EU vows to reform financial single market rules to unlock growth and boost investment
Financial markets thrive on consistent rules across the widest markets. This is the thinking behind the European Commission’s package of measures intended to simplify and streamline the zone’s single market for financial services.
Tech and compliance 2026: What to watch for in AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing
What will be the critical tech issues for compliance in 2026? We asked experts what tech, digital, and cyber issues they believe compliance teams should be focusing on in the year ahead.
Top of mind compliance topics in 2026: Finance, immigration, supply chains and sustainability
What will you be doing in the coming year? We asked experts in a range of sectors to gaze into their crystal balls and highlight one legal development or compliance topic that will be critical for compliance teams in 2026. This is an edited version of what they told us.
U.K. sets out strategy to combat bribery and corruption
The U.K. is introducing tougher safeguards and compliance checks in its latest drive to cut down on financial crime and stem the flow of dirty money that continues to be laundered by British businesses, facilitated by accountants and lawyers.
FCA indicates path for future crypto regulation
The U.K.’s financial regulator has proposed a set of rules to regulate the growing crypto industry after recognising that consumers are interested in exploring the market despite persistent warnings about price volatility, the high-risk of losses, and investment scams.
Compliance told to focus on reality as Euro courts brace for slew of greenwashing cases
In 2025, the regulatory focus on greenwashing intensified globally. This trend is set to accelerate in 2026, and compliance has a key part to play in ensuring corporate statements are honest.
SFO guidance on evaluating compliance programs short on specifics, experts say
Companies looking for greater certainty about how they might avoid criminal prosecution for bribery, fraud, and corruption offences may find they’re going to be disappointed if they’re looking for definitive answers in the latest guidance from the U.K.’s main fraud investigator, say experts.
What 2025’s AI mishaps should teach compliance in 2026
If 2025 was the year generative AI took off in organizations in every sector, it was also the year we saw increasing examples of the risks of AI mishaps.
Retail energy compliance must focus on resilience and reporting
Cybercrime and national critical infrastructure responsibilities are key concerns for retail energy sector compliance. Resilience is vital for companies that keep the lights on and power financial institutions and hospitals.
SFO sharpens framework for judging compliance programs in bribery and fraud cases
The U.K. Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has updated its guidance about how it evaluates corporate compliance programs when considering whether to prosecute or offer leniency to companies that have breached bribery and corruption laws.
Pharma sector boom puts pressure on compliance to counter financial crime
Regulation is a matter of life and death in the pharmaceutical industry. Rules to combat practices that can kill have been in force for decades, but tech developments are rapidly creating new risks and focusing lawmakers’ attention on areas where some compliance teams may lack experience.
U.K. data regulator pushes transparency on investigations
Plans to increase transparency around how the U.K.’s Information Commissioner investigates and fines companies should give businesses more clarity, but experts say the regulator still needs to explain how it will prioritize cases.
U.K. asset managers to focus on investor engagement outcomes under new reporting guidance
Asset managers reporting under the U.K.’s updated Stewardship Code starting Jan 1 should focus on engagement outcomes and evidence of impact. New guidance from the U.K. financial regulator offers case studies and checklists to support compliance.
New regulatory regimes for U.K. and EU ESG ratings firms could increase compliance costs
Environmental ratings are becoming big business as companies seek proof of sustainable and socially beneficial conduct. Firms that issue ratings on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance are set to be regulated in the EU and U.K.
FRC’s plans for more flexible enforcement gains support
Plans to give the U.K.’s audit regulator more options to regulate firms for sloppy work have been largely well received by experts, who believe the current system is “inflexible,” “cumbersome,” and “slow.”
U.K. Cyber Security and Resilience bill set to regulate critical infrastructure suppliers
Suppliers to the U.K. critical infrastructure will face new regulations to ensure they are protected from cyberattacks. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, introduced on November 12, also raises penalties for breaches and expands regulator powers to label certain suppliers as critical.
U.K. outlines AI sandbox plan as regulators weigh compliance risks
The U.K. has set out a new blueprint for AI regulation, which aims to slash bureaucracy and ramp up the safe adoption of new and emerging technology to unlock potential and boost investment.
