with APP fraud. Secondly, are you comfortable that the deployment of your AML/KYC and Sanctions screening solutions is efficient and operating effectively? Do they flag breaches? Finally, are you comfortable that your financial crime framework is operating effectively, addressing the risks you face as a business and would stand up to regulatory scrutiny? |
Customer Reimbursement Requirement – Payment Service Regulator (PSR)The PSR’s 19 December 2023 Policy Statement (PS23/4) on mandatory reimbursement of authorised push payment (APP) fraud is leading to a ramp up in activity as firms get ready for the forthcoming requirements. Set out to aid victims of APP scams, a prevalent form of fraud targeting consumers into authorising illegitimate payments, the programme comes into force on 7 October 2024 and sets out requirements for PSPs to reimburse most victims. Mandatory Reimbursement will initially include Faster Payments only, with CHAPS payments to follow. The PSR is overseeing the implementation through Pay.UK, the Faster Payments operator, with the Bank of England developing parallel regulations for CHAPS payments in the UK retail sector. Outlined in the new scheme are key features including:
The backdrop to the new requirements has seen an alarming surge in APP fraud cases, with a reported 200,000 incidents in 2022, resulting in losses exceeding £485 million. Past efforts to tackle this issue include stringent customer authentication requirements and the Contingent Reimbursement Code by the Lending Standards Board. Despite the implementation of Confirmation of Payee to 400 new PSPs in 2022, the UK Government remains concerned about the efficacy of existing measures, leading to the enactment of legislation allowing for mandatory reimbursement through the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Underpinned by various policies, the reimbursement requirement entails sending PSPs reimbursing victims of APP fraud, with receiving PSPs obligated to pay 50% of the reimbursement. Exceptions apply in cases of customer fraudulence or gross negligence, with a time limit of five business days for reimbursements. Noteworthy provisions include a claim excess of £100, no minimum threshold for claims, and a maximum reimbursement level of £415,000. Vulnerable consumers are safeguarded from certain standards, emphasizing fair treatment for this demographic. The reimbursement program encompasses consumers, microenterprises, and charities, with both Faster Payments and CHAPS participants mandated to adhere to the guidelines. Notably, while the PSR lacks authority to enforce reimbursement for payments within the same PSP, it expects responsible behaviour from PSPs in these instances. |
What management should considerPSPs in particular need to assess their strategy around protecting customers and the ways in which they can reduce the likelihood of them falling victim to instances of APP fraud. Key steps they should consider include:
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Recent and Upcoming Regulatory DevelopmentsAn updated summary of some of the recent and upcoming regulatory developments we anticipate will impact financial crime compliance include:
Get in touchIf you would like to speak with a member of our team, please click the button below. |
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