The Fairer Finance podcast
- Episodes
- 46
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 11, 2026
About the podcast
A topical show looking at news, policy and regulatory developments in the UK financial services industry. Hosted by Eve McGrady, alongside Fairer Finance's Managing Director James Daley and Director Tim Hogg.
Contributors
- Eve McGradyHost
- James DaleyCo-host
- Tim HoggCo-host
Episodes 46
Budget/House of Lords insurance report/Certification Regime
In this week's episode, we start with a look at John Healy's first Budget. With a few changes affecting financial services policy, we unpack the detail and discuss what it might mean for the direction …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start with a look at John Healy's first Budget. With a few changes affecting financial services policy, we unpack the detail and discuss what it might mean for the direction of travel moving forward.
We move onto discuss the recent House of Lords Financial Regulation Committee's Insurance Regulation report - published at the end of last month.
And we wrap up with an update on other Westminster and FCA policy news - including plans to scrap the certification regime, and the latest developments in the car finance saga.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Regulating AI in financial services/Are responsible lending rules working?/Is the Chancellor about to tax the banks?
In this week's episode, we discuss the FCA's latest plans to look at the regulation of AI in financial services. In a speech in October, the regulator said it would be taking forward six of the seven …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we discuss the FCA's latest plans to look at the regulation of AI in financial services. In a speech in October, the regulator said it would be taking forward six of the seven Mills review proposals. We discuss what that could mean and how things have evolved in the months since the Mills report.
Also this week, we discuss the Centre for Responsible Credit's latest report looking at regulation of consumer credit. It makes the case that FCA rules have not worked - and calls for a review. We discuss the report in full.
Finally, there's a quick look ahead to the Budget and an update on other developments in Westminster and Stratford.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Trust in insurance index/Investing in illiquid assets
In this week's episode, we start with a look at the latest Fairer Finance Trust in Insurance index. While trust has continued to rise in all sectors - there's big differences in how those on lower and …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start with a look at the latest Fairer Finance Trust in Insurance index. While trust has continued to rise in all sectors - there's big differences in how those on lower and higher incomes feel. And while claims satisfaction has improved across most sectors, it's starting to reverse in pet insurance.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's latest consultation into investment funds that hold illiquid assets. When investors all want their money back quickly from funds that invest in property or other illiquid assets, it's just not possible. The regulator has come up with new rules to try and better set customer expectations - and to prevent funds having to suspend trading.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA Pure Protection Market Study/Launch of the Retirement Compass
In this week's episode, we dive into the detail of the FCA's pure protection market study, which was published on 21 September 2026. It's a disappointing end to a major piece of work - as the FCA …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we dive into the detail of the FCA's pure protection market study, which was published on 21 September 2026. It's a disappointing end to a major piece of work - as the FCA decides not to address many of the market's failure, and focuses instead on how to help grow the sector.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the launch of Fairer Finance's Retirement Compass report - diving into the detail of who is using their housing wealth to fund retirement, and what the FCA and Treasury are doing to help more people do the same.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Financial Services & Markets Bill in the House of Lords/FCA at the Financial Services Regulation Committee/Motor Finance latest
We're back from summer holidays - and in our first episode, we're turning our attention to a busy week in the House of Lords. In the first half of the show, we're discussing the Report Stage of …
Show notes
We're back from summer holidays - and in our first episode, we're turning our attention to a busy week in the House of Lords. In the first half of the show, we're discussing the Report Stage of the Financial Services & Markets Bill - and the latest deliberations about reforms to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the latest evidence session at the Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee, as it concludes its consumer insurance regulation enquiry.
We finish off the show with a brief update on Motor Finance.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Guest host Chris Pond joins us to talk about what the Burnham government might mean for financial services
This week, chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel and former Labour MP Chris Pond joins us to talk about what an Andy Burnham government might mean for financial services policy.We also discuss the …
Show notes
This week, chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel and former Labour MP Chris Pond joins us to talk about what an Andy Burnham government might mean for financial services policy.
