On revealing the new plan last March, the FCA said it would be focusing on four key pillars - being a smarter regulator, supporting sustained economic growth, helping consumers navigate financial lives, and fighting financial crime.

It’s a case of so far so good with its annual report showing that in the first 12 months an international crackdown on illegal influencer promotions resulted in three arrests and 650 social media takedown requests. 

The FCA also secured a combined 11 years in prison for two cases of insider dealing.

The report said the fight against financial crime and upholding market integrity delivered an estimated £5.6bn in benefits to consumers, firms and the wider economy.

The FCA significantly strengthened consumer protection through the launch of Firm Checker, a tool that helps consumers quickly check whether a firm is authorised and avoid dealing with fraudulent firms. 

It’s estimated that the tool has been used over 1.9 million times since its introduction in January 2025. Following a successful advertising campaign at the start of 2026, firm warning messages helped protect an average of 694 consumers each week – an increase of 49%.

Over the past year, the FCA also:

•    Delivered estimated savings of around £157m a year for consumers paying monthly insurance premiums, using Consumer Duty fair-value rules.
•    The FCA began major mortgage reforms. After clarifying affordability checks, most lenders updated their approach, meaning borrowers could access up to £30,000 more.
•    Confirmed final rules to support more consumers in making pensions and investment decisions with at least 18 million consumers expected to benefit over the next decade.
•    Issued final rules for Buy Now Pay Later products, introducing clear consumer protections ahead of the regime coming into force in July 2026.

Ashley Alder, chair of the FCA, said: ‘We have made a strong start to our 5-year strategy. We set out to focus our efforts where they matter most – protecting consumers, maintaining market integrity and supporting a competitive economy. 

“The progress we’ve made in the first year demonstrates that a focused and decisive regulator delivers real benefits for consumers and supports growth.”

Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, added: “In the past year we’ve shut down scams, pursued those who abuse markets through the courts, helped hundreds of thousands of consumers access better financial products and cut the cost of regulation for tens of thousands of firms.

“We’ve made greater use of data and technology to detect harm earlier and expanded our international presence to support UK financial services. There is more to do, but this is a solid foundation.”