Representing you at the FCA Consumer Network

On Wednesday, 29th April 2026, Cliff Weight (member of the ShareSoc Policy & Education committees) represented ShareSoc at the FCA Consumer Network meeting.

This forum is an informal touchpoint where we can ensure that the voice of the individual shareholder is heard by senior FCA leadership, including on this occasion Director Sheldon Mills. 

The agenda covered the future of retail financial services, specifically focusing on Consumer Duty and the role of Artificial Intelligence in investor education. 

Our three key interventions for individual investors 

During the session, Cliff underlined the ShareSoc viewpoint on three fronts: 

  1. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for low-cost investing: Cliff praised the FCA’s initiatives on AI Live Testing. AI has the potential to be a game changer for new investors. For example, an investor asking an AI agent how to deploy £5,000 or £50,000 is often guided toward low-cost, low-risk passive trackers. This is a “roadworthy” start that avoids the “crash” of high management fees. 
  1. Moving £610bn cash savings into investments: ShareSoc strongly supports the government’s push to reduce the £610bn sitting in stagnant cash accounts. While cash is safe in the short term, holding too much for 20 or 30 years leads to significant consumer harm via inflation. Investors need to understand the mechanics of real returns and compound interest to build long-term wealth. 
  1. Challenging the Savvy Squirrel: While we are in agreement with the overarching message and pleased to see the IA taking action, Cliff expressed concern that with £50m in industry funding, there is a risk that this exercise will prioritise high-cost financial products. We need targeted support and generic guidance, as many cannot afford individual financial advice.

Insights from the Network

The discussion also highlighted innovative ways to use technology:
 

  • AI as a coach: One attendee (Jamiel) suggested using AI to “think through alternatives” based on personal background. This aligns with ShareSoc’s goal of helping investors identify their own blind spots. 
  • Prompts: Money Saving Expert (Dominic) is developing prompts to help people use AI more effectively. 


The Bottom Line
 

ShareSoc continues to advocate for better financial education and, for certain products and services, a competency test approach for those new to investing.  

Whether it’s fighting against home bias or ensuring you aren’t over-concentrated in one sector, ShareSoc is there to ensure the rules of the road benefit individual investors, not just the financial services industry. 

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