FCA complaints return deadline
FCA · Semi-annually · 30 business days after 30 June and 31 December
The complaints return under DISP 1.10 is due within 30 business days of the end of each reporting period. From 1 January 2027 the periods are fixed for every firm, 1 January to 30 June and 1 July to 31 December, so returns fall due in mid-August and mid-February.
An estimate set on or before the deadline. Bank holidays can push the real date a few days later.
The change from 2027
Until the end of 2026, reporting periods follow each firm's accounting reference date, and the return is due at the same time as the RMAR for most firms. Every firm's current period ends on 31 December 2026, so the last return under the old rules may cover a shorter period. It's due within 30 business days, in mid-February 2027.
From 2027 a single complaints return replaces five separate ones, and firms that report once a year move to twice a year.
If you had no complaints
You still submit the return, marked as a nil return. See do you have to submit a nil complaints return.
If you submit late
A late or incomplete complaints return costs a £100 administrative fee under DISP 1.10.6A, separate from any fee for the RMAR.
Get reminded before it's due
Regmindr tracks this and the rest of your FCA calendar, and emails your team before each deadline. Set it up from your year end in about two minutes.
Sources
- FCA Handbook: DISP 1.10
- FCA: Reporting complaints
- FCA PS25/19: Improving the complaints reporting process
This page is a summary, not legal or regulatory advice. The rules in the sources above take precedence.