FCA to probe consolidation in advice market – Mortgage Strategy

The Monetary Conduct Authority has introduced plans to assessment consolidation throughout the recommendation market.

In a letter despatched to recommendation and funding agency bosses at this time (7 October), the regulator mentioned there was a rise within the acquisition of companies or their belongings over the previous two years.

It mentioned that, whereas business consolidation can present advantages, numerous sorts of hurt can happen the place this isn’t completed in a “prudent method” with efficient controls to advertise good outcomes.

“We plan to undertake multi-firm work to assessment consolidation throughout the market,” the letter mentioned.

“The place we obtain notifications from people or companies to amass or improve management in regulated companies, we are going to assess and problem their suitability and the monetary soundness of the acquisition.

“The place acquisitions full with out prior regulatory approval, we might use our enforcement powers to object to the transaction or provoke prison proceedings.”

The FCA mentioned it expects companies to get its approval to amass or improve management in a agency it regulates.

A agency trying to do that should additionally make sure the “supply of excellent outcomes” is central to its tradition.

“Your management, governance, oversight preparations and controls needs to be efficient, adequately resourced and commensurate along with your rising dimension and complexity,” the regulator mentioned in its letter.

It additionally expects acquirers or consolidators to undertake sufficient due diligence of the promoting agency or consumer financial institution and have in mind its supervision assessment report and steering.

As well as, buying companies should guarantee they maintain “sufficient monetary sources” always.

“The place acquisitions are funded by debt, it’s best to have a reputable plan to service the debt,” the FCA mentioned.

“This needs to be supported by sensible and stress-tested monetary projections. The place you might be an funding agency group, you should totally adjust to our prudential consolidation guidelines.”