The FSA presents Year 2000 conference

There will be keynote speeches by Michael Foot, the FSA''s Managing Director of Financial Supervision, and Martin Owen, Head of the FSAs Year 2000 Unit.

This major conference with more than 600 delegates will be chaired by Mr Owen. There will be panels covering the UK authorities plans; the UK financial utilities plans; Preparations in the major overseas financial markets; Managing public communications over the weekend; and Looking ahead - ongoing management of Year 2000 and Leap Year issues.

The conference, organised by City & Financial in conjunction with the FSA, will be held at the QEII Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3EE.

Mr Foot will address the conference at 9 a.m. and will hold a Press Conference at 9.45 a.m at the QEII Centre.

Journalists wishing to attend the Conference should telephone 020 7066 3232. There will be a Press registration desk at the Conference reception.

Notes for editors

The Financial Services Authority''s responsibilities include maintaining confidence in the UK financial system and the protection of customers.

The primary responsibility for achieving Year 2000 compliance and adequate business continuity rests with financial institutions themselves.

Year 2000 is a regulatory issue because of its impact on depositor, investor and policy holder protection; on prudential soundness of financial institutions; and on market integrity. Promoting Year 2000 preparedness is a major FSA supervisory priority