The Compliance Doctor

Compliance Doctor

People appreciate the high level of information and regulatory insight from the Compliance Doctor, part of Compliance Consultant, because it empowers organisations to navigate the complex landscape of compliance effortlessly. With expert insights, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory changes, reduce risks, and enhance their operational integrity. The tailored guidance helps in understanding intricate regulations, fostering a culture of compliance, and promoting best practices. Ultimately, this proactive approach not only safeguards the organisation but also builds trust with stakeholders

  1. 05/30/2025

    BNPL Regulation in the UK – What Firms Need to Know Now

    In this episode, we dive into the UK Government’s official response to its consultation on Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) regulation—marking a pivotal shift in how short-term interest-free credit is governed. 🎯 What’s Changing? The Treasury’s 2025 consultation confirms that BNPL agreements offered by third-party lenders will come under formal regulation. In contrast, merchant-provided BNPL will stay exempt for now under Article 60F(2) of the RAO, though this may change if consumer harm escalates. 🔍 Key Takeaways: Third-party BNPL to be regulated: These providers must now seek FCA authorisation and comply with tailored rules being developed. Merchant-provided BNPL still unregulated: Despite concerns over a two-tier market, the government sees limited current harm here but will monitor it closely. Consumer Credit Act exemptions: Traditional CCA disclosure obligations will not apply. Instead, the FCA will design a more effective rules-based disclosure regime. Section 75 protections apply: Consumers will benefit from robust purchase protection, even under BNPL arrangements. Affordability checks and consumer duty: FCA’s principles-based oversight and rules on arrears and forbearance will cover BNPL agreements, supported by access to FOS and Breathing Space. Financial promotions tighten: Merchants must have their BNPL promotions approved by authorised firms; TPR (Temporary Permissions Regime) firms can approve their own. Time orders and debtor protections retained: Safeguards like court time orders and requirements after a debtor’s death remain in place. 📋 Implementation Timeline The Statutory Instrument (SI) will be laid before Parliament in 2025. The FCA will consult and finalise rules within 12 months. The new BNPL regime is expected to be live by mid-2026. 🏢 For Firms: Be Ready From affordability assessments to compliant disclosure and governance, the transition to regulation demands preparation. Compliance Consultant offers FCA authorisation support, training, audits, and a 25% discount until September 2025 for BNPL firms. 🛡️ Let’s ensure your firm is ready for the regulatory frontier. 📞 Book a Discovery Call now: https://bit.ly/CCDiscovr #Hashtags:#BNPLRegulation #ConsumerCredit #FCAAuthorisation #UKFinance #BuyNowPayLater #ComplianceConsultant #FCAUK #FinancialServices #RegulatoryChange #ConsumerDuty #CreditCompliance #MakingComplianceWork

    19 min
  2. 05/29/2025

    Regulating the Future: FCA’s Framework for Stablecoin & Crypto Custody | CP25/14 Briefing

    In this in-depth episode, we break down the FCA’s latest consultation paper, CP25/14, on the proposed regulatory framework for the issuance of qualifying stablecoins and custody of qualifying cryptoassets in the UK. From consumer protection to market integrity, the FCA’s goal is clear: make stablecoins function like trusted, money-like instruments while setting robust guardrails for those safeguarding cryptoassets. Key Highlights: 🔹 Stablecoins Must Be Fully Backed: The FCA proposes that all qualifying stablecoins must be 1:1 backed by assets, with a statutory trust imposed over backing assets. This ensures enhanced security for holders and robust liquidity safeguards. 🔹 Redemption at Par, No Interest Pass-Through: Issuers must redeem at par (face value) and are barred from distributing interest on backing assets—ensuring these coins don't masquerade as investment products. 🔹 Dual Regulation for Systemic Issuers: Stablecoins deemed systemic will be jointly regulated by the FCA and Bank of England, with the Payment Systems Regulator also playing a role. 🔹 Custody Rules Under CASS 17: Any UK-based firm (or firm servicing UK clients) offering custody of qualifying cryptoassets must hold assets under a non-statutory trust and implement clear governance, selection, and oversight frameworks for third-party custody providers. 🔹 Expanded Backing Assets? Prepare for the BACR: Issuers using a broader range of backing assets (e.g. MMFs, longer-term debt) must calculate and maintain a minimum ratio of core assets through the Backing Asset Composition Ratio—based on peak redemption forecasts. 🔹 Strict Redemption Timing: All redemption requests must be fulfilled by T+1 (next business day), unless prohibited by law or if the customer requests an alternate currency. 🔹 Consumer Duty Considerations: While CP25/14 contains its own set of obligations, the broader application of the FCA Consumer Duty to crypto markets is expected in future consultations. 🔹 Third-Party Contracts & Acknowledgements: Issuers using outsourced services must maintain responsibility for redemption, communications, and compliance, with formal trust acknowledgement letters from third-party asset holders. The FCA is pushing for proactive, proportionate regulation—focusing supervisory efforts on firms posing the greatest risk, while supporting innovation and clarity in an evolving market. 📌 Why it matters: With most UK consumers currently using overseas crypto custodians, the FCA's move is both protective and pre-emptive—aimed at setting global standards while safeguarding the UK’s digital asset space. 💼 How We Help: At Compliance Consultant, we guide firms through FCA authorisations, crypto registration, governance reviews, wind-down plans, and tailored training, ensuring you're never caught off guard. 🎙️ Tune in to hear what these changes mean for your business—and how to stay ahead of the compliance curve. 📅 Book a Discovery Call now: [https://bit.ly/CCDiscovr](https://bit.ly/CCDiscovr)

    20 min

About

People appreciate the high level of information and regulatory insight from the Compliance Doctor, part of Compliance Consultant, because it empowers organisations to navigate the complex landscape of compliance effortlessly. With expert insights, businesses can stay ahead of regulatory changes, reduce risks, and enhance their operational integrity. The tailored guidance helps in understanding intricate regulations, fostering a culture of compliance, and promoting best practices. Ultimately, this proactive approach not only safeguards the organisation but also builds trust with stakeholders