Market abuse has been brought into sharper focus since the pandemic with the FCA warning firms and individuals alike that, notwithstanding the demands of the current unusual circumstances, they will clamp down on abuse where they find it.
In October 2020, the Director of Market Oversight at the FCA, Julia Hoggett, warned of the risks associated with remote working – and said in terms that the FCA's expectation was that "going forward, office and working from home arrangements should be equivalent [...]. We expect firms to have updated their policies, refreshed their training and put in place rigorous oversight reflecting the new environment [...]. The regulatory obligations have not changed, the how may be changing, but the what remains the same."
On Friday 8 January 2021 the FCA updated its Coronavirus (Covid-19): Information for firms guidance webpage in respect of voice recordings when remote working by telling firms that "we now expect you to record all relevant communications (including voice calls) when working outside the office."
Given the FCA's previous messaging regarding its expectations concerning controls in this area, this latest update should come as no surprise.
Stay Up To Date with Ropes & Gray
Ropes & Gray attorneys provide timely analysis on legal developments, court decisions and changes in legislation and regulations.
Stay in the loop with all things Ropes & Gray, and find out more about our people, culture, initiatives and everything that’s happening.
We regularly notify our clients and contacts of significant legal developments, news, webinars and teleconferences that affect their industries.