BaFin Warns of Unauthorized Financial Services Platform Series

Germany's BaFin has issued a warning regarding a series of websites operating under the name 'Investieren & Handeln Sie 300+'. These platforms are offering financial, securities, and crypto-asset services without the required authorization from BaFin, potentially engaging in identity theft against legitimate investment funds.

BaFin Capital Markets Conference 2026 Details

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has announced details for its Capital Markets Conference 2026, scheduled for June 23, 2026, in Frankfurt. Registration is now open for issuers and capital market representatives interested in topics such as the EU's Listing Act and private retirement provisions.

Financial Reporting Council Chair Sir Jan du Plessis to retire

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) announced that its Chair, Sir Jan du Plessis, will retire at the end of September 2026. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms in audit, corporate governance, and reporting standards.

FRC Consultation on Temporary Amendment to Third Country Auditor Policy

The UK's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is consulting on a temporary amendment to its Third Country Auditor (TCA) policy. The proposed change would allow auditors of Chinese-registered entities listing Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) in London to use Chinese Standards on Auditing (CSAs) temporarily, aiming to boost capital flow and London's market competitiveness.

FRC Closes Investigation into Ernst & Young LLP Audit

The UK's Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has closed its investigation into audits conducted by Ernst & Young LLP for a Public Interest Entity for the years 2021 and 2022. The FRC's Executive Counsel decided not to bring enforcement action against the firm.

FRC Feedback on UK XBRL Taxonomy Proposals

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published a feedback statement on proposed technical changes to the UK and Irish Digital Reporting Taxonomy Suite. The statement summarises stakeholder responses to a discussion paper and will inform the FRC's ongoing development of the Taxonomy project.

FRC Amends FRS 102 for Balance Sheet and Profit/Loss Accounts

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued amendments to FRS 102, effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. These changes update the framework for companies adapting their balance sheet and profit and loss account formats, maintaining alignment with IFRS. Entities not adapting their formats will not be affected.

The Pensions Regulator Appoints Executive Director

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has appointed Richard Knox as its Executive Director, Strategy, Policy and Analysis. This appointment is part of TPR's ongoing transformation to address the evolving pensions landscape and strengthen its senior leadership team.

Pension Value, Costs, and Service Quality Publication Proposals

The FCA, DWP, and The Pensions Regulator have proposed new measures requiring pension schemes to publish data on performance, costs, and service quality. These proposals aim to ensure savers receive good value and are open for comment until March 8, 2026.

TPR Data: Shift from Savings to Pensions System, Warns Smaller Schemes

New data from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) shows a significant shift towards in-scheme retirement options, with 13.4 million members now having access to drawdown. TPR urges smaller pension schemes to improve their offerings or consider consolidation.

Ben Gunnee appointed Interim Executive Director, Market Oversight

Ben Gunnee appointed Interim Executive Director, Market Oversight

SFO v. AOG Technics Director - Fraudulent Trading

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has concluded its substantive case against Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, director of AOG Technics Ltd, with his sentencing to 4 years 8 months in prison for fraudulent trading. The company was investigated for supplying suspected unapproved aircraft parts.

Serious Fraud Office v. Safe Hands Plans Limited - Fraud Investigation

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has charged two former executives of Safe Hands Plans Limited and its parent company, SHP Capital Holdings Limited, with conspiracy to defraud. The investigation into suspected fraud began in 2022 following the collapse of the pre-paid funeral plan scheme, impacting approximately 46,000 plan holders.

SFO Investigation into London Capital & Finance plc

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced an ongoing investigation into individuals associated with London Capital & Finance plc (LCF), which relates to investments offered to the public between 2013 and 2018. The SFO opened the investigation in 2019 and has made arrests, with the case remaining active.

SFO Investigates Northern Powerhouse and MBi Group for Fraud and Money Laundering

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced an investigation into suspected fraud and money laundering by the Northern Powerhouse Development Group and MBi Group. The investigation, which began in August 2021, focuses on investments offered in care homes and hotels between 2013 and 2019.

Consultation on UK Solvency II Own Funds Rules Updates

The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has issued a consultation paper (CP4/26) proposing updates and fixes to UK Solvency II own funds rules and expectations. The consultation seeks feedback on these proposed changes, with responses due by April 24, 2026.

PRA Statement on 2028 Life Insurance Stress Test

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has issued a statement indicating its intent to launch the next Life Insurance Stress Test (LIST) exercise in January 2028. The PRA will engage with stakeholders throughout 2026 to refine the design and methodology based on lessons learned from the 2025 exercise.

