MEMA Consultants United Kingdom

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s21 Approval Best Practice for Financial Promotions.

Financial promotions compliance is a critical responsibility for regulated firms operating under the expectations of the Financial Conduct Authority. This guide explains s21 approval best practice, helping firms understand how to review, approve, and monitor financial promotions in line with FCA requirements.

The article outlines key areas such as financial promotions compliance, digital marketing oversight, and social media promotion rules. It also highlights the importance of clear governance, documented processes, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that promotions remain fair, clear, and not misleading.

In addition, the guide provides a practical implementation checklist covering policy updates, internal controls, and board-level reporting. Firms looking to strengthen their s21 approval best practice framework can also explore how MEMA supports compliance through gap assessments, policy drafting, and training.

For full guidance and practical insights, read the complete article here: https://www.memaconsultants.com/resources/blog/financial-promotions-s21-approval-best-practice

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UK Cryptoasset Licensing Deadline 2026 Guide.

The UK crypto industry is entering a major regulatory shift as firms prepare for full authorisation before the September 2026 deadline. This guide explains what the new cryptoasset licensing regime means, which activities fall within scope, and how businesses should prepare to meet FCA expectations. From capital requirements and client asset protection to governance, market conduct, and stablecoin rules, firms must take strategic action now to remain compliant.

Understanding cryptoasset licensing early can help organisations avoid disruption, maintain market access, and build credibility with partners and investors. The transition from registration to authorisation also creates opportunities for firms ready to adapt quickly.

If your business operates in or plans to enter the UK crypto market, this resource provides practical insights and preparation steps. Click the link to explore the full guide and learn how to navigate cryptoasset licensing successfully. https://www.memaconsultants.com/resources/insights/2026-05-cryptoasset-licensing-deadline

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Future-Proofing Crypto Firms: Navigating Emerging UK Regulations and Strategic Planning.

As the UK crypto landscape evolves, forward-thinking businesses must prepare for a stricter regulatory framework driven by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 and upcoming "Phase 2" authorisation requirements. This article outlines key changes, such as stablecoin regulations, international alignment with MiCA and FATF standards, and increasing consumer protection expectations. Firms are encouraged to conduct gap analyses, adopt Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles, and engage with regulatory developments proactively. MEMA offers expert guidance to help crypto firms stay compliant and competitive as UK and global rules tighten.

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FCA Compliance for UK Crypto Firms: Registration Essentials and Best Practices.

Achieving FCA compliance in the UK crypto sector requires a clear understanding of AML registration under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), along with practical implementation of consumer protection and conduct expectations. This guide explores who must register, what the FCA expects in terms of due diligence, operational resilience, and governance, and highlights success stories from firms like Zumo, Revolut, and Coinbase UK. With compliance now a competitive advantage, MEMA offers expert support to help crypto businesses align operations and secure FCA approval.

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How the EU’s New AML Policies Impact Cryptocurrency Compliance

The EU’s expanded AML policies introduce stricter due diligence and reporting requirements for cryptocurrency businesses. The legislation grants Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) greater authority to detect and prevent financial crimes while establishing the AMLA in Frankfurt to oversee compliance. Key measures include beneficial ownership transparency, cash payment limits, and enhanced scrutiny of high-value transactions. With regulatory changes reshaping the crypto landscape, businesses must adapt to ensure compliance and mitigate risks effectively.

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Understanding UK Crypto Regulations: Key Definitions and Future Trends.

The UK crypto regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, with increasing investor interest and stricter oversight. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Bank of England, and HM Treasury play key roles in shaping policies, particularly around AML compliance, stablecoin regulation, and financial promotions. Cryptoassets are categorized into security tokens, exchange tokens, stablecoins, utility tokens, and NFTs, each with varying regulatory requirements. As the UK moves toward full regulation of crypto activities, businesses must stay informed and compliant to navigate this dynamic market effectively.

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How FCA’s New Listing Rules Enhance UK Capital Markets Competitiveness

The FCA's new listing rules represent a pivotal reform to fortify the UK's capital markets, as outlined by Sarah Pritchard, FCA’s Executive Director. These changes, effective July 29, 2024, simplify the IPO process, foster flexibility, and adopt a disclosure-based approach, allowing companies to grow while upholding corporate governance standards. Additionally, the FCA is enhancing public offers, investment research, and digital securities innovation. MEMA offers essential support to firms adapting to these reforms through regulatory guidance, compliance strategies, and training, positioning them for sustained success.

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Conducting Effective Business and Customer Risk Assessments for AML Compliance

A comprehensive business and customer risk assessment is essential for identifying AML risks and implementing a risk-based approach. This assessment classifies organizational units and clients by risk levels—high, medium, or low—based on factors like location, industry, and product usage. By continuously evaluating financial crime risks associated with each client, firms can tailor anti-money laundering controls and customer due diligence measures. Adopting a quantitative and consistent methodology ensures that resource allocation aligns with potential risks, safeguarding compliance and mitigating financial crime.

