The latest compliance news, opinion, and insights
Welcome to the Skillcast blog, where you’ll find expert opinions, industry insights, and key trends. Read about the latest in regulatory compliance, compliance training, digital learning, EdTech, and RegTech.
Highest FCA Fines of 2025
15 min read
The FCA has had a relatively quiet start to 2025, but this has changed as the year has progressed. We analyse the nature of the breaches behind penalties dished out this year.
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The World's Biggest Accounting Fraud Scandals
Read the articleThe Principles of Insurance & Why They Are Important
Read the article12 Notorious UK Discrimination Cases
Read the articleTax Avoidance vs Tax Evasion - What is the Difference?
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Top 10 FCA Compliance Priorities in 2026 | Skillcast
6 minute read
The FCA continues to evolve its regulatory approach. We discuss the major compliance issues facing financial services and what firms need to focus on.
Highest FCA Fines of 2025 | Skillcast
15 minute read
The FCA's year has been relatively quiet after fines broke records in 2024. However, concerning patterns are emerging. We've analysed FCA fines in 2025.
What are FCA Principles of Business? | Principle 11 |...
15 minute read
The FCA has 12 principles of business (or PRIN) that must be fulfilled by any regulated firm. Find out what they are and how to avoid enforcement action.
Understanding Market Abuse Regulation | Skillcast
12 minute read
One of the main policy focuses in FCA's Business Plan is to deliver assertive action on market abuse. But, what is market abuse, and how can you avoid it?
Key High Frequency Algorithmic Trading Controls | Skillcast
3 minute read
Understand high frequency algorithmic trading (HFAT) and the 5 key controls you need in light of the MiFID II regime.
Understanding CeMAP: Who Needs This Training? | Skillcast
4 minute read
To be a mortgage advisor, you need a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). Learn more about this training and who it affects in this Skillcast guide.
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How General Elections Impact the Financial Services Sector...
4 minute read
Discover how General Elections affect the UK financial services sector and learn how it may impact your business with Skillcast.
Understanding the Financial Services & Markets Act 2023 |...
5 minute read
The government’s new Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 introduces game-changing legislation that promises to reshape the way businesses operate.
ESG Risk Management & FCA Compliance | Skillcast
10 minute read
ESG risk management constantly undergoes regulatory change. So, how do compliance teams keep up and ensure they meet ethical expectations?
What Does AI in Finance Look Like? | Skillcast
5 minute read
Advances in AI capabilities mean it can now be deployed at scale across different industries. We explore the opportunities and concerns of AI in finance.
The Biggest Financial Crime Fines | Skillcast
9 minute read
Monetary fines are a common punishment for financial crime. From bribery to money laundering, we examine the biggest financial crime cases and fines.
Vulnerable Customer Policy | FCA Vulnerable Customers |...
11 minute read
Learn more about the FCA's definition of vulnerable customers, creating a vulnerable customer policy and its significance in business compliance.
Consumer Duty Cross Cutting Rules Explained | Skillcast
5 minute read
Discover the FCA’s Consumer Duty cross-cutting rules, including acting in good faith, and how they ensure the protection of consumers.
Understanding Proliferation Financing Obligations |...
11 minute read
Proliferation financing is a financial crime which is heavily fined. That's why it's important not to miss a beat with new regulations.
20 Biggest FCA Fines of All Time | Skillcast
17 minute read
The FCA has been issuing fines since 2013, with some years busier than others. Here's a breakdown of the top 20 penalities to date.
Preventing Harm & the SMCR | Skillcast
9 minute read
The financial services sector has an opportunity to show society we've changed substantially post the global financial crisis of 2008. Don't waste it.
Understanding the FCA Code of Conduct | Skillcast
8 minute read
Regulators expect employees in all financial firms to comply with the FCA Code of Conduct. Failure to do so results in fines. Is your firm compliant?
What is FCA COBS & How to Comply With These Rules |...
5 minute read
Discover what FCA COBS rules are, including COBS 4, and learn how to comply with these conduct rules set out in the FCA Handbook.
How Charities Can Manage Vulnerable Customer Relationships...
5 minute read
Learn how charities can effectively manage relationships with vulnerable customers. Discover best practices and guidelines to ensure a compliant approach.
How to Ensure MiFID Data Retention Compliance | Skillcast
4 minute read
Follow our five steps and make sure your business are compliant with MiFID II's upcoming data retention rules
SMCR for Insurance Firms Key Questions Answered | Skillcast
8 minute read
We answer 17 FAQs about how the extension of SM&CR to insurers will impact on almost every employee an insurance firm.
SMCR for Solo-Regulated Firms Key Questions Answered |...