Credit Union Service Organisations Policy Statement Feedback

The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has published a policy statement providing feedback on responses to its consultation regarding Credit Union Service Organisations (CUSOs). This statement includes final policy amendments to the PRA Rulebook and updates to supervisory guidance, relevant to PRA-authorised credit unions.

PRA Regulatory Digest - UK Financial Services Regulatory News

The PRA published its February 2026 Regulatory Digest, highlighting key financial services regulatory news and publications. This includes consultations on securitisation reforms, rule changes for overseas prudential requirements, and updates to Solvency II rules, alongside a discussion paper on future banking data.

Policy statement on recognised exchanges and transfer of main indices

Policy statement on recognised exchanges and transfer of main indices

West Mercia Police Fined After Officer Injured Responding to Collision

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined West Mercia Police £85,800 after a student officer sustained life-changing injuries when hit by a car while responding to a traffic collision. The investigation found the force failed to adequately manage risks, provide suitable training, and supply adequate equipment.

Somers Forge Limited Fined £750,000 After Employee Death

Somers Forge Limited has been fined £750,000 after an employee died in a lathe accident. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company failed to implement safe operating procedures and prevent access to dangerous machinery. The incident occurred on December 8, 2023, and the fine was issued on February 18, 2026.

Grounds Maintenance Company Fined After Employee Fatality

MHS Countryside Management Limited was fined £27,000 after an employee died operating a ride-on lawnmower. The Health and Safety Executive investigation found the company failed to conduct a risk assessment and the machine's safety roll-over protection system had been removed. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Care Home Fined After Resident Choked to Death

Riverside Care Limited has been fined £16,000 after a resident choked to death on food not prepared to his dietary requirements. The Health and Safety Executive investigation found a failure in the system for preparing modified meals, leading to a fatal outcome. The company pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Company Sentenced for Worker Vibration Illnesses

Drury Engineering Services Ltd was fined £44,000 after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches that led to seven workers developing vibration-related illnesses. The company failed to adequately assess risks, implement control measures, or provide health surveillance and training.

Bank of England Consultation on CCP Mobilisation Powers

The Bank of England has published a consultation paper outlining its proposed approach to using its requirements and permissions powers to facilitate the mobilisation of new Central Counterparties (CCPs). The consultation seeks feedback on how these powers will be applied to new CCPs entering the market.

Bank of England Weekly Report

The Bank of England published its weekly report on March 5, 2026, detailing the latest data on its assets and liabilities as of March 4, 2026. The report includes figures for sterling and foreign currency assets and liabilities, providing a snapshot of the Bank's financial position.

UK MFI External Business Statistics Q4 2025

The Bank of England has published the UK MFI external business statistics for Q4 2025. This release incorporates updated country grouping conventions aligned with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). External liabilities increased by $114.1 billion and claims by $109.5 billion in Q4 2025.

UK Business Price Growth and Inflation Expectations

The Bank of England's Decision Maker Panel survey for February 2026 shows realised annual own-price growth at 3.7%, unchanged from the previous month. Year-ahead own-price inflation expectations decreased slightly to 3.4%. The survey also noted a decrease in expected CPI inflation and a slight decline in realised wage growth.

Fuel Duty Cut Extended to August 2026

HM Revenue & Customs has extended the temporary cut in fuel duty rates until the end of August 2026. Fuel duty rates will gradually return to March 2022 levels through phased increases starting September 1, 2026.

Advance Corporation Tax Reform

HM Revenue & Customs is reforming the Advance Corporation Tax (ACT) regime, repealing shadow ACT rules. This change allows unrelieved surplus ACT balances to be offset against Corporation Tax liabilities without restrictions, effective from April 1, 2026.

New £2.5 million allowance for property tax relief

New £2.5 million allowance for property tax relief

Technical Amendments to Residence-Based Tax Regime

HM Revenue & Customs has published technical amendments to the residence-based tax regime introduced in the Finance Act 2025. These amendments aim to ensure the regime operates as originally intended without altering the underlying policy. The changes affect Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Inheritance Tax.

Minor Changes to Employer Provided Benefits Policy

HM Revenue & Customs has published minor changes to employer-provided benefits policy and administration. This notice confirms updates related to measure numbers B25-11-062 and B25-11-063.

