The UK’s financial watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has decided not to proceed with its plan to routinely “name and shame” companies under investigation. This decision comes amid longstanding pressure and a lack of consensus on the idea. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to cut red tape and boost investment. Despite initial plans to increase transparency, the FCA has retreated, citing significant opposition from businesses and the government’s push towards deregulation. Critics and a government minister had previously voiced concerns over the impact of such a policy on businesses’ reputations. Nikhil Rathi, FCA’s CEO, announced that the authority will continue to publicize investigations only in exceptional circumstances, as is currently the practice. The decision dovetails with the government’s push to stimulate economic growth through regulatory easing. Additionally, the FCA and the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority have dropped plans to introduce stricter rules on diversity and inclusion, with Rathi emphasizing the need to align regulatory efforts with new legislation on workers’ rights.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/12/financial-watchdog-scraps-plan-to-name-and-shame-uk-firms-under-investigation