1 DEPP 6 includes the FCA's3 statement of policy with respect to the imposition and amount of penalties under the Act, as required by sections 63C(1), 269(1), 88C, 89S, 393(1), 124(1), 131J(1), 192N, 32 210(1), 312J and 345D3 of the Act.

4 DEPP 6 includes the FCA’s statement of policy with respect to the imposition and amount of penalties under:

1. (1)

   Regulation 9(1)(c) and (d) of the UK Securitisation Regulations; and

2. (2)

   Regulation 46(1)(c) and (d) of the Securitisation Regulations 2024.

The principal purpose of imposing a financial penalty or issuing a public censure is to promote high standards of regulatory and/or market conduct by deterring persons who have committed breaches from committing further breaches, helping to deter other persons from committing similar breaches, and demonstrating generally the benefits of compliant behaviour. Financial penalties and public censures are therefore tools that the FCA3 may employ to help it to achieve its statutory objectives3.

The FCA4 will consider the full circumstances of each case when determining whether or not to take action for a financial penalty or public censure. Set out below is a list of factors that may be relevant for this purpose. The list is not exhaustive: not all of these factors may be applicable in a particular case, and there may be other factors, not listed, that are relevant.

1. (1)

   The nature, seriousness and impact of the suspected breach, including:

   1. (a)

      whether the breach was deliberate or reckless;

   2. (b)

      the duration and frequency of the breach;

   3. (c)

      the amount of any benefit gained or loss avoided as a result of the breach;

   4. (d)

      whether the breach reveals serious or systemic weaknesses of the management systems or internal controls relating to all or part of a person's business;

   5. (e)

      the impact or potential impact of the breach on the orderliness of markets including whether confidence in those markets has been damaged or put at risk;

   6. (f)

      the loss or risk of loss caused to consumers or other market users;

   7. (g)

      the nature and extent of any financial crime facilitated, occasioned or otherwise attributable to the breach; and

   8. (h)

      whether there are a number of smaller issues, which individually may not justify disciplinary action, but which do so when taken collectively.

2. (2)

   The conduct of the person after the breach, including the following:

   1. (a)

      how quickly, effectively and completely the person brought the breach to the attention of the FCA4 or another relevant regulatory authority;

      4
   2. (b)

      the degree of co-operation the person showed during the investigation of the breach;

   3. (c)

      any remedial steps the person has taken in respect of the breach;

   4. (d)

      the likelihood that the same type of breach (whether on the part of the person under investigation or others) will recur if no action is taken;

   5. (e)

      whether the person concerned has complied with any requirements or rulings of another regulatory authority relating to his behaviour (for example, where relevant, those of the Takeover Panel or an RIE); and

   6. (f)

      the nature and extent of any false or inaccurate information given by the person and whether the information appears to have been given in an attempt to knowingly mislead the FCA4.

      4
3. (3)

   The previous disciplinary record and compliance history of the person including:

   1. (a)

      whether the FCA4 (or any previous regulator) has taken any previous disciplinary action resulting in adverse findings against the person;

      4
   2. (b)

      whether the person has previously undertaken not to do a particular act or engage in particular behaviour;

   3. (c)

      whether the FCA4 (or any previous regulator) has previously taken protective action in respect of a firm, using its own initiative powers, by means of a variation of a Part 4A permission4 or otherwise, or has previously requested the firm to take remedial action, and the extent to which such action has been taken; and

      44
   4. (d)

      the general compliance history of the person, including whether the FCA4 (or any previous regulator) has previously issued the person with a private warning.

      4
4. (4)

   FCAguidance4and other published materials:

   The FCA4 will not take action against a person for behaviour that it considers to be in line with guidance, other materials published by the FCA in support of the Handbook or FCA4-confirmed Industry Guidance which were current at the time of the behaviour in question. (The manner in which guidance and other published materials may otherwise be relevant to an enforcement case is described in EG 2.)

   4444
5. (4A)

   FCA-recognised industry codes:12

   Behaviour that is in line with a FCA-recognised industry code will tend to indicate compliance, in carrying out unregulated activities, with applicable FCA rules that reference ‘proper standards of market conduct’. In such cases, the FCA will usually not take action against a person for behaviour, in relation to unregulated activities, that it considers to be in line with the relevant FCA-recognised industry code. 12

6. (5)

   Action taken by the FSA or FCA4 in previous similar cases.

7. (6)

   Action taken by other domestic or international regulatory authorities:

   Where other regulatory authorities propose to take action in respect of the breach which is under consideration by the FCA4, or one similar to it, the FCA4 will consider whether the other authority's action would be adequate to address the FCA's4 concerns, or whether it would be appropriate for the FCA4 to take its own action.

   4444

When deciding whether to take action for market abuse7, the FCA4 may consider the following additional factors:

1. (1)

   The degree of sophistication of the users of the market in question, the size and liquidity of the market, and the susceptibility of the market to market abuse.

2. (2)

   The impact, having regard to the nature of the behaviour, that any financial penalty or public censure may have on the financial markets or on the interests of consumers:

   1. (a)

      a penalty may show that high standards of market conduct are being enforced in the financial markets, and may bolster market confidence;

   2. (b)

      a penalty may protect the interests of consumers by deterring future market abuse and improving standards of conduct in a market;

   3. (c)

      in the context of a takeover bid, the FCA4 may consider that the impact of the use of its powers is likely to have an adverse effect on the timing or outcome of that bid, and therefore it would not be in the interests of financial markets or consumers to take action for market abuse during the takeover bid. If the FCA4 considers that the proposed use of its powers may have that effect, it will consult the Takeover Panel and give due weight to its views.

      44

2The factors to which the FCA4 will have regard when deciding whether to impose a penalty under regulation 34 of the RCB Regulations are set out in RCB 4.2.3 G.

