FCA Supervisory Tools: What to Expect, How to Respond

Written by Thistle Initiatives - Compliance consultancy | 2 June 2026

LIVE WEBINAR

Most FCA-authorised firms operate under the same supervisory framework, but many only discover how that framework works in practice when it's already being applied to them.

Behind the scenes, the FCA uses data analysis, thematic reviews, and targeted information requests to monitor firms, often long before formal contact is made.

This webinar will give compliance officers, senior managers and leaders a practical understanding of how FCA supervision works in practice - and how to respond effectively when scrutiny arises. What you’ll learn

How the FCA supervises regulated firms today - and what is driving supervisory attention across sectors
Desktop data reviews and regulatory reporting - how firm submissions can trigger scrutiny before formal contact
Thematic reviews - selection, process and the issues firms consistently get wrong
The FCA’s Early & High Growth Oversight and Scale-Up functions - what engagement from these teams can indicate
Section 165 information requests - obligations, timelines and effective response strategies
VREQs and OIREQs - what they are, how they differ and what your options are
Section 166 skilled person reviews - the process and associated costs.
Practical communication guidance throughout - what to say, what not to say and how to strengthen internal readiness before scrutiny arises

Tuesday, 16 June

11:00 - 11:45 AM

Nikki Bennett | MODERATOR
Investments Partner, Thistle Initiatives

Nikki has re-joined Thistle Initiatives as a Partner in the Insurance team, working alongside Matthew Williamson. Formerly Managing Director at UKGI, she brings extensive expertise in Delegated Authority markets, MGAs, InsurTech and product development, with a proven record of delivering practical, solutions-driven outcomes for insurance firms.

Nikki also continues to serve as a Director at the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC).

Matthew Williamson
Partner, Credit & Insurance, Thistle Initiatives

Matthew is a Partner at Thistle Initiatives, specialising in credit, mortgages and insurance. He supports firms in navigating the FCA regulatory landscape, offering strategic guidance, insights and tailored compliance solutions.

With extensive experience across the sector, Matthew helps firms translate regulatory requirements into practical frameworks, ensuring they can achieve their commercial goals while maintaining robust compliance standards.

Alex Paschalis
Partner, Investments, Thistle Initiatives

Alex joined Thistle Initiatives in 2015 after two decades of working with complex financial products. His diverse experience spans front office trading and dealing, management, and consultancy, giving him valuable insight into FCA compliance and regulation.

At Thistle, Alex has supported hundreds of buy- and sell-side firms through M&A and provides advisory services on enforcement actions, MiFID audits, compliance services, and more. He holds a CISI Diploma in Investment Compliance and a CFA Certificate in Investment Management.

Michael Knight-Robson
Partner, Financial Crime, Thistle Initiatives

Michael has joined as a Partner in the Financial Crime team, working alongside Jessica Cath. With over 15 years’ experience in financial crime compliance, he was most recently a Director at BDO, where he built a strong reputation for leading s166 Skilled Person reviews and providing firms with proportionate, risk-based advice to stay compliant.

His career also includes senior roles at Bovill, Lloyds Banking Group and Investec, giving him practical, well-rounded expertise to help firms strengthen their financial crime compliance frameworks.

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