In a momentous event for the UK economy, the Financial Services and Markets Bill received Royal Assent on June 29.
The newly instituted Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 marks a significant stride towards the government’s aspiration to grow the economy and is anticipated to enact a series of transformative financial reforms.
These reforms, empowered by the flexibility offered through Brexit, include a new trajectory for adjustments to Solvency II and the addition of secondary objectives for the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
The legislation also aims to amplify scrutiny and accountability in the financial services sector.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, expressed optimism about the legislative development, describing it as a “2023 is proving to be a banner year for reforming our financial services.”
The Act effectively repeals old EU laws, establishing a more regionally focused legislative framework. Among its progressive provisions, the Act legally safeguards free access to cash.
Furthermore, it incorporates measures related to cryptoassets, promoting their safe adoption, and establishes ‘sandboxes’ for innovation in financial services.
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 is a crucial stepping stone towards a buoyant and secure financial future for the UK, providing a dynamic framework adaptable to technological advancements and evolving market trends.
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