The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will launch its first wholesale market study into investment and corporate banking, following a review into competition in the wholesale sector.

The study will assess whether competition in the sector is fair, as the review identified some issues.

The review found that limited clarity over price and quality services may make it difficult for clients to assess whether they are getting value for money.

In addition, it recognized issues in the bundling and cross selling of services could make it difficult for new entrants or smaller established firms to challenge established large players in the market.

Christopher Woolard, director of strategy and competition at FCA, said: "What was clear from the discussions we had with stakeholders and firms was that there are unanswered questions about potential conflicts of interest and value for money in this market. This will form part of our wider work in the wholesale markets, alongside the Fair and Effective Markets Review."

Another competition issue identified through feedback from organisations and individuals was regarding asset management services.

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The FCA will look into the ways purchasers get value for money when buying asset management services.

The regulator considers taking a market study into asset management and related services later in the year.