FSA should avoid ‘lengthy rule book’ says ICAEW
Institute calls for principles-based approach to City regulation
The Financial Services Authority needs to avoid drawing up a ‘lengthy rule
book’ in response to the financial crisis and instead adopt a principles based
approach in its reform of banking regulation.
In it’s submitted response to the Turner Review, the ICAEW said the City
regulator should instead address operational failings as well as weaknesses in
system design and regulatory policy. It should also strive to avoid losing the
positive aspects of the work it had previously undertaken from the pressure to
change.
‘The arguments that the FSA should move towards a more principles-based
approach remain valid not least in that such an approach deals better with
changing financial markets than a lengthy rule book,’ said PwC partner and chair
of the ICAEW Financial Service Faculty’s Risk and Regulation Committee, John
Tattersall.
Iain Coke, head of Financial Services Faculty, added: ‘Communication,
cooperation and coordination between the tripartite authorities can, and should,
be improved. It is vital, however the system is structured, that it is made to
work effectively at both policy and operational levels. Part of the solution
here is for there to be closer dialogue between the FSA and the audit profession
on systemic risks.’
