Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Nikhil Rathi: Britain can lead in this era of ‘predictable volatility’

'Things that used to be one-in-10-year events now happen every month'

Nikhil Rathi: Britain can lead in this era of ‘predictable volatility’

THE UK has a significant opportunity to solidify its leadership role in global financial markets in an era of volatility, the head of country’s financial watchdog has said.

Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, said the country’s capital and liquidity pools can drive economic growth and development.


Speaking at the FCA International Capital Markets Conference 2024 last week, Rathi said the UK’s potential for leadership is evident as the world navigates an era of “predictable volatility”.

However, he stressed that achieving this goal will require decisive action from both regulators and market participants.

During his speech, Rathi stressed the need to nurture liquidity in the markets.

“Liquidity is essential for market agility, and the current regulatory framework, which often applies uniform rules to both large global banks and smaller firms, can sometimes stifle this. The old adage of “same business = same risk = same treatment” is no longer suitable in today’s complex financial environment,” he said.

Rathi said the FCA is exploring adjustments to improve market liquidity by tailoring regulations for specialised trading firms that do not hold retail deposits.

“The success of non-bank traders in capturing flows across US equities serves as an example of how custom rules can work. By tailoring regulations, the FCA aims to free up capital, encourage new entrants, and boost competitiveness, all while maintaining market integrity,” he said.

“The FCA is calling for a shift from reactive to proactive regulation, focusing on creating an environment where firms can compete and grow. Rather than stepping in only when crises arise, the regulator wants to use a wide range of metrics to track authorisations, operational efficiency, and regulatory burden.”

He added, “A forward-thinking approach to risk is another critical area of focus. The UK markets have remained relevant by being open to reform, and the FCA is challenging long-held principles to seize new opportunities in this era of volatility. Reforms to listing rules, incentivising pension funds to take greater risks, and simplifying prospectus requirements are just a few examples of how the FCA is driving innovation.”

More For You

Harshita Brella: High court blasts Delhi police inaction
Brella's body was discovered in the boot of a car in Ilford, east London, on 14 November. (Photo: Northamptonshire Police)

Harshita Brella: High court blasts Delhi police inaction

INDIAN authorities are under intense scrutiny after the Delhi high court criticised police efforts to locate Pankaj Lamba, the prime suspect in the murder of his wife Harshita Brella. The ongoing international manhunt has revealed a series of investigative failures, with the court describing the Delhi Police's approach as "utterly incompetent".

Brella was found dead in the boot of a car in Ilford, East London, in November 2024. Her husband was charged in absentia with murder, two counts of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behaviour shortly after her death.

Keep ReadingShow less
Polar vortex linked to clusters of severe UK winter storms

Understanding the drivers behind extreme events like winter storms becomes increasingly important

Getty Images

Polar vortex linked to clusters of severe UK winter storms

Researchers have uncovered a connection between powerful clusters of winter storms in the UK and an intense swirling polar vortex miles above the Arctic. The findings, made by a team from the University of Leeds and the UK Met Office, offer fresh insights into why the UK experienced a series of severe storms within a short period in February 2022.

The cluster of storms, named Dudley, Eunice, and Franklin, all occurred within a single week and caused significant damage across the country. These storms, alongside others that followed, wreaked havoc with strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages.

Keep ReadingShow less
Coeliac Disease: What to Know After Rebecca Adlington’s Diagnosis

Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has recently revealed about her condition

Getty Images

Key things to know about Coeliac disease after Rebecca Adlington’s diagnosis

Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has recently revealed her diagnosis of coeliac disease and has called for greater awareness of the condition. In a video shared on Coeliac UK’s Instagram, Adlington discussed the importance of gluten-free prescriptions and urged the government to protect access to these prescriptions, which have been cut in some areas.

Her diagnosis shines a light on coeliac disease, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK. However, due to the difficulty in recognising the symptoms, only around 36% of people living with the condition have been officially diagnosed.

Keep ReadingShow less
CSK vs RCB

CSK and RCB-tune in for this blockbuster clash between two IPL heavyweights

Getty Images

IPL 2025 - CSK vs RCB: Chennai and Bengaluru's clash of titans

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back with another highly anticipated encounter as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 8th match of the 2025 season. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28th at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams are coming off strong wins in their previous matches and are eager to extend their winning streaks, making this clash one that fans won’t want to miss.

Team analysis: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK, one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, comes into this game with confidence after a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians. Although the chase wasn’t entirely smooth, CSK managed to pull off a win with 4 wickets in hand. Their bowling unit, led by the young sensation Noor Ahmad, was instrumental in restricting Mumbai to a modest total of 155/9. Noor’s outstanding spell of 4 wickets for just 18 runs earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title, while Khaleel Ahmed also chipped in with 3 wickets.

Keep ReadingShow less