In 2026, Financial Services firms aren’t facing a flood of new rules. Instead, regulators are asking tougher questions about outcomes. Consumer Duty, operational resilience, ESG and financial crime are all moving from documented intent to demonstrable effectiveness.
As data, AI, cyber and thirdparty risk become core governance issues, boards are expected to show genuine understanding and challenge. Technology is no longer a side conversation to regulation; it’s central to credibility. Against a backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, resilience matters more than ever. Firms that succeed in 2026 will be those that can operate confidently through disruption — proving their frameworks work in practice, not just on paper.
In this video, Alex Ellerton Head of Financial Services, explores the key themes shaping the sector in 2026 and provides guidance on what firms must do differently to move from compliance to credibility.
UK financial services regulation is entering a transformative phase in 2026, driven by the government’s pro-growth agenda and rapid advances in technology. These changes present new opportunities—but also challenges—for firms across the sector.
The UK regulatory handbook 2026 is your essential guide to the regulatory landscape for financial services.
In our Risk and Regulation Unravelled podcast, we discuss developments in financial services with industry experts.
