Hello, Goodbye - GC23/2 heralds a fond farewell to FG15/4

As the regulator consults on updating its guidance for financial promotions via social media - with a particular emphasis on the often troubling role of influencers - Adam Samuel reviews the features of both documents.

Adam SamuelBA LLM DipPFS MCISI FCIArb Certs CII (MP&ER) Barrister and Attorney may be contacted atadamsamuel@aol.com.For links to where you can buy the second edition of 'Consumer Financial Services Complaints and Compensation', seewww.adamsamuel.com/writing.

Over time, one becomes strangely 'accustomed' to regulatory guidance that impacts on daily life. Like a much-loved partner, one becomes used to its odd structure and its downright mistakes. Then, the regulator announces that its new up-to-date document will lead to the retirement of the old and the introduction of fresh, similarly messed-up guidance. It leaves an irrational sense of longing for the old, while the brain gently reminds one of the many problems with the now somewhat wrinkled predecessor. So, excuse some sentimentality about the Financial Conduct Authority's decision announced in GC23/2 to retire its old FG15/4 when it finalises its new offering in this area.