The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) 2025/26 work plan outlines a strategic shift toward smarter, more efficient regulation, notes compliance training provider Skillcast.
With economic pressures and calls for regulatory reform rising, the FCA is emphasizing transparency and accessibility in its communications. The new approach moves away from overly technical, data-heavy reporting, signaling a more accountable and publicly engaged regulatory stance for the future.
One of the most notable developments is the first reduction in regulatory fees in over a decade, aimed at easing the financial burden on firms, as 95% have reported rising compliance costs in recent years.
This addresses long-standing calls from the UK government and wider industry to streamline compliance and create a more supportive environment for innovation and sustainable growth.
Commenting on the FCA’s annual work programme for 2025/2026, Vivek Dodd, CEO at Skillcast, said:
“The FCA’s new strategy marks a pivotal shift in how regulation is approached, balancing the need for rigorous oversight with a more flexible, forward-thinking approach that supports growth and innovation. However, while the direction of travel is clear, the path ahead is complex. The 50,000 firms that are regulated by the FCA now face the dual challenge of staying compliant with evolving expectations while also seizing the opportunities that come with regulatory reform.
“That’s where compliance training plays a vital role. As regulatory requirements evolve, it can help organisations foster a culture of integrity, agility, and accountability. In today’s fast-changing landscape, digital tools and learning platforms empower firms not only to meet current standards but to anticipate and adapt to future developments confidently. Compliance becomes more than a box-ticking exercise – it evolves into a catalyst for long-term success.”
The business plan forms part of the FCA’s broader five-year strategy and follows the recent reappointment of CEO Nikhil Rathi for a second term.
Since taking office in October 2020, Rathi has overseen the most significant changes to the UK’s listing regime in over 30 years.
