The initiative follows previous roadshows and assessments as part of the regulator’s treating customers fairly drive and has already been piloted with a number of firms.
However, the new workshops, which begin in the northwest next month, will cover a broader area of issues, the FSA said.
“It will all be touched on: things like good governance, business controls, how potential risks to the business and customers are applied,” a FSA spokesperson said.
The roadshows will also look at the effect of external risks, good prudential regulation and reporting, how good business practices are applied, what to expect from the upcoming regulatory review.
Businesses will be sent letters inviting them to come to the workshops, and attendance will not be compulsory.
However, the ensuing regulatory reviews, which are likely to start in February, will not be optional.
Speaking at a recent PFS event, Linda Woodall, head of the FSA’s investments department, hinted at plans to provide more assistance to small firms.
She said: “We are going to assist firms further, by running a series of implementation surgeries for smaller firms from the end of this year. These will be one-to-one sessions, allowing you to discuss the progress you have made towards implementing the RDR within your business.
“Supervisors will give you feedback on your business model and ask questions to see if you have considered all the necessary areas.”
