New FCA chief, Nikhil Rathi, promises 'more diverse' setup, 'focus on vulnerable consumers'

RISHI SUNAK has picked London Stock Exchange head Nikhil Rathi as the new chief executive of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.

The chancellor said he was confident that Rathi was apt to play the important role at the conduct regulator for the UK's financial markets and over 59,000 financial services firms.

"Nikhil is the outstanding candidate for the position of chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and I am delighted that he has agreed to take up the role," Sunak said on Monday (22).

"We have conducted a thorough, worldwide search for this crucial appointment and, through his wide-ranging experiences across financial services, I am confident that Nikhil will bring the ambitious vision and leadership this organisation demands."

Rathi, who has worked within the government ranks at the UK Treasury as Director of the Financial Services Group between 2009-2014 before taking on his current private sector role at the London Stock Exchange, said he was honoured to be appointed to the FCA.

"In the years ahead, we will create together an even more diverse organisation, supporting the recovery with a special focus on vulnerable consumers, embracing new technology, playing our part in tackling climate change, enforcing high standards and ensuring the UK is a thought leader in international regulatory discussions," said Rathi.

"I look forward to building on the strong legacy of Andrew Bailey and the exceptional leadership of Christopher Woolard and the FCA Executive team during the crisis. FCA colleagues can be very proud of their achievements in supporting consumers and the economy in all parts of the UK in recent months."

The FCA also has a purview as the prudential supervisor for nearly 49,000 firms not supervised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), setting specific standards for 19,000 firms of the country.

It has an overarching strategic objective of ensuring the relevant markets function well.

To support this, it has three operational objectives: to secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers; to protect and enhance the integrity of the UK financial system; and to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers.

"Nikhil has been closely involved in guiding the FCA's development through his roles on our Practitioner Panel and Markets Practitioner Panel, and brings both private sector management skills and experience of domestic and international regulatory policymaking," said FCA chair Charles Randell.

"I look forward to working with him as he leads the FCA to deliver the next phase of its mission."

As per the terms of the new £455,000-a-year role at the FCA, Rathi will have no remaining interests in London Stock Exchange Group shares once he joins the FCA in a few months' time.