Regulator launches debate on increasing transparency in regulation.
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published a discussion paper that considers what further information the regulator might publish about firms and industry sectors.
The FSA said it recognises the importance of transparency and believes that increasing the amount of firm-specific and broader industry information it discloses could lead to better regulatory outcomes for firms, markets and consumers.
However, the FSA said that it realises stakeholders hold strong and often polarised views on transparency, which is why the regulator wants to initiate an open debate that involves those who may be impacted by its proposals.
The discussion paper sets out a code of practice that would provide a transparent mechanism for guiding FSA decisions about what additional information it might disclose. The paper also provides examples of the types of information the regulator may consider publishing. It attempts to draw a clear distinction between simply making information available, which could in some cases cause confusion and have a negative impact, and publishing information in a way that makes issues and practices clearer and therefore improves how markets function.
The FSA already publishes a wide range of material about its activities and proposals, markets and sectors, and about the disciplinary action it takes against individuals and firms. It also publishes consumer-facing material such as fact sheets and comparative tables.
Hector Sants, chief executive of the FSA, said: “We believe that transparency is an important regulatory tool, and as an organisation are committed to being open and transparent. The discussion paper seeks to initiate debate on how we can better utilise transparency to achieve our regulatory aims, and in particular proposes a code of practice.”
Comments on the discussion paper's proposals are due by 29 August.
