Firms tell us that complying with our requirements can be a burden. They have to keep up with changes, understand what we expect and embed new practices across multiple systems and teams. All of this takes time and resources.
Of course, firms must meet their regulatory responsibilities – but we want to make it as simple as possible.
That's why we're launching the FCA Handbook Application Programming Interface (API), so software systems can talk to each other and share information. With the Handbook available in a structured, machine-readable format, firms can access, understand and use our rules more easily.
It’s another practical step in being a smarter regulator in a digital world.
Making regulation easier for firms
The FCA Handbook contains the rules, guidance and standards for the UK's financial services regulatory framework. For many years, firms could only get all this information through websites, monthly downloads and specialist compliance tools.
The Handbook API gives them a different way to get what they need. It enables systems to access structured Handbook content directly, making it easier to integrate rules, guidance and updates into the tools they already use.
Flexibility to choose what works for your business
We know firms have different needs, technical capabilities and approaches to compliance. We’ve made the Handbook API flexible, so they can use it in the way that works best for them.
Some firms might access the API directly and integrate Handbook data into their own systems. Firms with in-house technology teams can tailor the process to their business models and compliance processes.
Other firms may work with technology providers or RegTech firms, who can use the API to develop tools that manage their regulatory obligations more efficiently.
Meanwhile, some firms may prefer to use the Handbook website as they do today, if that suits their needs. We refreshed the website last year with new functionality, including advanced search capability, new track changes tools and improved context-setting across Handbook content.
Real-world benefits
Opening up the Handbook data creates various ways for firms to reduce manual processes and manage regulatory change:
- Real-time rule mapping: The data from the API may help firms map rules to products, activities and customer journeys, making changes easier to assess.
- Keeping track of rule changes: Having access to current and future versions of Handbook content may help firms to track, compare and flag rule updates so that they can respond more quickly.
- Better RegTech products: Give providers authoritative Handbook data to build more efficient and consistent compliance tools.
- Supporting AI solutions: Provide trusted, up-to-date data to support more useful, accurate and transparent AI tools.
Supporting growth through smarter regulation
Technology won’t solve every compliance challenge on its own. But making it easier to use regulatory information can make a big difference. Crucially, it means firms can spend more time on delivering good outcomes for consumers and markets, supporting innovation and driving growth.
We look forward to seeing how firms, developers and technology providers use the Handbook API to create new tools and improve compliance processes. The ways they use it will help shape the future of financial services regulation.
You can find out more about the Handbook API, including how to access it, in our FAQs.