The FCA's4 rules on systems and controls against money laundering are set out in SYSC 3.2 and SYSC 6.3. The FCA4, when considering whether to take action for a financial penalty or censure in respect of a breach of those rules, will have regard to whether a firm has followed relevant provisions in the Guidance for the UK financial sector issued by the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group.

Disciplinary action against senior managers of firms and other individuals is one of the FCA’s key tools in deterring firms and individuals from committing breaches.6

In some cases it may not be appropriate to take disciplinary measures against a firm for the actions of an individual6 (an example might be where the firm can show that it took all reasonable steps to prevent the breach). In other cases, it may be appropriate for the FCA4 to take action against both the firm and the individual6. For example, a firm may have breached the rule requiring it to take reasonable care to establish and maintain such systems and controls as are appropriate to its business (SYSC 3.1.1 R or SYSC 4.1.10R or article 21(5) of the MiFID Org Regulation (as applied in accordance with SYSC 1 Annex 1 2.8AR, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2CR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.3R10), and an individual6 may have taken advantage of those deficiencies to front run orders or misappropriate assets.

In addition to the general factors outlined in DEPP 6.2.1 G, there are some additional considerations that may be relevant when deciding whether to take action against an individual under6section 66 of the Act. This list of those considerations is non-exhaustive. Not all considerations below may be relevant in every case, and there may be other considerations, not listed, that are relevant.

1. (1)

   The individual's6 position and responsibilities. The FCA4 may take into account the responsibility of those exercising significant influence functions or designated senior management functions6 in the firm for the conduct of the firm. The more senior the individual6 responsible for the misconduct, the more seriously the FCA4 is likely to view the misconduct, and therefore the more likely it is to take action against the individual6.

   44
2. (2)

   Whether the most appropriate regulatory response would be6 disciplinary action against the firm, the individual or both6.

3. (3)

   Whether disciplinary action would be a proportionate response to the nature and seriousness of the misconduct by the individual6.

6 DEPP 6.2.6BG to DEPP 6.2.9G apply to action taken by the FCA under section 66 of the Act, except for action taken by virtue of section 66A(5). DEPP 6.2.9-AG to DEPP 6.2.9-FG apply only to action taken by virtue of section 66A(5).9

6The FCA may take disciplinary action against an individual where there is evidence of personal culpability on the part of that individual. Personal culpability arises if the individual’s behaviour was deliberate or below the standard which would be reasonable in all the circumstances at the time of the conduct concerned.

The FCA will not discipline individuals6 on the basis of vicarious liability (that is, holding them responsible for the acts of others), provided appropriate delegation and supervision has taken place (see APER 4.6.13G, APER 4.6.14G, COCON 4.1.8G and COCON 4.2.17G to COCON 4.2.24G6). In particular, disciplinary action will not be taken against an approved person performing a significant influence function or a senior conduct rules staff member6 simply because a regulatory failure has occurred in an area of business for which they are6 responsible. The FCA will consider that an approved person performing a significant influence function may have breached Statements of Principle 5 to 7, or that a senior conduct rules staff member may have breached rules SC1 to SC413 in COCON 2.26, only if their conduct was below the standard which would be reasonable in all the circumstances at the time of the conduct concerned (see also APER 3.1.8AG and COCON 3.1.6G6, as applicable13).

An individual6 will not be in breach if they have6 exercised due and reasonable care when assessing the information available to them, have6 reached a reasonable conclusion and have6 acted on it.

Where disciplinary action is taken against an individual6 the onus will be on the FCA4 to show that the individual6 has been guilty of misconduct.

9The FCA is able to take action against an SMF manager under section 66A(5) of the Act where:

1. (1)

   there has been (or continues to be) a contravention of a relevant requirement by the SMF manager’sfirm;

2. (2)

   at the time of the contravention, the SMF manager was responsible for the management of any of the firm’s activities in relation to which the contravention occurred; and

3. (3)

   the SMF manager did not take such steps as a person in their position could reasonably be expected to take to avoid the contravention by the firm occurring (or continuing).

In such an action, an SMF manager is not bound by a finding of the RDC, a court or a tribunal, which he or she was not privy nor party to.

9When deciding whether to take action further to section 66A(5) of the Act, the FCA will follow the approach in DEPP 6.2.1G and DEPP 6.2.6G.

9When determining, for the purposes of section 66A(5) of the Act, whether an SMF manager was responsible for the management of any of the firm’s activities in relation to which a contravention of a relevant requirement by the firm occurred, the FCA will consider the full circumstances of each case. A list of considerations that may be relevant for this purpose is set out below. This list is not exhaustive.

1. (1)

   The SMF manager’sstatement of responsibilities, including whether the SMF manager was performing an executive or non-executive role.

2. (2)

   The firm’smanagement responsibilities map.

3. (3)

   How the firm operated, and how responsibilities were allocated in the firm in practice.

4. (4)

   The SMF manager’s actual role and responsibilities in the firm, to be determined by reference to, among other things, minutes of meetings, emails, regulatory interviews, telephone recordings and organisational charts.

5. (5)

   The relationship between the SMF manager’s responsibilities and the responsibilities of other SMF managers in the firm (including any joint responsibilities or matrix management structures).

9Under section 66A(5)(d) of the Act, such steps as a person in the position of the SMF manager could reasonably be expected to take to avoid the firm’s contravention of a relevant requirement occurring (or continuing) are:

1. (1)

   such steps as a competent SMF manager would have taken:

   1. (a)

      at that time;

   2. (b)

      in that specific individual’s position;

   3. (c)

      with that individual’s role and responsibilities; and

   4. (d)

      in all the circumstances.

