TO BE PUBLISHED October 2026
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£99 + VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will examine next steps for smart data policy, regulation, and implementation in the UK. Areas for discussion include future development of smart data schemes, approaches to governance and regulation, implications for businesses and consumers, and priorities for security, confidence, and oversight.
Policy, scheme development & implementation
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss issues arising from Smart Data 2035: The UK's Smart Data Strategy, implementation of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, and the FCA’s Open Finance Roadmap: our vision for a smart data future. Questions around the pace and scope of scheme development will be considered, as well as practicalities of interoperability and technical standards, and implications of emerging frameworks for competition, innovation, consumer protection, and market participation.
Open Banking, oversight and governance
Sessions will assess what can be learned from the development and implementation of Open Banking and implications for smart data initiatives going forward. This includes approaches to governance, funding, as well as priorities for co-ordination between government, regulators and industry, and for safeguarding consumer interests. Priorities for oversight and accountability will also be examined, looking at approaches to compliance and operational assurance, and the role of regulatory collaboration in supporting effective implementation.
Consumer awareness and cybersecurity
Further discussion will look at pilot activity in sectors such as financial services, property, transport, energy, and retail - as well as issues around consumer awareness and participation, accreditation and assurance arrangements, and cybersecurity. Delegates will also discuss priorities for oversight and accountability, and practical considerations relating to interoperability, compliance, and co-ordination between schemes as new applications are brought forward.
Overview of areas for discussion
- policy:
- Smart Data 2035 and scheme development - implementation of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
- the role of the Smart Data Guidebook and future arrangements for Smart Data Council leadership and co-ordination - implications for growth sectors and wider public policy objectives
- funding and infrastructure:
- funding arrangements for schemes and pilot projects - approaches to scaling data-sharing infrastructure
- the role of Smart Data Research UK - investment considerations for emerging smart data businesses
- regulation and market development:
- Financial Conduct Authority proposals for the long-term Open Banking framework - Information Commissioner’s Office guidance relating to the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025
- regulatory co-ordination drawing on the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum - implications of accelerators, sandboxes, and other market development initiatives
- commercial and operational considerations:
- industry engagement with government and regulators - accreditation and certification arrangements for Authorised Third-Party Providers
- workforce capability, compliance, and data governance
- Open Banking and Open Finance:
- lessons learned from Open Banking implementation - future governance arrangements and the Future Entity - implementation of the Open Finance Roadmap
- interoperability between financial and wider smart data schemes
- sector-specific developments:
- proposals for schemes in property, transport, energy, grocery and retail - digital market application
- implications of the Department for Transport Data Action Plan and Fuel Finder service - expansion of smart data approaches in public services
- consumers:
- alignment of new use cases with consumer and small firm needs - price comparison and switching services
- consent, awareness, usability, and digital literacy - confidence and participation in data-sharing arrangements
- security and governance:
- development of technical and data standards - secure data-sharing platforms - compliance and enforcement mechanisms - cybersecurity, operational assurance, and resilience
