How Financial Firms Can Strengthen Microsoft Teams Security and Stay FCA Compliant

Most firms in financial services use Microsoft Teams every day, for client calls, file sharing, and internal discussions. But what many don’t realise is that Microsoft keeps adding new security and compliance tools that go far beyond basic settings.

If your Teams environment was set up a while ago, there’s a good chance you’re not taking full advantage of these features and that can leave gaps in both security and compliance.

The Hidden Risks

Teams is easy to use, but that ease can work against you. Without proper configuration:

• Files might be shared externally without approval

• Conversations could sit outside your compliance boundary

• Suspicious sign-ins or data movement might go unnoticed

For firms subject to FCA regulations, those issues can turn into serious problems, especially when it comes to recordkeeping and safeguarding client information.

What You Can Do

The good news is that Teams can be made secure and compliant without disrupting how people work. The right configuration allows you to:

• Control external sharing so sensitive information doesn’t leave your network accidentally

• Monitor activity to catch unusual or unauthorized access

• Maintain FCA compliance with the right retention, auditing, and reporting settings

Microsoft has built detailed guidance on Teams security and compliance, which is worth reviewing:

• Microsoft 365 Compliance for Financial Services

• Teams Security and Compliance Overview

Why It Matters Now

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and regulators expect firms to show they’re doing everything possible to protect client data. Teams has the tools to meet those expectations, you just need to turn them on and tune them correctly.

If you’re not sure whether your Teams setup meets today’s security and compliance standards, it might be time for a review. 

Next Step: Review Your Teams Security

A quick security and compliance review can reveal whether your Teams environment is configured for today’s risks and regulations.

Maple’s experts work with hedge funds and financial firms to:

• Identify configuration gaps

• Strengthen compliance controls

• Simplify ongoing monitoring

If you’d like to make sure your Teams setup meets FCA and data protection standards, book a Teams Security Review or reach out to our team for a chat.