9When determining under section 66A(5)(d) of the Act whether or not an SMF manager has taken such steps as a person in their position could reasonably be expected to take to avoid the contravention of a relevant requirement by the firm occurring (or continuing), additional considerations to which the FCA would expect to have regard include, but are not limited to:

1. (1)

   the role and responsibilities of the SMF manager (for example, such steps as an SMF manager in a non-executive role could reasonably be expected to take may differ, depending on the circumstances, from those reasonably expected of an SMF manager in an executive role: see, for example, the guidance on the role and responsibilities of non-executive directors for SMCR firms13 in COCON 1 Annex 1G);

2. (2)

   whether the SMF manager exercised reasonable care when considering the information available to them;

3. (3)

   whether the SMF manager reached a reasonable conclusion on which to act;

4. (4)

   the nature, scale and complexity of the firm’s business;

5. (5)

   the knowledge the SMF manager had, or should have had, of regulatory concerns, if any, relating to their role and responsibilities;

6. (6)

   whether the SMF manager (where they were aware of, or should have been aware of, actual or suspected issues that involved possible breaches by their firm of relevant requirements relating to their role and responsibilities) took reasonable steps to ensure that the issues were dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner;

7. (7)

   whether the SMF manager acted in accordance with their statutory, common law and other legal obligations, including, but not limited to, those set out in the Companies Act 2006, the Handbook (including COCON), and, if the firm had a listing in the equity shares (commercial companies) or closed-ended investment funds category16, the UK Corporate Governance Code and related guidance;

   14
8. (8)

   whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to ensure that any delegation of their responsibilities, where this was itself reasonable, was to an appropriate person with the necessary capacity, competence, knowledge, seniority and skill, and whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to oversee the discharge of the delegated responsibility effectively;

9. (9)

   whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to ensure that the reporting lines, whether in the UK or overseas, in relation to the firm’s activities for which they were responsible, were clear to staff and operated effectively;

10. (10)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to satisfy themselves, on reasonable grounds, that, for the activities for which they were responsible, the firm had appropriate policies and procedures for reviewing the competence, knowledge, skills and performance of each individual member of staff to assess their suitability to fulfil their duties;

11. (11)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps (including in relation to SYSC 4.9) to assess, on taking up each of their responsibilities, and monitor, where reasonable, the governance, operational and risk management arrangements in place for the firm’s activities for which they were responsible (including, where appropriate, corroborating, challenging and considering the wider implications of the information available to them), and whether they took reasonable steps to deal with any actual or suspected issues identified as a result in a timely and appropriate manner;

12. (12)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to ensure an orderly transition when another SMF manager under their oversight or responsibility was replaced in the performance of that function by someone else;

13. (13)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to ensure an orderly transition when they were replaced in the performance of their function by someone else;

14. (14)

    whether the SMF manager failed to take reasonable steps to understand and inform themselves about the firm’s activities for which they were responsible, including, but not limited to, whether they:

    1. (a)

       failed to ensure adequate reporting or seek an adequate explanation of issues within a business area, whether from people within that business area, or elsewhere within or outside the firm, if they were not an expert in that area; or

    2. (b)

       failed to maintain an appropriate level of understanding about an issue or a responsibility that they delegated to an individual or individuals; or

    3. (c)

       failed to obtain independent, expert opinion where appropriate from within or outside the firm as appropriate; or

    4. (d)

       permitted the expansion or restructuring of the business without reasonably assessing the potential risks; or

    5. (e)

       inadequately monitored highly profitable transactions, business practices, unusual transactions, or individuals who contributed significantly to the profitability of a business area or who had significant influence over the operation of a business area;

15. (15)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to ensure that, where they were involved in a collective decision affecting the firm’s activities for which they were responsible, and it was reasonable for the decision to be taken collectively, they informed themselves of the relevant matters before taking part in the decision, and exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in contributing to it;

16. (16)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to follow the firm’s procedures, where this was itself appropriate;

17. (17)

    how long the SMF manager had been in role with their responsibilities and whether there was an orderly transition and handover when they took up the role and responsibilities;

18. (18)

    whether the SMF manager took reasonable steps to implement (either personally or through a compliance department or other departments) adequate and appropriate systems and controls to comply with the relevant requirements and standards of the regulatory system for the activities of the firm.

Where action is taken against an SMF manager under section 66A(5) of the Act the onus will be on the FCA to show that the SMF manager has been guilty of misconduct.

3In addition to the general factors outlined in DEPP 6.2.1 G, there are some additional considerations that the FCA4 will have regard to when deciding whether to take action against a person that performs a controlled function without approval contrary to section 63A of the Act.

1. (1)

   The conduct of the person. The FCA4 will take into consideration whether, while performing controlled functions without approval, the person committed misconduct in respect of which, if he had been approved, the FCA4 could have taken action pursuant to section 66 of the Act and, if so, the seriousness of that misconduct.

   44
2. (2)

   The extent to which the person could reasonably be expected to have known that they were6 performing a controlled function without approval. The circumstances in which the FCA4 would expect to be satisfied that a person could reasonably be expected to have known that they were6 performing a controlled function without approval include:

   4
   1. (a)

      the person had previously performed a similar role at the same or another firm for which he had been approved;

   2. (b)

      the person'sfirm or another firm had previously applied for approval for the person to perform the same or a similar controlled function;

   3. (c)

      the person's seniority or experience was such that he could reasonably be expected to have known that he was performing a controlled function without approval; and

   4. (d)

      the person'sfirm had clearly apportioned responsibilities so that the person's role, and the responsibilities associated with it, were clear;6

   5. (e)

      the person’s approval was subject to a condition or was granted for a limited period, and they failed to act in accordance with that condition or time limitation. 6

3. (3)

   The length of the period during which the person performed a controlled function without approval.

4. (4)

   Whether the person is an individual.

5. (5)

   The appropriateness of taking action against the person instead of, or in addition to, taking action against an authorised person. In assessing this, the FCA4 will take into consideration the extent of the culpability of an authorised person for the person performing a controlled function without approval. For example, a relevant factor may be that an authorised person decided that the person did not need to obtain approval and it was reasonable for the person to rely on the authorised person's judgment.