We also discuss the Treasury Select Committee's report into the Government's Financial Inclusion Strategy.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the latest updates on Pensions Value for Money, and take a look back at where we've got to after 3 years of the Consumer Duty.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
The Fairer Finance interview: Sheldon Mills talks about his AI report and his legacy at the FCA
in this special edition of the Fairer Finance podcast, we welcome FCA executive director Sheldon Mills to the show.We recorded the show on 9 July 2026 - Sheldon's last day at the FCA after 8 years.In a …
Show notes
in this special edition of the Fairer Finance podcast, we welcome FCA executive director Sheldon Mills to the show.
We recorded the show on 9 July 2026 - Sheldon's last day at the FCA after 8 years.
In a wide ranging interview, we talk in detail about his recent AI report recommendations and about his proudest moments as a financial regulator.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Guest host Charles Randell joins us to discuss the FCA's basic bank account review and the consumer investment disclosure consultation
In this week's episode, former FCA chair Charles Randell joins us as guest host. In the first half of the show, we discuss the FCA's recent consultation into consumer investment disclosures.While in …
Show notes
In this week's episode, former FCA chair Charles Randell joins us as guest host. In the first half of the show, we discuss the FCA's recent consultation into consumer investment disclosures.
While in the second half, we move onto discuss the FCA's recent inquiry into the basic bank account sector.
We wrap up with a quick update on the motor finance redress scheme.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Guest host Mick McAteer joins us to talk about Isa reforms and Financial Ombudsman Service changes
In this week's episode, consumer advocacy legend Mick McAteer stands in for Tim Hogg. We start with a discussion about changes to the Isa rules - including the new 22% tax charge on cash holdings in stocks …
Show notes
In this week's episode, consumer advocacy legend Mick McAteer stands in for Tim Hogg. We start with a discussion about changes to the Isa rules - including the new 22% tax charge on cash holdings in stocks and shares Isas.
In the second half of the show, we move back to talk about the Financial Ombudsman Service reforms - raising fresh concerns about the proposed changes to the fair and reasonable test.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA mortgage market review/The launch of the Fairer Finance Retirement Compass
In this week's episode, we discuss the FCA's latest mortgage market consultation, which looks to relax the rules around interest-only mortgages, and open the door for more people to be able to borrow …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we discuss the FCA's latest mortgage market consultation, which looks to relax the rules around interest-only mortgages, and open the door for more people to be able to borrow in retirement.
In the second half of today's show, we discuss the findings from Fairer Finance's new research - The Retirement Compass - which looks to understand which groups of people may need to access their housing wealth in retirement - as well as what public perceptions are of doing so.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Financial Services & Markets Bill/Pensions Commission Interim Report
In this week's episode we discuss the new Financial Services & Markets Bill which was recently laid in Parliament. It's a mish mash of different things - most of which have been well trailed. But …
Show notes
In this week's episode we discuss the new Financial Services & Markets Bill which was recently laid in Parliament. It's a mish mash of different things - most of which have been well trailed. But there's a few last minute tweaks and additions - including an unexpected but welcome acceleration of the Consumer Credit Act reforms.
In the second half of this week's show, we discuss the Pension Commission's interim report. With people not saving enough for retirement, the Commission is considering what Government needs to do to ensure future generations have enough in later life. We'll be discussing the headlines of the report.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
The UK's lack of pension provision/Claims Management Company market review/Motor finance (again)
In this week's episode, we start by looking at three new reports into the pensions market - which focus on the lack of savings for many of those in mid life as well as the growing affordability problem …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start by looking at three new reports into the pensions market - which focus on the lack of savings for many of those in mid life as well as the growing affordability problem with the UK state pension. One of the reports - from the Tony Blair Institute - includes the controversial recommendation that state pension ages should be personalised and linked to your health records. We'll be discussing that idea - as well as following the response from industry commentators.