U.K. proposed changes to AML supervision
The U.K.’s financial services regulator will take a more central role as part of the government’s plans to simplify—and improve—efforts to clamp down on money laundering and terrorist financing.
Former Capula CCO alleges misconduct and retaliation at the hedge fund firm
The former U.S. chief compliance officer of hedge fund firm Capula Investment Management has blown the whistle against his former employer, alleging he was terminated for raising concerns about improper expensing practices.
Compliance officers accused of helping criminals run $346 million international payment fraud network
Four U.S. citizens were arrested in California Wednesday in connection with a massive, $346 million international credit card fraud scheme based in Germany, in which compliance officers were allegedly complicit, according to the DOJ.
Sanctions, money-laundering and supply chains top agenda for energy sector compliance
The energy sector faces rising regulatory activity, with more rules and enforcement. Bribery, corruption, and sanctions now dominate compliance concerns, driving rapid change and pressure on compliance officers.
Role for compliance as FCA urges U.K. asset managers to take up tokenization tech
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened a consultation on its plans to support “tokenization” – the digital representation of assets on distributed ledger technology (DLT). It is calling for firms to respond to the consultation before November 21.
AI hallucinations in Deloitte Australia report highlight important role for compliance
“Hallucinatory” citations and errors in an AI-assisted report produced by Deloitte for the Australian government should be a wake-up call for compliance officers about the risks of placing too much trust in AI.
Extra-territorial rules: How to navigate global compliance complexity
Sanctions, tariffs, economic crime, big tech, data privacy, and environmental laws are expanding global compliance risks. Tougher penalties now reach deep into supply chains, making even small suppliers accountable to customers or regulators.
Soaring costs of car loan compensation in U.K. highlight global risks from poor sales practices
U.K. motor finance companies are preparing to pay billions in compensation after a Supreme Court ruling found they sold unfair car loans over many years, failing to disclose key information and denying consumers the chance to compare deals or negotiate.
U.S. targets southeast Asian “pig butchering”, human trafficking, forced labor empire
This week, U.S. authorities took coordinated action against Cambodian multinational conglomerate Prince Holding Group and its 37-year-old founder Chen Zhi, who is accused of running forced-labor camps in Cambodia where captives were forced to conduct pig butchering scams that defrauded U.S. and global victims out of billions of dollars.
U.K. financial regulator looks to streamline audit enforcement procedures
Auditors are supposed to keep businesses honest, but how much regulation is the optimum for the auditors – and how onerous and punitive should the enforcement regime be? A new consultation by the U.K. regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, opened on Oct. 1 and has put the vexed question of ...
Employee faith in whistleblowing programs wanes when companies act selectively
Whistleblowing hotlines are rightly championed as valuable tools for employees and even third parties to raise concerns about corporate conduct. But it seems some complaints may be acted upon more keenly than others, particularly if blame can be pinned to one individual and any potential fallout can be ring-fenced.
U.K. FCA establishes framework for unlisted companies to trade shares on a ‘buyer-beware’ basis
Private companies that are keen to trade their shares but do not wish to become listed have gained another way to trade their shares. The U.K. government completed its initial review and published rules for the system in June.
U.K. enforcement appetite over off-channel comms grows as U.S. wanes
The U.K’.s financial regulator has given a strong indication that financial firms’ use of unauthorized devices and apps is under scrutiny and that policies around off-channel communications need to be tightened up.
Retailers face new compliance pressures from tariffs, sanctions, fraud and cybercrime
Regulators are pressuring retail compliance teams on supply chains, shifting sanctions and tariffs, sustainability, and digital commerce. Rising cyberattacks heighten data security concerns, while large retailers push legal and commercial requirements down their supply chains.
Geopolitical risks among compliance concerns for metals, mining companies
Companies working in the metals and mining sectors face increased compliance checks due to efforts to clamp down on abuses in the supply chain, while “volatile” geopolitical changes make sourcing and transporting raw materials more difficult and expensive.
U.K. to introduce mandatory ransomware reporting, raising risk of ‘box-ticking’ compliance
The U.K. will require companies to report ransomware payments, but experts warn this could lead to “box-tick” compliance rather than real cyber-resiliency, since it’s cheaper.
