Join the Community

23,463

Expert opinions

42,253

Total members

326

New members (last 30 days)

183

New opinions (last 30 days)

29,127

Total comments

Join Sign in

no principles

12 March 2009 1 comment

Retired member

I suspect the memorable phrase coined today by Hector Sants, CEO of the Financial Services Authority, will long be remembered as a turning point in the debate about regulatory structure.

He said "a principles-based approach does not work with participants who have no principles".

Go to http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2dbf2b7e-0ef8-11de-ba10-0000779fd2ac.html for good coverage.

The debate about principles vs. rules is rather sterile - what counts is effectiveness. Sants made this very clear - they are going to focus on outcomes.

The FSA will publish a report on March 18th proposing changes to the UK regulatory system. Cant wait.

External

This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author.

3846

Report

Channels

/regulation & compliance

Innovation in Financial Services

A discussion of trends in innovation management within financial institutions, and the key processes, technology and cultural shifts driving innovation.

Join group

1812 opinions 263 members 14 July 2025

Comments: (2)

Paul Penrose Head of Research at Finextra

12 March 2009

Another choice quote from Sants today: "There is a view that people are not frightened of the FSA. I can assure you that this is a view I am determined to correct. People should be very frightened of the FSA"

In the City, corruption drips like honey. It oozes out of every dealing room floor. If the boys in braces aren't frightened it's for good reason. Feathering one's own nest has become an institutionalised past-time. Let's see if Mr Sants can deliver on his promise.

Report

A Finextra member

13 March 2009

Accountability?

Actions would need to be indelibly linked to actors. I'm not sure the appropriate processes are in place to achieve this.

To enjoy the fruits of illicit actions, the actor has to have a way to collect their booty. Clearly that is too easy currently.

Report