8 minute read
The extension of SMCR to solo-regulated financial firms affected 50,000 companies. We answer the 17 most frequently asked questions.
Consumer Duty Questions Answered | Skillcast
9 minute read
The FCA's new Consumer Duty raises the bar for firms it regulates. Find out what this duty entails and how to meet FCA expectations.
The Seven Principles of Insurance Explained | Skillcast
6 minute read
Find out the importance of the seven principles of insurance and how they apply to your business - a breakdown of each principle and why they’re important.
10 Ways to Prevent Insider Trading | Skillcast
5 minute read
The FCA is concerned insider trading risks are increasing as remote working becomes a norm. We have 10 tips to protect your firm from the consequences.
Everything You Need to Know About CONC Compliance |...
5 minute read
Discover what CONC compliance is, the FCA’s requirements for consumer credit firms, and how to align with the Consumer Credit Sourcebook to stay compliant.
SMCR Breakfast Briefing | Skillcast
4 minute read
Networking breakfast focusing on SM&CR training and implementation tools for banking, insurance and solo-regulated firms.
How to Comply with CASS Rules: A Guide for UK Businesses |...
6 minute read
Learn how to comply with CASS rules, including CASS 6 and CASS 7, to protect client assets and stay FCA compliant with the CASS rulebook.
What is the UK Criminal Finances Act? | Skillcast
4 minute read
The Criminal Finances Act 2017 targets corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. How does this legislation affect UK organisations?
Understanding Conduct Risk | FCA Standards | Skillcast
4 minute read
Learn everything you need to know about conduct risk and the FCA's expectations. Find out how to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
How to Evidence your SMCR Competence | Skillcast
5 minute read
What is SMCR competence? We explain the FCA expectations, who should own certification and how to truly evidence your competence.
Digitising SMCR Compliance | Skillcast
7 minute read
SMCR compliance consumes valuable management time and yet may still leave you exposed to breach risks. But there is a proven effective digital solution.
5 Steps to Take for Direct Electronic Access | Skillcast
4 minute read
Read this blog pot to find out the steps you should be taking to prepare for direct electronic access (DEA) under MiFID II.
5 Ways to Avoid Conflicts of Interest with Customers |...
3 minute read
Conflict of interest can negatively impact customers, which puts companies at risk of breaching the FCA's regulations around good customer outcomes.
SMCR & Non-financial Misconduct | Skillcast
7 minute read
Falling public confidence and damaging press have renewed the FCA's focus on conduct, including non-financial misconduct. So how can you stay compliant?
Financial Services Social Media Compliance | Skillcast
4 minute read
Financial firms are increasingly using social media to communicate information and for financial promotions. But, how can you do so and stay compliant?
Understanding FCA Operational Resilience | Skillcast
12 minute read
Those regulated by the FCA are expected to have identified vulnerabilities in their operational resilience. But where do you start?
SMCR Scenario Tests
9 minute read
By using practical examples that reflect real-world FCA dilemmas you can ensure that staff know how to apply what they have learned in training.
How to Achieve MiFID II Compliance | Skillcast
5 minute read
MiFID arrived in response to the market crash. Following the PPI scandal, it was strengthened with the introduction of MiFID II. Understand the changes.
Key MiFID II Research Checks | Skillcast
3 minute read
Martyn Oughton writes about the all-important MiFID II research checks. Follow his checklist to make sure your firm is prepared for the new regulations.
FCA Business Plan Roundtable Insights | Skillcast
4 minute read
Skillcast's breakfast roundtables bring together compliance professionals, industry insiders and ex-regulators together to discuss key FCA-related issues.
Building a Compliance-driven Culture | Skillcast
4 minute read
Establishing a compliance-driven culture is vital for a firm's success. We examined the intricacies of building and maintaining this type of culture.
6 Tips to Avoid Financial Mis-selling | Skillcast
3 minute read
The UK financial services industry has been hit with billions in fines as a result of mis-selling products. We have some tips to avoid another scandal.
Best Practices in Financial Services Compliance Training |...
5 minute read
The pandemic meant that over 8 in 10 financial services staff worked from home. But the FCA has warned that even so, compliance standards must not drop.
FCA Consumer Duty Implementation Plan | Skillcast
6 minute read
Companies need to produce their first annual board report assessing implementation. We revise everything that an implementation plan should have.
What is SMCR Duty of Responsibility? | Skillcast
4 minute read
Sharon Williams examines how Senior Managers can protect themselves from enforcement action arising from the SMCR Duty of Responsibility.
UK IFA Compliance Requirements | Skillcast
3 minute read
IFAs need to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure they provide fair and honest advice.
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