“We need to raise our game, admits Nikhil Rathi, head of the Financial Conduct Authority”

Here’s a feel good story with a happy ending. I’ve spent many frustrating weeks waiting for our regulator to process my application to take on a mortgage adviser. She was due to join me yesterday. When, last week, I’d still heard nothing, I rather took leave of my senses and emailed the FCA’s chief exec. I’ve now discovered that those whom I thought of as faceless bureaucrats are human after all. Within a few days, a very efficient chap called Conor had sorted everything out for me and my authorisation came through in the nick of time. So as far as I’m concerned, their game is raised and they deserve all the praise they never get. Thank you, Mr Rathi.