Voxsmart hosted a seminar on 17th February 2011 with the FSA, RIM and Actiance to cover what mobile call recording compliance really means and what is required of regulated firms

The event was over subscribed with just under 200 attendees and many key issues were raised. The key messages from the FSA were that the recording of mobiles will be mandated for regulated Firms in the UK from 14th November 2011 and that it is not sufficient to issue policy statements on the use of mobiles. There must be proof that "reasonable endeavours" have been taken to ensure that mobile communications are recorded. It is the FSA's opinion that technology is readily available that allows the recording of mobile devices in a secure and cost effective manner.

Two questions of additional interest which were raised by the audience with the FSA:

1. What are regulated Firms required to do when roaming, especially to countries which may require call recordings to be created and stored in country? To this the FSA responded that if such visits are infrequent then no special measures would need to be taken, but if such visits were regular, then mobile recording would need to be done in accordance with local laws.

2. What shoudl be done to secure mobile carrier voicemail systems? Do these also need to be secured and recorded? To this the FSA responded by stating that if such voicemail systems can be used as an avenue to abet any fraudulent activities, then they should be recorded. The ability to dial out through voicemail, hack voicemail and access messages, all the while bypassing mobile recording systems was pointed out and discussed.

Overall, the FSA stated that the key objective is to encourage a change in attitude in the conduct of business.