Senior regulators globally have emphasised the necessity of establishing the right culture within financial services firms. But it is much less clear how front line supervisors assess the culture of a firm and reach decisions on whether any problems identified are sufficient to justify intervention.

Deloitte UK prepared a report in which they describe how supervisors are likely to approach this complicated task identifying six areas that they expect to attract particular scrutiny. They also provide examples of positive and negative indicators that could strongly influence supervisors' ultimate judgement as to the culture of a firm and hence the strategy and resources they should deploy in supervising it.

Key focus areas for supervisors

   

The "tone from the top"
The role of the leadership in setting, communicating and challenging the firm's culture

Purpose and strategy
A clear sense of purpose and alignment between strategy, culture and values

Individual accountability
Enhanced individual accountability for specific roles and responsibilities

Remuneration and incentives
Remuneration and incentives that promote good outcomes for the firm, customers and the market

Governance and controls
A culture that reinforces good governance and controls

Mindsets and behaviours
Mindsets and behaviours that reflect the firm's target culture and values

As well as reviewing trends in regulatory thinking on culture, this report is intended to provide you with an understanding of the perspectives of front linesupervisors and the cultural indicators they are particularly alert to. This will enable you to respond to the sharpening supervisory focus on culture and better demonstrate your firm's cultural alignment to the achievement of goodcustomer, prudential and market outcomes.

Find out more by downloading the report or by contacting one of the team listed below.

You can find more reports like this at  Deloitte.co.uk/ECRS, where you can also sign-up for our  monthly risk and regulation newsletter.

About the Centre for Regulatory Strategy, EMEA

The Deloitte Centre for Regulatory Strategy is a powerful resource of information and insight, designed to assist financial institutions manage the complexity and convergence of rapidly increasing new regulation.

With regional hubs in the AmericasAsia Pacific and EMEA, the Centre combines the strength of Deloitte's regional and international network of experienced risk, regulatory, and industry professionals – including a deep roster of former regulators, industry specialists, and business advisers – with a rich understanding of the impact of regulations on business models and strategy.

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