   4
6. (6)

   The person's position and responsibilities. The more senior the person that performs a controlled function without approval, the more seriously the FCA4 is likely to view his behaviour, and therefore the more likely it is to take action against the person.

   4

The primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with Part VI of the Act, the Part 6 rules, the prospectus rules or a provision of the Prospectus Regulation15 or a requirement imposed under such provision rests with the persons identified in section 91(1) and section 91(1A) (Penalties for breach of Part 6 rules) of the Act respectively. Normally therefore, any disciplinary action taken by the FCA4 for contraventions of these obligations will in the first instance be against those persons.

However, in the case of a contravention by a person referred to in section 91(1)(a) or section 91(1)(b) or section 91(1A) of the Act ("P"), where the FCA4 considers that another person who was at the material time a director of P was knowingly concerned in the contravention, theFCA4 may take disciplinary action against that person. In circumstances where the FCA4 does not consider it appropriate to seek a disciplinary sanction against P (notwithstanding a breach of relevant requirements by such person), the FCA4 may nonetheless seek a disciplinary sanction against any other person who was at the material time a director of P and was knowingly concerned in the contravention.

In deciding whether to take action, the FCA4 will consider the full circumstances of each case. Factors that may be relevant for this purpose include, but are not limited to, the factors at DEPP 6.2.1 G.

The Principles are set out in PRIN 2.1.1 R. The Principles are a general statement of the fundamental obligations of firms under the regulatory system. The Principles derive their authority from the FCA's4 rule-making powers set out in section 137A4(General rule-making power) of the Act. A breach of a Principle will make a firm liable to disciplinary action. Where the FCA4 considers this is appropriate, it will discipline a firm on the basis of the Principles alone.

In determining whether a Principle has been breached, it is necessary to look to the standard of conduct required by the Principle in question at the time. Under each of the Principles, the onus will be on the FCA4 to show that a firm has been at fault in some way.

The Listing Principles are set out in UKLR 2 and 16 are a general statement of the fundamental obligations of all5listed companies. The Listing Principles derive their authority from the FCA's4 rule making powers set out in section 73A(1) (Part 6 Rules) of the Act. A breach of a Listing Principle will make a listed company liable to disciplinary action by the FCA4.

In determining whether a Listing Principle has been broken, it is necessary to look to the standard of conduct required by the Listing Principle in question. Under each of the Listing Principles, the onus will be on the FCA4 to show that a listed company has been at fault in some way. This requirement will differ depending upon the relevant5 Listing Principle.

In certain cases, it may be appropriate to discipline a listed company on the basis of a Listing Principle alone. Examples include the following:

1. (1)

   where there is no detailed listing rule5 which prohibits the behaviour in question, but the behaviour clearly contravenes a Listing Principle; and16

   55
2. (2)

   where a listed company has committed a number of breaches of detailed rules5 which individually may not merit disciplinary action, but the cumulative effect of which indicates the breach of a Listing Principle.5

   5

Some types of breach may potentially result not only in action by the FCA4, but also action by other domestic or overseas regulatory authorities or enforcement agencies.

When deciding how to proceed in such cases, the FCA4 will examine the circumstances of the case, and consider, in the light of the relevant investigation, disciplinary and enforcement powers, whether it is appropriate for the FCA4 or another authority to take action to address the breach. The FCA4 will have regard to all the circumstances of the case including whether the other authority has adequate powers to address the breach in question.

In some cases, it may be appropriate for both the FCA4and another authority to be involved, and for both to take action in a particular case arising from the same facts. For example, a breach of RIE rules may be so serious as to justify the FCA4 varying or cancelling the firm's Part IV permission, or withdrawing approval from approved persons, as well as action taken by the RIE. In such cases, the FCA4 will work with the relevant authority to ensure that cases are dealt with efficiently and fairly, under operating arrangements in place (if any) between the FCA4 and the relevant authority.

In relation to behaviour7 which may have happened or be happening in the context of a takeover bid, the FCA4 will refer to the Takeover Panel and give due weight to its views. Where the Takeover Code has procedures for complaint about any behaviour, the FCA4 expects parties to exhaust those procedures. The FCA4 will not, save in exceptional circumstances, take action under any of section 123 (FCA's4power to impose penalties), section 123A (Power to prohibit individuals from managing or dealing), section 123B (Suspending permission to carry on regulated activities etc.),7 section 129 (Power of court to impose penalties), section 381 (Injunctions), sections 383 or 384 (Restitution) in respect of behaviour7 to which the Takeover Code is relevant before the conclusion of the procedures available under the Takeover Code.

The FCA4 will not take action against a person over behaviour7 which does not amount to market abuse. Behaviour is less likely to amount to market abuse where it7 (a) conforms with the Takeover Code or rules of an RIE and (b) falls within the terms of MAR 1.10.4G to 1.10.6G7 which state7 that behaviour7 so conforming is unlikely to, of itself,7 amount to market abuse. The FCA4 will seek the Takeover Panel's or relevant RIE's views on whether behaviour7 complies with the Takeover Code or RIE rules and will attach considerable weight to its views.

If any of the circumstances in DEPP 6.2.26 G apply, and the FCA4 considers that the use of its disciplinary powers under section 123 or section 129, or of its injunctive powers under section 381 or of its powers relating to restitution under section 383 or 384 is appropriate, it will not take action during an offer to which the Takeover Code applies except in the circumstances set out in DEPP 6.2.27 G.

In any case where the FCA4 considers that the use of its powers under any of sections 123, 123A, 123B,7 129, 381, 383 or 384 of the Act may be appropriate, if that use may affect the timetable or outcome of a takeover bid or where it is appropriate in the context of any exercise by the Takeover Panel of its powers and authority, the FCA4 will consult the Takeover Panel before using any of those powers.