CBAM Certificate Price Publication Schedule and Tender Deadline

The European Commission has announced the publication schedule for the first Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate prices, which will be based on EU ETS auction clearing prices for 2026. Importers will need to purchase these certificates starting February 2027. A call for tenders for the Common Central Platform has also been issued, with offers due by March 20, 2026.

State v. Hernandez - Arizona Rape Shield Law Evidence Ruling

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that a subsection of the state's Rape Shield Law, A.R.S. § 13-1421(A)(2), which allows evidence of a victim's sexual conduct to show the source of trauma, does not apply to mental or emotional trauma, only physical trauma. This ruling impacts the admissibility of certain evidence in sex offense trials.

Northern Ireland Court Fees Increase Order 2026

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has issued the Court of Judicature Fees (Amendment) Order 2026, increasing court fees by 5% effective April 1, 2026. The order amends the 1996 Fees Order, with new fee schedules provided for various court actions.

Northern Ireland Judgment Enforcement Fees Increase

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has issued the Judgment Enforcement Fees (Amendment) Order 2026, increasing various enforcement fees. These changes, which include phased increases for several fee categories, come into operation on April 1, 2026, with further adjustments scheduled for April 1, 2027, and April 1, 2028.

Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework and Variation of Combination Schemes) (Wales) Order 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Fire and Rescue Services (National Framework and Variation of Combination Schemes) (Wales) Order 2026. This Order revises the Fire and Rescue National Framework for Wales and varies the North Wales Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1995, with different provisions coming into force on March 30, 2026, May 1, 2026, and May 7, 2027.

Air Navigation (Falkirk, Scotland) Emergency Regulations 2026

The UK government has issued the Air Navigation (Falkirk, Scotland) Emergency Regulations 2026, which impose restrictions on flying in the Falkirk area. These regulations are effective from January 1, 2026.

Wales: Compensation for Changing Infrastructure Consent Orders

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Infrastructure Consent (Compensation for Changing or Revoking Infrastructure Consent Orders) (Wales) Regulations 2026, effective March 16, 2026. These regulations establish the process and minimum compensation amount for claims related to changes or revocations of infrastructure consent orders under the Infrastructure (Wales) Act 2024.

Air Navigation (Edinburgh) Emergency Revocation Regulations 2026

The UK Government has issued the Air Navigation (Edinburgh) Emergency Revocation Regulations 2026, revoking previous air navigation orders for Edinburgh. This rule takes effect on January 1, 2026, and impacts aviation operations in the specified region.

A76 Kirkconnel Temporary Speed Restrictions

The UK government has issued a rule implementing temporary 20mph and 40mph speed restrictions on the A76 Kirkconnel. This measure is intended to manage traffic and ensure safety on this section of the road.

Town and Country Planning (England) Amendment Order 2026

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Order 2026 amends the 2015 Order concerning consultations before planning permission is granted or determined. The changes are effective from March 26, 2026, with transitional provisions for applications made before that date.

Levelling-up Act 2023 Commencement Regulations

The UK Secretary of State has issued regulations bringing specific sections of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 into force on April 14, 2026. These sections primarily concern planning functions of urban development corporations and new town development corporations.

A76 Trunk Road Speed Restrictions in Sanquhar

The UK government has introduced new speed restrictions for the A76 Trunk Road in Sanquhar, effective January 1, 2026. This rule specifies the new speed limits for vehicles using this section of the road.

Northern Ireland Probate Fees Increase Order 2026

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has issued the Court of Judicature (Non-Contentious Probate) Fees (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026. This order amends the 1996 Fees Order, increasing probate fees effective April 1, 2026, with further increases scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

County Court Fees (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has issued the County Court Fees (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026, increasing various court fees by approximately 5% effective April 1, 2026. The order amends the County Court Fees Order (Northern Ireland) 1996, substituting a new fee schedule.

Magistrates' Courts Fees (Northern Ireland) Order 2026

The Department of Justice in Northern Ireland has issued the Magistrates’ Courts Fees (Amendment) Order 2026, increasing various court fees. The amendments, which come into operation on April 1, 2026, will see fees for debt proceedings, ejectment proceedings, and appeals rise annually until April 2028.

Asylum Support Amendment Regulations 2026

The UK Home Office has issued the Asylum Support Amendment Regulations 2026, amending the Asylum Support Regulations 2000. These changes allow the Secretary of State to discontinue or suspend asylum support if there are reasonable grounds to believe an individual or their dependant has worked while disqualified due to their immigration status.