Building stronger investment culture ‘not about reform or intervention’ – FCA

Building a stronger investment culture in the UK is not about reform or intervention, it is about creating the conditions for consumers to invest with confidence and for firms to grow, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has stated.

In a speech at the Investor Summit 2026, FCA director, consumer investments, Lucy Castledine, said increasing investment participation would be supported by conditions that would improve consumer confidence, help firms innovate and grow, and drive growth in markets to support the wider economy.

Castledine argued that FCA measures around widening access to investments, giving people better help when they need it, making information clearer and more useful, and acting firmly against scams and illegal promotions would all help support that aim.

“If we get this right, the prize is significant,” she added. “More people investing for their future with confidence, stronger legitimate markets, and an investment sector that continues to contribute to growth across the UK.”

Discussing artificial intelligence (AI), Castledine noted that while there were risks associated with the technology, it had the potential to positively reshape the way people interact with investment services.

“We want to enable a safe and responsible environment for firms adopting AI,” she said.

“We’re encouraged to see firms using AI tools in novel ways to improve the consumer experience.”

Moving on to targeted support and simplified advice, Castledine said they were not a replacement for full financial advice, but they could help millions more people over the next decade get support when full advice is not affordable or is more than they need.

“For the sector, this creates opportunities to serve existing clients, their families and new customer groups as their needs change,” she added.

Communications were also on the agenda, with Castledine calling for them to be clear, practical and free from technical jargon.

The FCA is planning to review communications from the industry again next year, so it can see what progress has been made.

“Over the summer, we consulted on simplifying the other disclosures investors receive when they use an investment service,” Castledine said.

“We also looked at how firms explain the interest consumers will receive on their cash holdings. We are considering the responses now and expect to make final rules by the end of the year.”

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