Where the behaviour7 of a person which amounts to market abuse is behaviour7 to which the Takeover Code is relevant, the use of the Takeover Panel's powers will often be sufficient to address the relevant concerns. In cases where this is not so, the FCA4 will need to consider whether it is appropriate to use any of its own powers under the market abuse regime. The principal circumstances in which the FCA4 is likely to consider such exercise are:

1. (1)

   where the behaviour7 falls within the prohibition in article 14 of the Market Abuse Regulation7;

2. (2)

   where the FCA's4 approach in previous similar cases (which may have happened otherwise than in the context of a takeover bid) suggests that a sanction7 should be imposed;

   4
3. (3)

   where the behaviour8 extends to securities or a class of securities which may be outside the Takeover Panel's jurisdiction;

4. (4)

   where the behaviour8 threatens or has threatened the stability of the financial system; and

5. (5)

   where for any other reason the Takeover Panel asks the FCA4 to consider the use of any of its powers referred to in DEPP 6.2.22 G.

   4

The exceptional circumstances in which the FCA4 will consider the use of powers during a takeover bid are listed in DEPP 6.2.26G (1), DEPP 6.2.26G (3) and DEPP 6.2.26G (4), and, depending on the circumstances, DEPP 6.2.26G (5).

The FCA2 will consider all the relevant circumstances of the case when deciding whether to impose a penalty or issue a public censure. As such, the factors set out in DEPP 6.4.2 G are not exhaustive. Not all of the factors may be relevant in a particular case and there may be other factors, not listed, that are relevant.

The criteria for determining whether it is appropriate to issue a public censure rather than impose a financial penalty include those factors that the FCA2 will consider in1 determining the amount of penalty set out in DEPP 6.5 A to DEPP 6.5 D.1 Some particular considerations that may be relevant when the FCA2 determines whether to issue a public censure rather than impose a financial penalty are:

1. (1)

   whether or not deterrence may be effectively achieved by issuing a public censure;

2. (2)

   if the person has made a profit or avoided a loss as a result of the breach, this may be a factor in favour of a financial penalty, on the basis that a person should not be permitted to benefit from its breach;

3. (3)

   if the breach is more serious in nature or degree, this may be a factor in favour of a financial penalty, on the basis that the sanction should reflect the seriousness of the breach; other things being equal, the more serious the breach, the more likely the FCA2 is to impose a financial penalty;

   2
4. (4)

   if the person has brought the breach to the attention of the FCA2, this may be a factor in favour of a public censure, depending upon the nature and seriousness of the breach;

   2
5. (5)

   if the person has admitted the breach and provides full and immediate co-operation to the FCA2, and takes steps to ensure that those who have suffered loss due to the breach are fully compensated for those losses, this may be a factor in favour of a public censure, rather than a financial penalty, depending upon the nature and seriousness of the breach;

   2
6. (6)

   if the person has a poor disciplinary record or compliance history (for example, where the FSA or FCA2 has previously brought disciplinary action resulting in adverse findings in relation to the same or similar behaviour), this may be a factor in favour of a financial penalty, on the basis that it may be particularly important to deter future cases;

7. (7)

   the FSA's or FCA's2 approach in similar previous cases: the FCA2 will seek to achieve a consistent approach to its decisions on whether to impose a financial penalty or issue a public censure; and

   2
8. (8)

   the impact on the person concerned. It1 would only be in an exceptional case that the FCA2 would be prepared to agree to issue a public censure rather than impose a financial penalty if a financial penalty would otherwise be the appropriate sanction. Examples of such exceptional cases could include:

   121
   1. (a)

      where the application of the FCA's2 policy on serious financial hardship (set out in DEPP 6.5D) results in a financial penalty being reduced to zero;1

      12
   2. (b)

      where there is 1verifiable evidence that the person would be unable to meet other regulatory requirements, particularly financial resource requirements, if the FCA2 imposed a financial penalty at an appropriate level; or

      2
   3. (c)

      in Part VI cases in which the FCA2 may impose a financial penalty, where there is the likelihood of a severe adverse impact on a person's shareholders or a consequential impact on market confidence or market stability if a financial penalty was imposed. However, this does not exclude the imposition of a financial penalty even though this may have an impact on a person's shareholders.

      2

2For the purpose of DEPP 6.5 to DEPP 6.5D and DEPP 6.6.2 G, the term “firm” means firms, sponsors, primary information providers, recognised investment exchanges, qualifying parent undertakings, actuaries, auditors3 and those unauthorised persons who are not individuals.

The FCA's3 penalty-setting regime is based on the following principles:

1. (1)

   Disgorgement - a firm or individual should not benefit from any breach;

2. (2)

   Discipline - a firm or individual should be penalised for wrongdoing; and

3. (3)

   Deterrence - any penalty imposed should deter the firm or individual who committed the breach, and others, from committing further or similar breaches.

1. (1)

   The total amount payable by a person subject to enforcement action may be made up of two elements: (i) disgorgement of the benefit received as a result of the breach; and (ii) a financial penalty reflecting the seriousness of the breach. These elements are incorporated in a five-step framework, which can be summarised as follows:

   1. (a)

      Step 1: the removal of any financial benefit derived directly from the breach;

   2. (b)

      Step 2: the determination of a figure which reflects the seriousness of the breach;

   3. (c)

      Step 3: an adjustment made to the Step 2 figure to take account of any aggravating and mitigating circumstances;

   4. (d)

      Step 4: an upwards adjustment made to the amount arrived at after Steps 2 and 3, where appropriate, to ensure that the penalty has an appropriate deterrent effect; and

   5. (e)

      Step 5: if applicable, a settlement discount will be applied. This discount does not apply to disgorgement of any financial benefit derived directly from the breach.

