James Eldridge Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

• Policy lead - delivering well-received changes to UK MiFID's conduct and organisational requirements for research and inducements rules and best execution reporting with extensive external engagement with Industry and HMT. • Successful delivery of Consultation Paper and Policy Statement.• Providing key note speeches and representing FCA on panels at industry events.

I led one of the key focus areas of the high-cost credit review including formulating innovative new rules and guidance. • Policy lead on catalogue and store card firms - responsible for formulating new policy proposals for vulnerable consumers on persistent debt and earlier intervention, credit limit increases and complex offers. This role required extensive engagement with multi-disciplinary stakeholders to formulate changes to the consumer credit sourcebook, including consideration of cross-cutting EU law as well as the drafting of the Consultation Paper, internal governance and firm surveys. Well-received by consumer groups and Industry.- Policy lead on alternatives to high-cost credit work stream. Creative approach to addressing consumer harm through drafting guidance for social landlords, liaising with DWP on changes to their guidance, liaising with HMT policy on changes to tax incentives and on the regulated activity perimeter.

• Joint policy lead on Early Intervention strand of Credit Card market study remedy work shaping new clear and impactful rules and guidance for firms.

I led work as part of a thematic review team considering risks and formulating non-handbook guidance on the use of Staff Incentives by consumer credit firms. Prior to this, I spent 4 months seconded to a fixed and flexible consumer credit supervisory team. • Policy lead on new proposed rules and guidance for credit firms on staff incentives and performance management.• Analysing information from firms against FCA rules and guidance to identify gaps in understanding and areas of non-compliance.

Advanced Associate Enforcement and Financial Crime DivisionLeading investigations into firms and individuals within the financial services industry in order to pursue regulatory action in accordance with FCA objectives:• Successful team leader on enforcement cases in retail lending markets to mitigate consumer detriment and ensure firms operate within the regulatory and legislative framework.• Advising and challenging views on current and historical regulatory requirements and guidance in the retail lending sector such as those for affordability and creditworthiness for a fast moving enforcement investigation into a major payday lender. • Drafting and reviewing documents to a high standard including warning notices, enforcement referral documents, interview plans and settlement review documents as well as providing well-targeted legal advice and evidential analysis. • Effectively leading interviews of witnesses and suspects using compulsory powres resulting in crucial admissions and strengthening the FCA's case.

I advised on all aspects of consumer credit and consumer protection legislation for the OFT, including• Implementation of the EU Consumer Credit Directive and advice on the Consumer Credit Act, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, Distance Selling and Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations, law governing sale of goods and services, advertising and contract law. • Advocate for the OFT before the First Tier Tribunal and Instructing Solicitor in appeals by consumer credit licence holders .against regulatory decisions to refuse and revoke consumer credit licences. This role required excellent analytical and case management skills when working to tight deadlines with persuasive presentations.• Legal adviser providing strategy and approach for all consumer credit team sector investigations resulting in effective, proportionate and targeted action against businesses. • Advising on and shaping key regulatory publications on debt management, debt collection and vulnerable customers. • Stakeholder management - providing internal and external technical expertise and training on regulatory issues to Which? CAB and Trading Standards Authorities.

Post-Graduate Diploma In Economics For Competition Law

Legal Practice Course (Lpc)

Bachelor Of Laws (Llb)