Shoot first, ask questions later

The incoming regulator’s ‘early intervention’ policy has been expressed in some rather trigger-happy terms. Julian Sampson, for one, is asking questions ahead of the Financial Conduct Authority’s gunfire.

Julian Sampson (julian@fulcrumcompliance.com) is director of Fulcrum Compliance (www.fulcrumcompliance.com) and chair of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment compliance professional forum.

The number 13 is widely considered to be unlucky and this association has a number of cultural and historical roots. For example, the end of the Mayan calendar’s 13 Baktun was feared to signal the end of the world and it is said that 13 turns makes a hangman’s noose. So, as the year 2013 kicks off, the more superstitious among us may be wondering whether the financial services industry has anything more to be worried about this year. This article looks at 13 key regulatory developments that look set to make their mark over the next 12 months. Put your rabbit’s foot and four-leaf clover on standby.