2. (2)

   These steps will apply in all cases, although the details of Steps 1 to 4 will differ for cases against firms (DEPP 6.5A), cases against individuals (DEPP 6.5B) and market abuse cases against individuals (DEPP 6.5C).

3. (3)

   The FCA3 recognises that a penalty must be proportionate to the breach. The FCA3 may decrease the level of the penalty arrived at after applying Step 2 of the framework if it considers that the penalty is disproportionately high for the breach concerned. For cases against firms, the FCA3 will have regard to whether the firm is also an individual (for example, a sole trader) in determining whether the figure arrived at after applying Step 2 is disproportionate.

   333
4. (4)

   The lists of factors and circumstances in DEPP 6.5A to DEPP 6.5D are not exhaustive. Not all of the factors or circumstances listed will necessarily be relevant in a particular case and there may be other factors or circumstances not listed which are relevant.

5. (5)

   The FCA3 may decide to impose a financial penalty on a mutual (such as a building society), even though this may have a direct impact on that mutual’s customers. This reflects the fact that a significant proportion of a mutual’s customers are shareholder-members; to that extent, their position involves an assumption of risk that is not assumed by customers of a firm that is not a mutual. Whether a firm is a mutual will not, by itself, increase or decrease the level of a financial penalty.

   3
6. (6)

   Part III (Penalties and Fees) of Schedule 1ZA3 to the Act specifically provides that the FCA3may not, in determining its policy with respect to the amount of penalties, take account of expenses which it incurs, or expects to incur, in discharging its functions.

   3

1. (1)

   1The FCA2will seek to deprive a firm of the financial benefit derived directly from the breach (which may include the profit made or loss avoided) where it is practicable to quantify this. The FCA2 will ordinarily also charge interest on the benefit.

   22
2. (2)

   Where the success of a firm’s entire business model is dependent on breachingFCArules2 or other requirements of the regulatory system and the breach is at the core of the firm’s regulated activities, the FCA2 will seek to deprive the firm of all the financial benefit derived from such activities. Where a firm agrees to carry out a redress programme to compensate those who have suffered loss as a result of the breach, or where the FCA2 decides to impose a redress programme, the FCA2 will take this into consideration. In such cases the final penalty might not include a disgorgement element, or the disgorgement element might be reduced.

   2222

[Note: For the purposes of DEPP 6.5A, “firm” has the special meaning given to it in DEPP 6.5.1 G]

1. (1)

   The FCA2 will determine a figure that reflects the seriousness of the breach. In many cases, the amount of revenue generated by a firm from a particular product line or business area is indicative of the harm or potential harm that its breach may cause, and in such cases the FCA2 will determine a figure which will be based on a percentage of the firm’s revenue from the relevant products or business areas. The FCA2 also believes that the amount of revenue generated by a firm from a particular product or business area is relevant in terms of the size of the financial penalty necessary to act as a credible deterrent. However, the FCA2 recognises that there may be cases where revenue is not an appropriate indicator of the harm or potential harm that a firm’s breach may cause, and in those cases the FCA2 will use an appropriate alternative.

   22222
2. (2)

   In those cases where the FCA2 considers that revenue is an appropriate indicator of the harm or potential harm that a firm’s breach may cause, the FCA2 will determine a figure which will be based on a percentage of the firm’s “relevant revenue”. “Relevant revenue” will be the revenue derived by the firm during the period of the breach from the products or business areas to which the breach relates. Where the breach lasted less than 12 months, or was a one-off event, the relevant revenue will be that derived by the firm in the 12 months preceding the end of the breach. Where the firm was in existence for less than 12 months, its relevant revenue will be calculated on a pro rata basis to the equivalent of 12 months’ relevant revenue.

   22
3. (3)

   Having determined the relevant revenue, the FCA2 will then decide on the percentage of that revenue which will form the basis of the penalty. In making this determination the FCA2 will consider the seriousness of the breach and choose a percentage between 0% and 20%. This range is divided into five fixed levels which represent, on a sliding scale, the seriousness of the breach. The more serious the breach, the higher the level. For penalties imposed on firms there are the following five levels:

   22
   1. (a)

      level 1 - 0%;

   2. (b)

      level 2 - 5%;

   3. (c)

      level 3 - 10%;

   4. (d)

      level 4 - 15%; and

   5. (e)

      level 5 - 20%.

4. (4)

   TheFCA2 will assess the seriousness of a breach to determine which level is most appropriate to the case.

   2
5. (5)

   In deciding which level is most appropriate to a case involving a firm, the FCA2 will take into account various factors, which will usually fall into the following four categories:

   2
   1. (a)

      factors relating to the impact of the breach;

   2. (b)

      factors relating to the nature of the breach;

   3. (c)

      factors tending to show whether the breach was deliberate; and

   4. (d)

      factors tending to show whether the breach was reckless.

6. (6)

   Factors relating to the impact of a breach committed by a firm include:

   1. (a)

      the level of benefit gained or loss avoided, or intended to be gained or avoided, by the firm from the breach, either directly or indirectly;

   2. (b)

      the loss or risk of loss, as a whole, caused to consumers, investors or other market users in general;

   3. (c)

      the loss or risk of loss caused to individual consumers, investors or other market users;

   4. (d)

      whether the breach had an effect on particularly vulnerable people, whether intentionally or otherwise;

   5. (e)

      the inconvenience or distress caused to consumers; and

   6. (f)

      whether the breach had an adverse effect on markets and, if so, how serious that effect was. This may include having regard to whether the orderliness of, or confidence in, the markets in question has been damaged or put at risk.

