Skip to content
Currency: AED (change to USD)
  • UK
  • MENA
CCL Academy Limited
  • Home
  • Courses
    • Close
    • Courses
    • Subjects
      • Close
      • Subjects
      • Compliance & Conduct
      • AML & Financial Crime
      • Rules & Regulations
      • Governance
      • Information Security
      • Certification
    • Learning Style
      • Close
      • Learning Style
      • Blended Learning Solution
      • eLearning
      • Public Courses
      • In-House Courses
      • Virtual Compliance Mentor
      • CPD Programmes
      • On-Demand Tutorials
    • Audience
      • Front / Back Office Staff
      • Compliance / Financial Crime Staff
      • Senior Management
    • Audience
      • Close
      • Audience:
      • Front / Back Office Staff
      • Compliance / Financial Crime Staff
      • Senior Management
  • 360 Approach
  • Knowledge Hub
    • Close
    • Knowledge Hub
    • Latest Articles
    • Learning Resources
    • Compliance Glossary
  • About Us
    • Close
    • About Us
    • Our Ethos
    • Our Management Team
    • Our Training Faculty
  • Contact Us

Latest Articles

Identifying and managing conflicts of interest

Peter Haines | 5th December 2022

In March 2022, the FCA fined GAM International Management £9m for failing to manage conflicts of interest in relation to its dealings with Greensill Capital.

The FCA also fined one of its former investment managers £230k for failing to declare gifts and entertainment in a timely manner, including travelling on a Greensill employee’s aircraft and attending a charity dinner at Buckingham Palace.

Whilst the FCA did not find evidence that the investment manager made decisions as a result of these gifts and entertainment, the fact that the potential conflicts were not properly managed "heightened the risk that he may have been incentivised to invest for personal interest”.

All financial services firms face inherent conflicts of interest in their business activities, and it is crucial that firms identify and manage such conflicts of interest between the firm or its employees and the firm’s customers.

Here are three reminders to share with staff across your firm. A PDF version can be downloaded here.

  • Understand the risks: A conflict of interest occurs when competing obligations, interests, motivations or actions may damage the interests of a client or other stakeholder.

    Firms need to identify the conflicts of interest inherent in their business activities, including those relating to employees and the firm itself. Failure to manage conflicts of interest can result in poor customer outcomes as well as legal, regulatory and reputational risks.
  • Be alert: Conflicts of interest can arise in many different situations, so you need to be aware of the particular conflicts that you might encounter as a result of your business and personal activities.

    Some potential conflicts may be specific to your role (e.g. order execution, allocations or control of information). Others may be more general - for example, gifts and entertainment, outside business interests and personal account dealing.

  • Follow procedures: You must follow your firm’s policies and procedures in relation to conflicts of interest, including adherence to information barriers. These are designed to restrict the flow of sensitive information and manage any associated conflicts of interest.

Speak to your manager or your Compliance team if have any concerns in relation to a potential or actual conflict of interest.

Continued Learning

In-house and eLearning courses for this topic are available for staff who require further training.

See Courses

Download Your Spaced Learning Card

Compliance risks impact the whole business. Our series of Spaced Learning Cards incorporate current examples and provides high-level practical guidance for firms to share with employees. Topics include the risks of hybrid working, greenwashing, sanctions, bribery risk and more. Download your free Spaced Learning Cards to remind staff of their compliance obligations.

Access Spaced Learning Cards

SHARE THIS PAGE:

Peter Bw
Trainer

Peter Haines

Director of GRC Training

Additional

News Categories

  • The Compliance Updater
  • In the Spotlight
  • Case Studies
CCL Academy Limited

UK - Head Office

The Pantiles Chambers
85 High Street
Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XP
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3092 0442
Email: info@cclacademy.co.uk

UAE Office

Al Saaha Offices
Downtown Dubai
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 427 2151
Email: info@cclacademy.com

Stay up to date

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, offers, event invitations and free resources from CCL Academy

Sign up

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 CCL Academy Limited
CECM Plus
Henly
© 2025 CCL Academy Limited
Your Cart