UK Financial Services Strategy Embraces Capital Markets Reform

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) has endorsed the UK government's 10-year Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, highlighting its focus on capital markets development. The plan aims to strengthen London's position as a global financial hub through regulatory stability and operational efficiency gains.

Key reforms address longstanding structural challenges, including commitments to align UK regulations with international standards. AFME particularly welcomed the mandate for regulators to develop long-term roadmaps, noting this could reduce fragmentation with EU frameworks.

The strategy recognizes financial services as both an economic engine and export driver, with capital markets liquidity identified as critical for sustained growth. Industry collaboration will be essential to implement the vision effectively.