UK: FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with CMA

The Federal Trade Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to strengthen enforcement cooperation on consumer protection matters.

The MOU was signed by FTC Chairman Joe Simons and the CMA Chairman, the Rt. Hon. Lord Tyrie. It supersedes a previous agreement between the FTC and UK authorities, furthering a long history of collaboration on consumer protection investigations and cases, and promoting multilateral cooperation at ICPEN, the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network.

“I’m pleased to sign this agreement with our partners at the CMA,” said FTC Chairman Simons. “By strengthening our cooperation on consumer enforcement matters, we benefit consumers in both our countries.”

The new agreement enhances cooperation between the two agencies, and the US SAFE WEB Act provides the FTC with key powers to carry out this cooperation. The MOU streamlines sharing investigative information and complaint data, simplifies requests for investigative assistance, and aids joint law enforcement investigations. It also provides strong and clear confidentiality and data safeguards. The MOU further facilitates the FTC’s cooperation with the members of the U.K. Consumer Protection Partnership, which includes UK enforcers and non-governmental entities that have consumer protection responsibilities.