Thistle Initiatives

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟   Our Head of Financial Crime, Jessica Cath, shared her thoughts with The Fintech Times on the importance of balancing customer awareness and responsibility in combating APP fraud. Her insights highlight the need for collaboration across sectors to enhance fraud prevention and ensure robust security measures. Read the full article for valuable insights into the future of financial crime prevention: https://lnkd.in/ekH3MCvJ #financialcrime #CustomerAwareness #APPFraud #FintechTimes #IndustryInsights #FinancialSecurity #FraudPrevention

Following the release of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Thematic Review Report TR24/2, our team of experts explore the governance and oversight frameworks across both manufacturers and distributors within the financial services sector, and its relevance to Consumer Duty. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/eCBCmaQE While some progress has been made, many firms still face significant challenges in aligning their practices with regulatory expectations. If you need support to undertake remedial actions, contact our team of experts Matthew Williamson, Karishni Patel and James Fraser. #FCA #TR242 #FairValueAssessment #ConsumerDuty

Our Head of Payment Services, Lorraine Mouat, examines the implications of the FCA's move to an outcomes-based regulatory approach. Instead of strictly following a checklist of rules, the FCA is now focusing on the results of companies' actions, with the aim of providing greater flexibility and fostering innovation in the financial services sector. But, as with any new approach, there are concerns. Read the full blog here for more information: https://hubs.la/Q02M2GGk0 At Thistle Initiatives, our compliance consultancy services help many of our clients adapt with confidence. We’ll work with you to ensure your business not only meets regulatory expectations but also thrives in this outcomes-focused environment. #FCA #Regulation #Compliance #Innovation #FinancialServices #PaymentServices

Thistle Initiatives Supports Wren Sterling in Acquisition of In Focus Group Wren Sterling engaged Thistle Initiatives' Mergers and Acquisitions team to audit In Focus Group’s compliance with FCA regulatory requirements as part of its due diligence process. Additionally, they provided support with their S178 Change in Control application to the FCA. Henry Blunt, Acquisitions Director at Wren Sterling, commented on the service received from Thistle Initiatives: “Thank you to the Mergers and Acquisitions team at Thistle for their assistance in getting this deal across the line, from both a regulatory compliance perspective, as well as providing guidance and assistance with the S178 Change in Control process.” Read more about the acquisition here: https://hubs.la/Q02Lxpd50 To speak to a member of our team about our acquisition due diligence services, visit: https://hubs.la/Q02LxrMS0. Alternatively, send an email to Alex Paschalis - alex.paschalis@thistleinitiatives.co.uk #Investments #FinancialCrime #MergersandAquisitions #IndependentFinancialAdviceFirm #FocusGroup #ChangeInControl

We’re incredibly proud of our sister company, ATEB Suitability, for their recent accolade! 🏆 Check out their exciting news and learn more about their award-winning report generator. Congratulations to the entire team for their dedication and innovation in the financial technology space. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/efcj4DF4 #ATEBSuitability #UKEnterpriseAwards #FintechInnovation #FinancialAdvisers #FinancialServices

In our latest article, our Head of Payment Services, Lorraine Mouat, explores how innovation and competition will play a key roles in the UK Digital Payments industry. Lorraine provides her expert insight on: the balance between new technologies, regulation and cybersecurity; the need for inclusivity; and the impact the Digital Payments industry could have on the UK economy. Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/erNRBduK #digitalpayments #paymentstechnology #cybersecurity #growth #ukeconomy #paymentservices

In the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, payment services and e-money firms must go beyond simply meeting the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements if they are to ensure compliance and stability. Here are some essential strategies to thrive: 1. Capital Reserves: Exceed the FCA’s minimum requirement to signal robustness and avoid unwarranted scrutiny. 2. Safeguarding Accounts: Expedite by securing a bank’s intent letter before authorisation. 3. Competent Leadership: Ensure your team has proven industry expertise. 4. Local Accountability: Key decision-makers should be UK-based for better compliance. 5. Outsourcing: Keep strategic decisions in-house while outsourcing non-core functions. 6. Adapt to Case Officers: Flexibility in dealing with individual styles can smooth interactions. 7. Automation: Implement scalable automated processes to maintain efficiency. By adhering to these unspoken rules, your firm can navigate FCA regulations effectively, fostering resilience and growth. 🛡️📈 Read the full blog here for more details: https://hubs.la/Q02KqxMR0 #FCA #Compliance #PaymentServices #EMoney #Fintech #Regulations #FinancialServices #Leadership #Automation

🌟 Meet Anthony Corner, Senior Manager at Thistle Initiatives! 🌟 Anthony Corner’s wealth of experience and strategic insight significantly benefit both our clients and Thistle Initiatives. His leadership in payment services drives our growth and innovation, delivering exceptional value to our clients. Anthony's key skills include: 🔹 Extensive Experience: Anthony has worked in the FCA's Payment Services and E-Money Supervision team, understanding the expectations for firms within this space. 🔹 Project Management and Process Optimisation: His exceptional skills streamline processes and improve efficiency which enhance client outcomes. 🔹 Leadership and Mentoring: Anthony fosters a high-performing, collaborative team environment, ensuring top-tier service delivery and continuous improvement. Anthony’s dedication to excellence and his proactive approach make him an invaluable asset to Thistle. Reach out to him at anthony.corner@thistleinitiatives.co.uk to learn more about how our Payment Services can support your business. #PaymentServices #RegulatoryCompliance #FinancialServices #RiskManagement

Today, Leanda Mark-Ihama, our Senior Manager, will be featuring on ComplyAdvantage's live webinar at 3pm! The topics will focus on building your AML roadmap. Seize the chance to gain valuable insights and get useful advice on how to improve your AML framework. For more information, contact Leanda at leanda.mark-ihama@thistleinitiatives.co.uk. #AML #Compliance #Webinar #FinancialServices #AntiMoneyLaundering #RiskManagement #ComplyAdvantage #FinancialCrime

Our Director, Huw Reynolds BSc (Hons) has written in his blog, about a few things that are expected from firms now the Consumer Duty board report deadline has passed: https://hubs.la/Q02KcD9_0 Read his full blog for more information on what actions are required by you. Need help setting up an Outcomes Monitoring Management Information System? Contact your support consultant or reach out to us on 02074360630. #ConsumerDuty #FinancialServices #Compliance #ManagementInformation #CustomerJourney #FairValue #OutcomeMonitoring