Recommendation 14

HM Government Rejected

I disagree with a number of the Report’s conclusions, some of which appear to be inconsistent. I particularly reject any suggestion that the reforms will not have a substantial impact on the UK economy and the competitiveness of the UK financial services sector, or that the reforms could be responsibly delivered any faster than they are progressing. Since taking up my role as Economic Secretary, I have consistently heard the resounding message from industry that my key priority should be the delivery of these vital reforms. That work is well underway and as the Chancellor confirmed in his letter to you, as of 6 October, 21 of the 31 commitments set out as part of the Edinburgh Reforms have been delivered. Delivering ambitious regulatory change is a multi-step process that requires careful work, including industry consultation. As the committee noted in its Report, reforms to the financial services rules should be evidence-based, taking into consideration views from both industry and wider society. This engagement takes time and must be done correctly.” I strongly agree with this, and as a result, the Treasury is striving to balance the benefits of completing this work at pace, with the need to allow appropriate time for consultation and implementation. Some of the reforms require multiple rounds of industry consultation, ultimately concluding with significant rule changes that will deliver real, tangible benefits to industry. Further progress has been made since the report was published, including: • The government laid the Digital Securities Sandbox Regulations on 18 December 2023, putting in place the legislative arrangements for the sandbox. • The FCA published their rules for a UK consolidated tape for bonds on 20 December 2023. • The government and FCA jointly publishing a consultation on the Advice Guidance Boundary Review on 8 December 2023, setting out proposals to close the advice gap for financial services consumers. • The government and Bank of England published their response to the digital pound consultation on 25 January 2024. While of course some specific measures will have a bigger economic impact than others, this wide-ranging package has been welcomed by the industry, and I am confident that the reforms are promoting growth and competitiveness the financial services sector. Delivery of the reforms will also bring benefits to consumers: the publication of the Advice Guidance Boundary Review consultation is a significant milestone in our work to create a regulatory framework that ensures consumers get the help they want, at a time they need, and at a cost that is affordable. This is a critical step in the government’s plan to build a retail investment market which consumers can trust and is sustainable for firms. I remain focused on delivering these reforms, that will unlock the potential of the UK’s financial services sector, and ensure that it maintains its world-leading position.