In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's review of the claims management sector, and also revisit motor finance for the third episode in a row.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Prediction markets/FCA consumer credit consultation/Motor finance update
In this week's episode, we look at the fast growing world of prediction markets - which have caught fire in the US over the past two years. While neither of the two big US players have launched in the UK …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we look at the fast growing world of prediction markets - which have caught fire in the US over the past two years. While neither of the two big US players have launched in the UK yet - there are already plenty of UK markets to bet on, with UK investors getting access to the platforms using VPNs. The FCA included the market on its lists of perimeter risks earlier this year, and the Gambling Commission is also on standby. But what could these products mean if they catch on in the UK - and is the FCA's ban on retail binary options enough to stop them offering markets on UK financial assets and events?
In the second half of today's show, we talk about the FCA's latest consultation and discussion papers into the Consumer Credit Market. While the review of the Consumer Credit Act is still making its way slowly through the Treasury, the FCA already has the ability to make changes to the rules around some of the information that is given to customers when they're taking out a loan. Its latest papers highlight the lack of understanding around APR and make some suggestions for some amends. We explore all the detail behind the latest papers.
At the end of the show, there's a very quick update on the challenges to the FCA's motor finance redress scheme.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA motor finance redress scheme/Open Finance/Investment risk warnings
In this week's episode, we take a look at the detail behind the FCA's motor finance redress scheme. With up to £7.5bn of compensation due to be paid out to customers, it's the biggest mass …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we take a look at the detail behind the FCA's motor finance redress scheme. With up to £7.5bn of compensation due to be paid out to customers, it's the biggest mass redress scheme since PPI. We discuss some of the complex decisions the regulator had to make in deciding how much customers were owed - as well as what the scheme tells us about the FCA's current direction of travel.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's recent Open Finance roadmap. While Open Banking has been slow to develop, the regulator is keen to see the concept extended to other parts of the financial services industry. We discuss what's in the new plans and what the possibilities might be as Open Finance develops.
Finally, we touch briefly on the Government's recent paper into investment risk warnings.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Financial Ombudsman Service reforms/Simplified financial advice
In this week's episode, we take a look at the latest detail from the Treasury and FCA around the reform of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Treasury has confirmed it plans to impose a 10-year time bar …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we take a look at the latest detail from the Treasury and FCA around the reform of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Treasury has confirmed it plans to impose a 10-year time bar on complaints, as well as give itself new powers to hire and fire the chair and chief Ombudsman of the FOS. It is also considering whether to exclude the Consumer Duty and other principles from FOS decisions.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's proposals to introduce a new tier of financial advice - simplified advice.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA regulatory priority reports - insurance, consumer investments & pensions/Government financial inclusion strategy update
In this week's episode, we take a look at the first of the FCA's new regulatory priority updates - which it plans to publish in each sector once a year. The first three to go live are insurance …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we take a look at the first of the FCA's new regulatory priority updates - which it plans to publish in each sector once a year. The first three to go live are insurance, consumer investments and pensions. We discuss what's in the documents - and whether these new publications will materially reduce the burden for industry compliance teams.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the latest developments in the financial inclusion space. It's four months since the Government published its financial inclusion strategy, and over the last few weeks, the Treasury Select Committee has been scrutinising it with a new inquiry. We discuss what's been happening in the hearings and what the final report might mean for the Government's direction of travel in financial inclusion.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA credit information market reforms/Buy Now Pay Later rules unveiled
In this week's episode, we start with a discussion about the FCA's latest proposals for the Credit Information market. These are the final stages of a market review that began almost seven years ago …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start with a discussion about the FCA's latest proposals for the Credit Information market. These are the final stages of a market review that began almost seven years ago. We dive into the detail.
