Find out how to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and search for information we’ve already published under FOIA.
Anyone can make a request for information we hold. This right applies to any information we hold, including that of our predecessor bodies.
FOIA gives the public a right of access to recorded information held by public authorities. It is regulated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)[1], an independent body.
Search our published information
Before sending us a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, please search our website. We may have already published the information you need.
Our Disclosure Log contains information we have already released under FOIA, which we think is of wider public interest.
View our FOI responses for 2020 onwards[2]
We may add a response to our Disclosure log if it meets the following criteria:
- where we are aware of significant interest expressed by different requesters on the subject
- it would demonstrate how we work or make decisions
- it would show the progress we’re making on greater openness and transparency
- it would inform public debate
For responses before 2020 please use the Disclosure log links below:
2019[3] 2018[4] 2017[5] 2016[6] 2015[7] 2014[8] 2013[9]
Other information published
Make a Freedom of Information request
If you’ve checked our published information and Disclosure Log and can’t find the information you need, you can make a Freedom of Information request.
Please be polite to our people when requesting information, as we don’t allow abusive behaviour towards them and it may impact how well we are able to communicate with you on your request. Abusive language is a factor in considering whether a request is vexatious (which can form a basis for refusing a request). Find out more[15].
How we process requests
The law allows us 20 working days to respond to a request from the date we receive it. The exceptions to this are where:
- a qualified exemption applies, and the public interest test[16] needs to be considered
- clarification is required
Under FOIA, information can be withheld when an appropriate exemption[17] can be applied. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000[18] (FSMA) also imposes restrictions on disclosure of information received as part of carrying out our duties. Information we receive during our regulatory duties is not disclosable under section 348 of FSMA.
Find out more about what information we can share with you[19].
Requests for personal information[20] about yourself should be made under the Data Protection Act 2018, as personal data is exempt from FOIA. If the information you request is held by another public authority, we’ll let you know.
How to submit a request
To make a FOI request:
- submit the online request form[21], or
- download a printable copy[22] and send it to us at: Information Disclosure Team
Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London E20 1JN
All requests must be in writing and include your real name and a postal or email address , so we can contact you to discuss your request if necessary.
To help us with your request, please be as specific as possible about the information you need. Please give us any additional information you think might be helpful and a time frame within which to search.
If you need more advice on filling out the form, please contact the Information Disclosure Team or call 0800 111 6768 (free phone), 0300 500 8082 from the UK, or +44 207 066 1000 from abroad.
Payment
We won’t charge for finding information for requests costing less than £450. But if we estimate that it would cost more than £450 (18 hours working time) to find the information, we’re entitled to refuse the request. Please see our fees statement[23] for further details.
Internal reviews
If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can request an internal review of our original response. We aim to deal with internal reviews within 20 working days.
Please see our internal review process[24] for further details.
To request an internal review, please either email or write to us using the contact details below.
If you’re not happy with the outcome of our internal review, you can then appeal to the ICO[25].
Contact us
Post: Information Disclosure Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London E20 1JN
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0800 111 6768 (free phone), 0300 500 8082 from the UK, or +44 207 066 1000 from abroad
If you have specific needs to be able to communicate with us effectively, please tell us and we will do our best to meet them. Please see our accessibility service[26] page to find out how we can adapt our service to meet your needs.
