Expert Regulatory Compliance Support
Where organisations often need support
Businesses don't usually struggle because they don't know the rules. They struggle because they don't know what the regulator expects.
The regulator is not your enemy. They are a partner in raising standards.
A Regulatory Business Plan should do more than support an FCA application. It should clearly demonstrate how your business will operate, embed governance and meet regulatory expectations from day one.
Consumer Duty is about more than understanding the rules. I help businesses collect meaningful management information, evidence good customer outcomes and provide Boards with the insight they need to demonstrate compliance.
Significant business change brings significant regulatory responsibilities. Whether you're applying for FCA authorisation, changing ownership or varying permissions, I help businesses navigate change with confidence and build the governance needed for success.
Regulatory issues can happen to any business. I help organisations respond with openness, transparency and a practical approach that builds confidence and strengthens governance.
How I Can Help
No two businesses are the same, and neither are their regulatory challenges. Whether you're taking your first steps towards FCA authorisation, navigating change or looking for independent assurance, I provide practical support that helps you build stronger governance, better customer outcomes and confidence in the way your business operates.
Explore the services below to find out more.
Supporting businesses through the FCA authorisation process, from initial strategy and regulatory business plans to governance frameworks, policies and FCA engagement.
Providing practical support for Section 178 notifications, corporate restructures, governance documentation, due diligence and regulatory submissions.
Business models evolve. I help firms assess whether their permissions remain appropriate and prepare strong Variation of Permission applications.
Independent reviews that identify gaps, strengthen governance and provide practical recommendations before the regulator does.
Designing governance frameworks, Consumer Duty oversight, Board reporting, SMCR arrangements and outsourced compliance support for regulated firms
Whether you need ongoing compliance support or additional expertise during periods of growth, I provide practical, independent advice that helps your business meet regulatory expectations with confidence.
Supporting acquisitions, investments and corporate transactions by identifying regulatory risks before they become expensive problems.
Making regulation make sense through engaging talks, workshops and discussions that help businesses understand not just the rules, but the reasons behind them.
Common Misconceptions
Compliance should never be about fear. It should provide confidence, strengthen governance and support better decision-making. The misconceptions below reflect some of the themes I see most often and how a different perspective can help organisations build stronger compliance framework
Your policies should reflect your business, not somebody else's. I create practical documentation that supports good governance and demonstrates how your organisation really operates.
Tick-box compliance creates documents. Good compliance creates confidence. I help businesses build practical governance that reflects how they really operate.
Nobody expects perfection. What matters is how you respond. I help organisations demonstrate integrity, strengthen governance and engage with regulators openly and confidently.
Compliance should evolve alongside your business. I help organisations build governance that remains practical, effective and fit for purpose as they grow.
Making Regulation Make Sense
If you've found yourself here, you're probably facing a regulatory challenge.
Perhaps you're preparing for FCA authorisation, managing change within your business, or simply looking for reassurance that you're on the right path.
One thing I always tell my clients is this:
The regulator isn't your enemy.
The FCA exists to protect consumers, maintain trust in financial services and promote healthy competition. Once you understand why regulation exists, compliance becomes much easier to understand.
These articles are designed to help you see regulation differently - not as a burden, but as an opportunity to build stronger governance, better customer outcomes and a more successful business.
"I'm worried about the FCA."
It's probably the sentence I hear most often.
Fortunately, it's also one of the easiest concerns to address.
These articles explain why regulation exists, what the FCA is trying to achieve and why the strongest firms don't fear regulatory scrutiny - they welcome it.
Featured Articles:
Why the Best Firms Welcome Scrutiny
Understanding the Reason Behind Regulation
Trust: Your Most Valuable Business Asset
"We're thinking about becoming FCA regulated. Where do we start?"
Applying for FCA authorisation is about much more than completing application forms.
It's about building the governance, culture and customer focus that will support your business long after authorisation has been granted.
These articles explain how to lay those foundations properly from the beginning.
Featured Articles:
Why Your Business Needs a Regulatory Business Plan
Preparing for FCA Authorisation
"Things have changed. What does the FCA need to know?"
Businesses evolve.
Ownership changes.
Products develop.
Permissions expand.
Growth is exciting - but it also brings new regulatory responsibilities.
These articles explain how to approach Change in Control applications, Variations of Permission and other significant changes with confidence.
Featured Articles:
When Does a Business Need a Change in Control?
Variation of Permission Explained
"We have all the policies, but how do we make them part of our business?"
Building a strong culture is about far more than having the right documentation. Discover how leadership, governance and shared values help every employee understand their responsibilities and turn good policies into everyday practice.
Featured Articles:
Beyond the Consumer Duty Board Report
Why Good Governance Never Stands Still
Practical, engaging talks that help businesses understand regulation, build confidence and create cultures they're proud of.
Regulation doesn't have to be intimidating. I work with businesses to explain not only what the rules say, but why they exist and how they can become a commercial advantage. My sessions are practical, interactive and designed to leave audiences feeling more confident - not more overwhelmed.
Topics I Speak About
Making Regulation Make Sense
Consumer Duty in Practice
Building a Culture You're Proud Of
The Family Test
Preparing for FCA Authorisation
Governance That Supports Growth
Data Protection Without the Jargon
AI & Compliance
Fraud Prevention & Financial Crime
Board Governance & Consumer Outcomes
Perfect For
Accountancy firms
Law firms
Business networks
Trade associations
Financial services firms
Chamber events
Conferences
Leadership teams
Board away days
Internal training
Francesca Foster
Executive Regulatory Experience
Regulatory decisions are rarely straightforward.
Throughout my career I have worked with regulated firms, multinational organisations and executive teams to navigate complex regulatory challenges, strengthen governance and deliver practical compliance solutions.
My experience spans financial services, data protection, financial crime, investigations and regulatory governance, supporting organisations through periods of change, growth and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Compliance
Effective compliance provides organisations with the confidence to make informed decisions, navigate regulatory obligations and strengthen governance. My approach is practical, proportionate and designed to bring confidence to organisations operating in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Integrity
Integrity is at the heart of good governance. It underpins regulatory compliance, strengthens trust and supports sound decision-making. Every recommendation I make is founded on objectivity, transparency and doing the right thing for the organisation, its customers and its stakeholders.
Outcomes
Compliance should deliver measurable outcomes rather than simply satisfy regulatory requirements. Whether supporting governance, regulatory change or strategic projects, the objective is always to strengthen the organisation and leave it in a better position than before.
If you'd like to discuss a regulatory challenge, explore an idea or simply have a conversation, I'd be pleased to hear from you.
Telephone: 07769363214