In the second half of the show, we take a look at the draft Buy Now Pay Later rules which are due to come into force in July. With Consumer Credit Act reform continuing to move at snail's pace, the BNPL rules - with a lighter touch on disclosure - may be an indication of what's to come for the rest of the sector.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
The Fairer Finance Interview: Nikhil Rathi, CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority
In this special edition of the Fairer Finance podcast, we're delighted to be joined by chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, Nikhil Rathi.We have a wide ranging conversation with Nikhil …
Show notes
In this special edition of the Fairer Finance podcast, we're delighted to be joined by chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, Nikhil Rathi.
We have a wide ranging conversation with Nikhil, covering everything from the FCA's changing approach to rule-making and enforcement, through to its relationship with Treasury and the forthcoming motor finance redress scheme.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA premium finance market study/Apple Pay in the Competition Appeal Tribunal
In this week's episode, we talk about the conclusions of the FCA's recent premium finance market study. Unusually, the final report recommends no market changes and side-steps some of the major …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we talk about the conclusions of the FCA's recent premium finance market study. Unusually, the final report recommends no market changes and side-steps some of the major problems in the market.
In the second half of the show, we discuss a new case against Apple which was recently filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal. The case is being brought by none other than Fairer Finance's own James Daley (under the banner of James Daley Class Representative LLP) and concerns how Apple implemented its mobile wallet into the UK market.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA protection market study/Mills' AI report/CMA regulation bonfire
In our latest episode, we start with a look at the interim report of the FCA's protection market study.Later in the show, we discuss Sheldon Mill's review into the impact of AI in financial …
Show notes
In our latest episode, we start with a look at the interim report of the FCA's protection market study.
Later in the show, we discuss Sheldon Mill's review into the impact of AI in financial services.
And we wrap up with a look at the CMA's latest commitment to review and potentially scrap 60% of regulatory decisions.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Pensions value for money/Predictions for 2026
In this week's episode, we start with a look at the latest pensions value for money proposals released by the FCA - which include a new RAG rating with two different shades of green.In the second half of …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start with a look at the latest pensions value for money proposals released by the FCA - which include a new RAG rating with two different shades of green.
In the second half of the show, we look ahead to what is coming up across the rest of 2026, including making some predictions.
We also look back at how James got on with his 2025 predictions (spoiler alert - not great!).
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA responds to the Which? insurance super-complaint/FCA mortgage reforms/Cryptocurrency regulation
In our last episode of 2025, we take a look at the FCA's response to the Which? super-complaint about home and travel insurance. While there's no market study, the FCA has committed to follow up with …
Show notes
In our last episode of 2025, we take a look at the FCA's response to the Which? super-complaint about home and travel insurance. While there's no market study, the FCA has committed to follow up with more work looking at the link between sales journeys and claims outcomes. We discuss the response in detail and what it means for the industry.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's latest mortgage market reforms, as well as their new regime for regulating cryptocurrency.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Targeted support and FCA consumer investment drive/Motor insurance taskforce
In this week's episode, we start by unpacking a number of new FCA papers designed to get more people investing. As well as simplifications to the disclosure rules, the FCA published a new discussion paper …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start by unpacking a number of new FCA papers designed to get more people investing. As well as simplifications to the disclosure rules, the FCA published a new discussion paper looking at how to change consumer attitudes towards investing. We also discuss the near final Targeted Support rules, published on the 11 December.
In the second half of the show, we discuss the FCA's motor insurance taskforce report, and look ahead to its response to the Which? super-complaint.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Budget 2025 Special
In this special Budget edition of the podcast, we take a look at the headlines and relevant news for the financial services sector in this week's Budget. After months of speculation about major changes to …
Show notes
In this special Budget edition of the podcast, we take a look at the headlines and relevant news for the financial services sector in this week's Budget.
After months of speculation about major changes to the Isa and pensions system - what changes were actually announced?
