In this Compliance Culture Podcast episode, Lucinda Carney talks with Irving Peiris, Compliance Consultant from Create Solutions, about the FCA's growing focus on Appointed Representatives (ARs). They discuss why principals must strengthen governance, ensure cultural alignment, and maintain clear accountability under SMCR. Irving shares practical steps for effective oversight, including robust onboarding, structured reporting, and continuous improvement.

• The FCA expects active, documented oversight of Appointed Representatives, requiring principals to maintain clear governance frameworks, perform due diligence checks, and evidence ongoing supervision.
• Strong governance and cultural alignment reduce the risk of non-compliance, as firms must ensure ARs share the same ethical standards, customer commitments, and values as the principal business.
• Data visibility enables early detection of issues and informed decision-making, with digital tools helping firms monitor AR activity, simplify reporting, and flag potential risk before they escalate.
• Senior Management must understand and evidence their oversight responsibilities, as the SMCR reinforces personal accountability and demand clear documentation of decisions and controls.
• Continuous improvement and communication underpin sustainable compliance, requiring regular reviews, training, and feedback loops to keep governance and culture evolving with regulatory expectations.

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About Actus Software

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Irving Peiris is a compliance expert with over 20 years in the industry, including 10 years at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). He has extensive experience working with a wide range of business models, helping firms improve processes and build effective compliance strategies. Irving's expertise covers Consumer Duty, Risk Management, Vulnerable Customer practices, Financial Crimes, and regulatory areas such as Consumer Credit, Motor Finance, and Insurance. He has led major compliance projects, including FCA Section 166 reviews, and is passionate about supporting firms to stay compliant while enabling sustainable growth.

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