The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) proposed new amendments to regulations aimed at supporting the growth and global competitiveness of alternative asset managers.

This reform comes as part of a broader push to streamline market rules, making it easier for firms to operate internationally while ensuring effective risk management and consumer protection.

Streamlining Rules for UK Asset Managers

The FCA's proposed regulatory reforms are expected to enhance the operations of UK asset managers, who collectively manage trillions of pounds in assets. With private markets tripling in size over the past decade, the role of asset managers in fueling the UK economy’s financial health has never been more critical.

UK asset managers currently oversee £12.3 trillion in mainstream investments and another £2 trillion in alternative assets. The FCA sees this scale, and the tripling of private markets in the past decade—as a strong reason to modernize outdated rules.

However, the current regulatory environment, much of which stems from EU legislation, has been seen as a barrier to the growth and agility of UK firms.

In particular, much of the alternative investment sector has been governed by the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD), a set of rules that the FCA plans to adjust to better serve UK firms.

Simon Walls, interim executive director of markets at the FCA, emphasized that the regulator’s goal is to develop a more streamlined, proportionate set of rules tailored specifically to UK investment managers.

One significant aspect of the reform is the potential creation of bespoke regulatory frameworks for distinct sectors, including investment trusts and venture capital firms.

With their unique challenges and characteristics, these sectors may benefit from more specialized regulatory treatment, which could make them more attractive to investors both domestically and internationally.

Post-Brexit Regulatory Adjustments

In collaboration with the UK Treasury, the FCA is also considering replacing outdated EU-facing provisions with new, more relevant rules. These adjustments will likely help asset managers navigate global markets more efficiently, especially as the UK seeks to differentiate itself from EU regulations post-Brexit.

The proposed reforms are not set in stone yet. The FCA is actively seeking feedback on the proposals, with a deadline for responses set for June 9, 2025. Following this consultation, the FCA plans to introduce more detailed rules by mid-2026, subject to feedback and Treasury decisions.

The FCA’s move is part of a broader strategy published on March 25, 2025, which includes over 50 actions aimed at fostering economic growth and ensuring that the UK financial sector remains competitive. This initiative underscores the importance of reforming regulatory frameworks to meet the evolving needs of investment managers and other financial service providers.

Source: Finance Magnates