7. (7)

   Factors relating to the nature of a breach by a firm include:

   1. (a)

      the nature of the rules, requirements or provisions breached;

   2. (b)

      the frequency of the breach;

   3. (c)

      whether the breach revealed serious or systemic weaknesses in the firm’s procedures or in the management systems or internal controls relating to all or part of the firm’s business;

   4. (d)

      whether the firm’s senior management were aware of the breach;

   5. (e)

      the nature and extent of any financial crime facilitated, occasioned or otherwise attributable to the breach;

   6. (f)

      the scope for any potential financial crime to be facilitated, occasioned or otherwise occur as a result of the breach;

   7. (g)

      whether the firm failed to conduct its business with integrity;

   8. (h)

      whether the firm, in committing the breach, took any steps to comply with FSArules, and the adequacy of those steps; and

   9. (i)

      in the context of contraventions of Part VI of the Act, the extent to which the behaviour which constitutes the contravention departs from current market practice.

8. (8)

   Factors tending to show the breach was deliberate include:

   1. (a)

      the breach was intentional, in that the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, intended or foresaw that the likely or actual consequences of their actions or inaction would result in a breach;

   2. (b)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, knew that their actions were not in accordance with the firm’s internal procedures;

   3. (c)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, sought to conceal their misconduct;

   4. (d)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, committed the breach in such a way as to avoid or reduce the risk that the breach would be discovered;

   5. (e)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, were influenced to commit the breach by the belief that it would be difficult to detect;

   6. (f)

      the breach was repeated; and

   7. (g)

      in the context of a contravention of any rule or requirement imposed by or under Part VI of the Act, the firm obtained reasonable professional advice before the contravention occurred and failed to follow that advice. Obtaining professional advice does not remove a person’s responsibility for compliance with applicable rules and requirements.

9. (9)

   Factors tending to show the breach was reckless include:

   1. (a)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, appreciated there was a risk that their actions or inaction could result in a breach and failed adequately to mitigate that risk; and

   2. (b)

      the firm’s senior management, or a responsible individual, were aware there was a risk that their actions or inaction could result in a breach but failed to check if they were acting in accordance with the firm’s internal procedures.

10. (10)

    Additional factors to which the FCA2 will have regard when determining the appropriate level of financial penalty to be imposed under regulation 34 of the RCB Regulations are set out in RCB 4.2.5 G.

    2
11. (11)

    In following this approach factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 4 factors’ or ‘level 5 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       the breach caused a significant loss or risk of loss to individual consumers, investors or other market users;

    2. (b)

       the breach revealed serious or systemic weaknesses in the firm’s procedures or in the management systems or internal controls relating to all or part of the firm’s business;

    3. (c)

       financial crime was facilitated, occasioned or otherwise attributable to the breach;

    4. (d)

       the breach created a significant risk that financial crime would be facilitated, occasioned or otherwise occur;

    5. (e)

       the firm failed to conduct its business with integrity; and

    6. (f)

       the breach was committed deliberately or recklessly.

12. (12)

    Factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 1 factors’, ‘level 2 factors’ or ‘level 3 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       little, or no, profits were made or losses avoided as a result of the breach, either directly or indirectly;

    2. (b)

       there was no or little loss or risk of loss to consumers, investors or other market users individually and in general;

    3. (c)

       there was no, or limited, actual or potential effect on the orderliness of, or confidence in, markets as a result of the breach;

    4. (d)

       there is no evidence that the breach indicates a widespread problem or weakness at the firm; and

    5. (e)

       the breach was committed negligently or inadvertently.

13. (13)

    In those cases where revenue is not an appropriate indicator of the harm or potential harm that a firm’s breach may cause, the FCA2 will adopt a similar approach, and so will determine the appropriate Step 2 amount for a particular breach by taking into account relevant factors, including those listed above. In these cases the FCA2 may not use the percentage levels that are applied in those cases in which revenue is an appropriate indicator of the harm or potential harm that a firm’s breach may cause.

    22

1. (1)

   The FCA2 may increase or decrease the amount of the financial penalty arrived at after Step 2, but not including any amount to be disgorged as set out in Step 1, to take into account factors which aggravate or mitigate the breach. Any such adjustments will be made by way of a percentage adjustment to the figure determined at Step 2.

   2
2. (2)

   The following list of factors may have the effect of aggravating or mitigating the breach:

   1. (a)

      the conduct of the firm in bringing (or failing to bring) quickly, effectively and completely the breach to the FCA's2 attention (or the attention of other regulatory authorities, where relevant);

      2
   2. (b)

      the degree of cooperation the firm showed during the investigation of the breach by the FCA2, or any other regulatory authority allowed to share information with the FCA2;

      22
   3. (c)

      where the firm’s senior management were aware of the breach or of the potential for a breach, whether they took any steps to stop the breach, and when these steps were taken;

   4. (d)

      any remedial steps taken since the breach was identified, including whether these were taken on the firm’s own initiative or that of the FCA2 or another regulatory authority; for example, identifying whether consumers or investors or other market users suffered loss and compensating them where they have; correcting any misleading statement or impression; taking disciplinary action against staff involved (if appropriate); and taking steps to ensure that similar problems cannot arise in the future. The size and resources of the firm may be relevant to assessing the reasonableness of the steps taken;

      2
   5. (e)

      whether the firm has arranged its resources in such a way as to allow or avoid disgorgement and/or payment of a financial penalty;

   6. (f)

      whether the firm had previously been told about the FCA's2 concerns in relation to the issue, either by means of a private warning or in supervisory correspondence;

      2
   7. (g)

      whether the firm had previously undertaken not to perform a particular act or engage in particular behaviour;

   8. (h)

      whether the firm concerned has complied with any requirements or rulings of another regulatory authority relating to the breach;

   9. (i)

      the previous disciplinary record and general compliance history of the firm;

   10. (j)

       action taken against the firm by other domestic or international regulatory authorities that is relevant to the breach in question;

   11. (k)

       whether FCA2guidance or other published materials had already raised relevant concerns, and the nature and accessibility of such materials; and

       2
   12. (l)

       whether the FCA2 publicly called for an improvement in standards in relation to the behaviour constituting the breach or similar behaviour before or during the occurrence of the breach.

