Nikhil Rathi has been reappointed as chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for a second term.
Rathi has overseen significant improvements to the UK financial markets since joining in October 2020, including revisions to the listing regulations.
The FCA introduced the Consumer Duty in order to guarantee clearer communication and more equitable products for customers. Additionally, the FCA is streamlining its regulations to reduce costs for businesses. The FCA has focused on improving standards by speeding up firm approvals, bringing more criminal charges, and reducing investigation times.
Meanwhile, the FCA unveiled a five-year plan in March 2025 that focuses on four key areas: addressing financial crime, assisting consumers with money management, promoting economic growth, and becoming a smarter regulator.
Rathi says: “I am honoured to be reappointed by the Chancellor. The FCA does vital work to enable a fair and thriving financial services sector for the good of consumers and the economy. I am proud of the reforms we have delivered to support growth, bolster operational effectiveness, set higher standards and to keep our markets clean and open. While we must go further and faster in this age of volatility, the UK is well placed as a major international financial centre.”
FCA chair Ashley Alder says: “I am delighted Nikhil has been reappointed. He’s the right leader in testing times. His exemplary first term as chief executive has ensured the FCA is an organisation transformed. We’ve set a new standard for consumer protection, made it easier for businesses to access capital and quicker for firms to get authorised. That provides the solid foundation to deliver our ambitious new strategy – to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives.”
