The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announces the launch of multi-factor authentication for its systems, including the Electronic Submission System.

The regulator its introducing multi-factor authentication to strengthen how firms and others log into its systems and to further protect and control access to its data.

Multi-factor authentication ensures that only the user can access their account(s). Users will need to enter a one-time passcode each time they log into:

• Connect, Reg Data, Online Invoicing (Fees Portal) and/or Shared Intelligence Service (SIS) – from now
• Electronic Submission System (ESS) – expected to be from March 2023.

Turning on multi-factor authentication will be quick and easy. The user will be prompted to turn on multi-factor authentication when they attempt to log in (expected to be from March 2023 for ESS). They will need to authenticate by entering a one-time passcode.

A user’s code will be generated from either:

• An authenticator app.
• A text message.
• An automated phone call.

Users’ existing account credentials will not change. Users can continue to use these credentials when they log in before they authenticate with their one-time passcode.

Further information is available here.