What happened?
In an article published in IFA Magazine, TCC Group CEO Joe Norburn explains that advice firms must adapt their compliance processes in 2026. As the FCA transitions from initial guidance to assertive enforcement, it will demand objective proof of Consumer Duty compliance.
Despite political rhetoric suggesting a reduction in regulatory red tape, firms must prepare for targeted evidence requests, deeper thematic reviews, and zero tolerance for unsubstantiated compliance claims.
Why does it matter?
Evidence readiness will become a defining capability in 2026. Firms can no longer rely on manual file sampling or subjective, untested assumptions. Instead, they must deploy robust, systematic oversight to demonstrate customer comprehension, fair value, and compliant outcomes across their entire business.
Supporting sources
Frequently asked questions
Why will compliance expectations increase in 2026?
The FCA is shifting from explaining rules to actively demanding proof, meaning firms will face targeted evidence requests and less tolerance for unverified assumptions about consumer outcomes.
What is 'evidence readiness' under the Consumer Duty?
Evidence readiness is the capability of a firm to quickly and systematically provide clear, data-backed proof of positive client outcomes and customer comprehension when requested by the regulator.
- FCA remuneration reform explained: what CP26/27 could mean for firmsAnalysis & Perspectives · September 2, 2026
- IBS Intelligence: Why financial services firms face growing AI governance scrutinyAnalysis & Perspectives · September 2, 2026
- FCA CP26/28: What the AIFM regime reforms mean for wealth managers and firmsRegulatory Horizon · September 2, 2026
- Will Value for Money assessments change how advisers compare pension providers?Regulatory Horizon · September 2, 2026
- BankingTCC helps retail banks, challenger banks, building societies and specialist banking providers strengthen governance, manage financial crime risk and demonstrate good customer outcomes. Our specialists support Consumer Duty, remediation, regulatory transformation, FCA intervention and compliance assurance programmes through advisory, managed services, specialist resourcing and technology-enabled compliance. With more than 25 years of experience supporting FCA-regulated firms, we help banks respond confidently to regulatory scrutiny while strengthening operational resilience and customer trust.
- General Insurance & ProtectionTCC helps insurers, brokers, MGAs and protection providers evidence fair value, strengthen customer outcomes and identify emerging customer harm. We assess product governance, claims performance, distribution oversight and vulnerability risks, helping firms create regulator-ready evidence, improve operational performance and demonstrate that products and services deliver value throughout the customer lifecycle.
- Lending & Consumer CreditTCC helps consumer credit firms evidence good outcomes, strengthen affordability and vulnerability frameworks, and manage complaints, remediation and regulatory risk. We support lenders with practical, regulator-ready compliance programmes that improve governance, customer treatment and operational resilience.
- Motor FinanceTCC helps motor finance lenders, brokers and providers assess redress exposure, prepare for large-scale customer reviews and strengthen complaints, affordability and Consumer Duty frameworks. We combine regulatory advisory, managed operations, specialist resource and technology-enabled assurance to deliver consistent customer outcomes, robust governance and regulator-ready evidence under heightened FCA scrutiny.