Digital wallets to speed up regulatory checks for recruitment, property transactions
You can already buy a coffee with your phone, but soon you could start a job or buy a house with it. Digital compliance wallets holding certificates and documents on smartphones are gaining traction worldwide.
U.K. delays audit reforms even as regulator piles on financial pressure
Delays to the U.K.’s Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill and creation of the ARGA regulator have sparked criticism. On Sept. 8, 66 MPs sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging reforms be returned to the Parliamentary agenda.
Digital wallets should speed up compliance, but companies must focus on trust and security
The EU has one, the U.K. is getting one, many U.S. states are working with Google and Apple to provide one, and now industry sectors are developing their own digital wallet.
U.K. prepares to prosecute firms under new Failure to Prevent Fraud rules
The U.K. will start cracking down on companies under the new Failure to Prevent Fraud law on Sept. 1, with the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office ready to enforce it.
Employees may fail to report fraud unless U.K. whistleblower protection is beefed up
In September, the U.K. will enforce its third “failure to prevent” offense under sweeping anti-corporate crime laws, but experts question whether it will actually change corporate behavior or embolden whistleblowers.
Compliance in the spotlight as tariffs, sanctions turn into geopolitical weapons
Navigating tariffs and sanctions is becoming a core part of compliance for many companies. As the U.S. and others use economic policies for political aims, compliance teams must adapt to this new geoeconomic trend.
Fraud, money laundering, and sanctions prompt global regulators to increase scrutiny of law firms
Legal firms face growing global regulatory pressure, requiring compliance managers to focus on integrated systems, identity verification, and staff training to prevent crime and penalties.
Crackdown on late payments could lead to U.K. companies facing million-pound fines
Late payers will soon face much larger fines in the U.K. in what is promised to be the “toughest crackdown on late payments in a generation.” The scheme is intended to save the 38 businesses a day that go bust because of poor payment practices.
Compliance teams urged to prepare as U.K. Employment Rights Bill nears passage
The U.K. Employment Rights Bill is expected to pass into law this year and will affect millions of workers. Compliance managers are advised to hone their understanding of HR and equality issues in preparation.
U.K. shake up of immigration rules for skilled worker visas should prompt compliance review
As of July 22, U.K. companies hiring foreign nationals on skilled worker visas face higher salary and qualification requirements. Over 100 jobs were also removed from the list of roles eligible for overseas recruitment. Compliance managers should ensure policies are updated to reflect the changes.
U.K. regulator urges auditors to explain AI use in audits
Plans to push audit firms to disclose how they use AI in audits have been broadly welcomed, but concerns remain over how corporate data is used, secured, retained, and potentially exposed.
Compliance managers should review sustainability data as U.K. consults on new reporting standards
The U.K. government promised to introduce Sustainability Reporting Standards in its manifesto. Almost a year after it came to power, it launched a consultation on June 25 on draft plans for these standards, which are largely based on those of the ISSB.
U.K. data law tightens compliance rules, expands complaints process and raises penalties
The U.K.’s Data (Use and Access) Bill, passed into law on June 19, aims to boost the economy and simplify access to services like healthcare and policing. Businesses must understand the changes and ensure data policies and complaints procedures are current.
Compliance Week parent Verdian Insights acquires ECI membership, training and research efforts
Compliance Week has always been focused on helping you do your job better. In the past few months since our acquisition by Verdian Insights, we’ve been proud to expand our efforts to include online community with CW Connect, job boards and resume sharing with CW Careers. These resources add to ...
10 tips to comply with the U.K.’s new data law
Changes to the U.K.’s privacy regime will immediately affect how companies handle AI-driven decisions, cookie usage, and responses to data subject requests. As a result, experts are warning compliance teams to ensure their organizations take the legislation seriously and make plans to review data governance.
U.K. hopes to create ‘third way’ in AI regulation between EU and U.S.
The U.K.’s data regulator has unveiled a new enforcement approach to AI development and usage that experts say seeks to carve a middle way between the strict rules applied by the European Union (EU) and the pro-industry, light-touch regime favored by the U.S.
U.K. extends bullying and harassment rules to 37,000 financial services firms
Serious bullying and harassment count as misconduct in regulated financial services firms, per a July 1 clarification by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which said non-financial misconduct rules now applied only to banks will extend to 37,000 more firms starting September 1, 2026.