On 16 December 2015, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") published updated guidance on its approach to advancing its objectives. This guidance was produced in response to comments on the FCA's 2013 version. This guidance sets out what firms and consumers can expect from the FCA and how they intend to deliver their statutory responsibilities. It is based around three operational objectives including protecting consumers, ensuring market integrity and promoting effective competition.

This guidance can be found at:

http://www.fca.org.uk/static/fca/documents/corporate/fca-approach-advancing-objectives-2015.pdf

For a summary of the FCA's 2013 guidance on its approach to advancing its objectives, our Q3 2013 Governance and Securities Newsletter is available at:

http://www.shearman.com/~/media/Files/NewsInsights/Publications/2013/10/Governance--Securities-Law-Focus-Europe-Edition-__/Files/View-newsletter-Governance--Securities-Law-Focus__/FileAttachment/GovernanceSecuritiesLawFocusCM1013.pdf

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.