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Addressing Claims Management Phoenixing: FCA’s New Consultation

The FCA has issued a consultation paper focused on preventing claims management phoenixing, where individuals from dissolved financial services firms reappear in claims management companies to exploit previous misconduct. This measure aims to uphold regulatory integrity, foster public trust, and eliminate unfair competitive advantages. The FCA has previously addressed this issue in its Dear CEO letters, joint statements, and portfolio strategy letter. As the June 21, 2021, consultation deadline approaches, MEMA is available to help CMCs navigate these new regulations and their implications. For more details, review the FCA's consultation paper on phoenixing.

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Understanding the FCA’s “Dear CEO” Letter: Key Compliance Insights for CMCs

In the FCA's “Dear CEO” letter, issued on October 26, 2020, claims management companies (CMCs) are reminded of their regulatory responsibilities. The FCA highlights issues within the sector, including inadequate claim investigations, misleading advertising, and poor service standards. CMCs are expected to proactively meet their regulatory obligations, ensuring transparent practices and proper claims assessment. MEMA offers guidance to navigate these challenges and supports firms through the FCA compliance process, with upcoming resources on essential topics like FCA Threshold Conditions and regulatory returns.

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Key Steps for FCA Authorisation – Part 1

Understanding the process of FCA authorisation is essential for any business aiming to operate within the UK financial sector. This guide introduces the primary considerations for your firm, including key resources, necessary disclosures, risk management, and aligning your business model to regulatory standards. Each aspect is examined to ensure that your firm meets the FCA’s expectations and upholds the principles of honesty, integrity, and consumer protection.

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Essential Insights: FCA Fit & Proper Requirements and Conduct Rules Explained

Understanding the FCA Fit & Proper Requirements and Conduct Rules is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring the integrity of financial operations. These regulations ensure that firms and their employees are financially sound, honest, competent, and act in the best interests of their customers. To delve deeper into these crucial guidelines and how they impact your business, visit our detailed blog post at What are the FCA Fit & Proper Requirements and Conduct Rules?.

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Navigating FCA Financial Promotions: Key Compliance Steps and Internal Controls

Financial promotions are any materials that advertise or promote financial products or services. To comply with FCA regulations, firms must ensure these promotions are clear, fair, and not misleading, provide accurate and balanced information, and identify the firm and the product being promoted.

To properly approve financial promotions, firms should:

Review promotions against relevant laws and FCA regulations.

Ensure compliance with FCA's principles for business.

Verify suitability for the target audience.

Obtain necessary approvals for high-risk products.

Monitor and review ongoing promotions.

Implementing robust internal controls, including clear policies, staff training, thorough review processes, and ongoing monitoring, is essential to maintain compliance.

For a detailed guide on FCA financial promotions and the internal controls you should set up, visit this link.

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Navigating FCA's Portfolio Strategy: Essential Compliance Guide for Claims Management Companies

The FCA’s Portfolio Strategy for Claims Management Companies (CMCs) outlines key regulatory risks and expectations that firms must address to remain compliant. This guide emphasizes the importance of clear communication with consumers, proper data handling, and thorough claim investigations. It also stresses the need for ongoing compliance monitoring and preparation for the upcoming Consumer Duty.

To ensure your firm meets these requirements, review our detailed compliance guide by visiting this link.

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Mastering Compliance: 5 Essential Steps for Effective Control Monitoring in Financial Firms

Effective compliance control monitoring is essential for financial firms to meet regulatory requirements and protect their reputation. This process involves defining objectives, identifying key risks, establishing and implementing monitoring processes, and regularly reporting results. By following these five steps, firms can ensure a robust compliance framework that reduces the risk of regulatory sanctions.

For a more detailed guide on conducting compliance control monitoring, visit this link.

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Navigating the Upcoming Consumer Credit Reforms: What Your Business Needs to Know

The UK government is set to reform the Consumer Credit Act 1974 to simplify the complex regulatory framework, making it more adaptable and aligned with modern financial services legislation. These changes aim to enhance consumer protection, promote innovation, and support the growth of the UK economy. Businesses in the financial sector should be aware of the potential impacts, including changes to information requirements and the elimination of criminal sanctions for non-compliance.

To learn more about how these reforms could affect your business and how to prepare, visit this link.

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Upcoming Changes: UK Regulations for Buy-Now-Pay-Later Agreements

On February 14, 2023, the UK Government announced a consultation on new regulations for Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) agreements. Key changes include narrowing the current exemption for BNPL providers, imposing new creditworthiness checks, and requiring adherence to the Financial Promotions regime. Low-value BNPL agreements will also be regulated differently. Merchant-provided credit and credit broking will retain some current exemptions. BNPL providers must register with the FCA's Temporary Permissions Regime to continue operating under the new rules.

To understand how these new regulations will impact your business and to receive expert guidance on compliance, visit MEMA’s detailed blog post.