On 1st May 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) hosted its latest Supplier Collaboration Forum at its London Stratford offices. The event brought together a focused group of supplier partners to share updates, explore emerging technologies, and align on the FCA’s future priorities.

B2E Consulting was pleased to be invited, continuing a trusted partnership that now spans over a decade; representing B2E Consulting on the day were Managing Partner Dale McNeill and Client Partner Chloe Taylor.

FCA Strategy 2025–2030: A Shift Towards Smarter Regulation and Growth

The Forum provided a timely opportunity to discuss the FCA’s new five-year strategy, which was launched in March 2025. The strategy outlines four key priorities:

1. Be a smarter regulator – Embracing technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
2. Support sustained economic growth – Enabling investment and innovation to maintain the UK’s financial services competitiveness.
3. Help consumers navigate their financial lives – Working with industry to boost trust and ensure consumers have the right information and support.
4. Fight financial crime – Focusing on those who misuse regulation to cause harm and supporting firms to be an effective line of defence.

The FCA emphasised a more proportionate approach to supervision, aiming to reduce regulatory burdens for firms that demonstrate good practices. This includes streamlining supervisory priorities and digitising authorisation processes to enhance efficiency. More information on the strategy can be found here:  https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/corporate/our-strategy-2025-30.pdf

 Breakout Sessions: Exploring AI and Quantum Computing

Dale and Chloe attended two breakout sessions that delved into emerging technologies and their implications for the FCA and its partners.

1. Value from AI

This session focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence within the FCA. Key discussions topics included: AI’s ability to enhance stakeholder interactions, manage unstructured data, measure success and prioritisation of use cases.

2. Quantum Computing (QC)

The second session addressed the emerging field of quantum computing and its potential impact on financial regulation. Discussions covered: the current trends and risks within QC, preparation for QC, and the awareness and challenges in transitioning to post-quantum cryptography.

A Decade of Partnership: B2E Consulting and the FCA

B2E Consulting has been a trusted partner to the FCA for over ten years. Our consultants have supported various initiatives, including Regulatory Change programmes, Digital Transformation, Procurement, and IT. This longstanding relationship reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible consulting services that align with the FCA’s evolving needs.

Supporting the FCA’s Strategic Implementation

B2E Consulting is well-positioned to assist the FCA in implementing its 2025–2030 strategy through our unique high-quality expert Consulting model:

• Experienced Consultants: Our Community comprises seasoned professionals with deep expertise in financial services regulation and transformation.
• Flexible Engagements: We offer adaptable consulting solutions that can be tailored to specific project requirements.
• Cost-Effective Delivery: Our model ensures value for money without compromising on quality.
• Collaborative Approach: We work closely with clients to understand their challenges and co-develop effective solutions.

As the FCA embarks on its strategic journey, B2E Consulting remains committed to supporting its objectives and contributing to a fair and thriving financial services market.

About the author – Dale McNeill:

Dale has spent the majority of his career consulting in IT Service Management, firstly with Northgate IS, then more recently with Accenture. An ITIL Expert with Cross Industry knowledge, Dale has led many consulting projects in large programmes across the IT Lifecycle. Dale joined B2E in January 2017, supporting some of our key client accounts and helping develop capabilities to support new clients, showcasing our expertise and growing our B2E community.

When not in the office, Dale enjoys going to a variety of gigs, visiting the cinema, cooking and talking to his budgie, Eric. A new addition to the family (Gus the Cocker Spaniel puppy) also keeps him busy and very fit!