FCA Expands International Presence

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) appointed staff in the U.S. and Asia-Pacific for the first time to facilitate overseas firms entering the British market and enhance UK financial services exports.

Former investment banker Tash Miah began in April at the British embassy in Washington, DC, to assist U.S. financial firms in navigating British regulations.

Camille Blackburn will launch the FCA’s regional office in Australia from July, aiming to support firms operating between Asia-Pacific and Britain.

“These appointments will help us deliver on our mission to support growth through the export of UK financial services and attracting more inward investment to our shores,” stated Sarah Pritchard, FCA executive director.

The FCA’s international expansion coincides with pressure from Britain’s left-leaning Labour government to contribute to economic growth.

In March, the FCA announced a reassessment of its attitude towards financial firms’ risk-taking to further boost growth.