New retail banking conduct regime now in force

The FSA implemented its new retail banking conduct regime on 1 November 2009. It will apply to UK authorised banks, building societies, e-money issuers and credit unions.

The FSA now has the responsibility for retail banking conduct of business regulation and it will apply its Principles for Businesses and a new Banking Conduct of Business Sourcebook (BCOBS). The Banking Code Standards Board (BCSB) will become the Lending Standards Board (LSB), the body responsible for monitoring and enforcing the new Lending Code which now covers conduct of business standards for banks and other financial institutions providing credit products (including overdrafts, unsecured loans and credit cards) to personal and small business customers.

The FSA has published information on the new regime and BCOBS, including training and supporting materials, and Q&As on the application, scope and requirements of BCOBS.