As ever, Eve, James and Tim catch you up with their analysis.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA focus on contracts for difference/Hollowing out in the general insurance market
In this week's episode, we take a look at the FCA's recent activity in the Contracts for Difference market. The regulator's review of the sector unveils some poor practice and sends a warning …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we take a look at the FCA's recent activity in the Contracts for Difference market. The regulator's review of the sector unveils some poor practice and sends a warning shot to the market.
In the second half of the show, we take a look at new research from Fairer Finance focusing on hollowing out in the general insurance market. A number of pet insurers now have low underlying limits which cap payouts on some of the most common costs. While travel insurers increasingly have high excesses that are barely more than the cover limits. We consider what the regulator could do to reverse the race to the bottom on quality.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Government financial inclusion strategy/Consolidation in the financial advice sector
In this week's episode, we take a look at the Government's new financial inclusion strategy. With recommendations to improve access to banking, credit and insurance - there are some initiatives to be …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we take a look at the Government's new financial inclusion strategy. With recommendations to improve access to banking, credit and insurance - there are some initiatives to be welcomed, but the recommendations are fairly meek.
In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's recent multi-firm review focusing on consolidation in the financial advice sector.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
How is AI changing financial services/House of Lords Regulation Committee/FCA Value measures data
In this week's episode, we look at how AI is being used in financial services and how it might involve in future. We follow the recent discussion between MPs and financial regulators on the topic in the …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we look at how AI is being used in financial services and how it might involve in future. We follow the recent discussion between MPs and financial regulators on the topic in the House of Commons and talk about some of the risks as well as the opportunities.
Staying in Westminster, we take a brief look at the House of Lords Financial Regulation Committee - and its recent inquiry into Car Finance, where many of the members appeared to have conflicts of interest.
And finally, in the second half of the show, we look at the latest FCA Value Measures data. Claims paid as a percentage of premiums are falling in most sectors. But not in GAP insurance, where insurers are now paying out more than they're taking in. We delve into the detail of the numbers and discuss what they might mean.
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
FCA consumer duty update/Motor finance compensation scheme
In this week's episode, we discuss the detail behind the FCA's proposed motor finance redress scheme. While millions of consumers could be in line for compensation, some consumers are unhappy with the …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we discuss the detail behind the FCA's proposed motor finance redress scheme. While millions of consumers could be in line for compensation, some consumers are unhappy with the design of the scheme.
In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's latest consumer duty updates, and it's work plan for the year ahead. With Buy Now Pay Later being brought into FCA regulation and the Consumer Credit Act under review - the FCA is kickstarting a review of its credit disclosure rules. We discuss what changes we might see, and also talk about Nikhil Rathi's recent letter to the Chancellor and what he meant by the phrase "rebalancing risk".
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Which? insurance super-complaint/FCA consultation on crypto-currency
In this week's episode, we start with a look at Which?'s super-complaint into the home and travel insurance markets. Fairer Finance supported Which? with its analysis, and shares its concerns. But …
Show notes
In this week's episode, we start with a look at Which?'s super-complaint into the home and travel insurance markets. Fairer Finance supported Which? with its analysis, and shares its concerns. But it's likely to have gone down like a lead balloon at the FCA, where resources are stretched and management are being told to focus on the Treasury's pro-growth, deregulation agenda.
In the second half of the show, we look at the FCA's latest consultation into regulation of the crypto currency market. The regulator floats the idea of not applying the Consumer Duty to crypto currency markets. Is this the first signal that it is softening on its commitment to the Duty?
Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
Trailer: The Fairer Finance Podcast
What's the Fairer Finance podcast about and who is it for? Email us your questions and suggested topics for discussion to [email protected]
These are the latest 40 of 46 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
Recommended by The Fairer Finance podcast
Similar podcasts
More News podcasts
Is this your podcast?
Confirm it with an entry in your feed: you get a code here, add it as podcast:txt to the channel of your feed, and we check it. Your podcast is then shown as “verified” on SoundNode.