David ClementiThe man charged with overhauling the UK's legal services market has confirmed that the future of self-regulation is to come under tough scrutiny – warning the profession that he does not regard the job as a "popularity contest".

Speaking publicly for the first time since his July appointment to lead the radical review, Prudential chairman David Clementi told journalists on Monday (20 October): "My stance is pro-competition in looking at regulatory issues. It would be surprising if I concluded that the status quo was perfect."

Clementi also signalled that his 18-month review is to focus on five broad areas for reform: the complexity of the current regulatory framework, self-regulation, complaints handling, the existence of 'regulatory gaps' and the introduction of new business structures.