       2

1. (1)

   If the FCA2 considers the figure arrived at after Step 3 is insufficient to deter the firm who committed the breach, or others, from committing further or similar breaches then the FCA2 may increase the penalty. Circumstances where the FCA2 may do this include:

   222
   1. (a)

      where the FCA2 considers the absolute value of the penalty too small in relation to the breach to meet its objective of credible deterrence;

      2
   2. (b)

      where previous FCA2 action in respect of similar breaches has failed to improve industry standards. This may include similar breaches relating to different products (for example, action for mis-selling or claims handling failures in respect of ‘x’ product may be relevant to a case for mis-selling or claims handling failures in respect of ‘y’ product);

      2
   3. (c)

      where the FCA2 considers it is likely that similar breaches will be committed by the firm or by other firms in the future in the absence of such an increase to the penalty; and

      2
   4. (d)

      where the FCA2 considers that the likelihood of the detection of such a breach is low.

      2

The FCA2 and the firm on whom a penalty is to be imposed may seek to agree the amount of any financial penalty and other terms. In recognition of the benefits of such agreements, DEPP 6.7 provides that the amount of the financial penalty which might otherwise have been payable will be reduced to reflect the stage at which the FCA2 and the firm concerned reached an agreement. The settlement discount does not apply to the disgorgement of any benefit calculated at Step 1.

2The FCA3 will seek to deprive an individual of the financial benefit derived directly from the breach (which may include the profit made or loss avoided) where it is practicable to quantify this. The FCA3 will ordinarily also charge interest on the benefit. Where the success of a firm’s entire business model is dependent on breaching FCA3rules or other requirements of the regulatory system and the individual’s breach is at the core of the firm’s regulated activities, the FCA3 will seek to deprive the individual of all the financial benefit he has derived from such activities.

[Note: For the purposes of DEPP 6.5B, “firm” has the special meaning given to it in DEPP 6.5.1 G.]

1. (1)

   The FCA3 will determine a figure which will be based on a percentage of an individual’s “relevant income”. “Relevant income” will be the gross amount of all benefits received by the individual from the employment in connection with which the breach occurred (the “relevant employment”), and for the period of the breach. In determining an individual’s relevant income, “benefits” includes, but is not limited to, salary, bonus, pension contributions, share options and share schemes; and “employment” includes, but is not limited to, employment as an adviser, director, partner or contractor.

   3
2. (2)

   Where the breach lasted less than 12 months, or was a one-off event, the relevant income will be that earned by the individual in the 12 months preceding the end of the breach. Where the individual was in the relevant employment for less than 12 months, his relevant income will be calculated on a pro rata basis to the equivalent of 12 months’ relevant income.

3. (3)

   This approach reflects the FCA's3 view that an individual receives remuneration commensurate with his responsibilities, and so it is reasonable to base the amount of penalty for failure to discharge his duties properly on his remuneration. The FCA3 also believes that the extent of the financial benefit earned by an individual is relevant in terms of the size of the financial penalty necessary to act as a credible deterrent. The FCA3recognises that in some cases an individual may be approved for only a small part of the work he carries out on a day-to-day basis. However, in these circumstances the FCA3 still considers it appropriate to base the relevant income figure on all of the benefit that an individual gains from the relevant employment, even if their5 employment is not totally related to a controlled function5.

   3333
4. (4)

   Having determined the relevant income the FCA3 will then decide on the percentage of that income which will form the basis of the penalty. In making this determination the FCA3will consider the seriousness of the breach and choose a percentage between 0% and 40%.

   33
5. (5)

   This range is divided into five fixed levels which reflect, on a sliding scale, the seriousness of the breach. The more serious the breach, the higher the level. For penalties imposed on individuals there are the following five levels:

   1. (a)

      level 1 - 0%;

   2. (b)

      level 2 - 10%;

   3. (c)

      level 3 - 20%;

   4. (d)

      level 4 - 30%; and

   5. (e)

      level 5 - 40%.

6. (6)

   The FCA3 will assess the seriousness of a breach to determine which level is most appropriate to the case.

   3
7. (7)

   In deciding which level is most appropriate to a case against an individual, the FCA3 will take into account various factors which will usually fall into the following four categories:

   3
   1. (a)

      factors relating to the impact of the breach;

   2. (b)

      factors relating to the nature of the breach;

   3. (c)

      factors tending to show whether the breach was deliberate; and

   4. (d)

      factors tending to show whether the breach was reckless.

8. (8)

   Factors relating to the impact of a breach committed by an individual include:

   1. (a)

      the level of benefit gained or loss avoided, or intended to be gained or avoided, by the individual from the breach, either directly or indirectly;

   2. (b)

      the loss or risk of loss, as a whole, caused to consumers, investors or other market users in general;

   3. (c)

      the loss or risk of loss caused to individual consumers, investors or other market users;

   4. (d)

      whether the breach had an effect on particularly vulnerable people, whether intentionally or otherwise;

   5. (e)

      the inconvenience or distress caused to consumers; and

   6. (f)

      whether the breach had an adverse effect on markets and, if so, how serious that effect was. This may include having regard to whether the orderliness of, or confidence in, the markets in question has been damaged or put at risk.

9. (9)

   Factors relating to the nature of a breach by an individual include:

   1. (a)

      the nature of the rules, requirements or provisions breached;

   2. (b)

      the frequency of the breach;

   3. (c)

      the nature and extent of any financial crime facilitated, occasioned or otherwise attributable to the breach;

   4. (d)

      the scope for any potential financial crime to be facilitated, occasioned or otherwise occur as a result of the breach;

   5. (e)

      whether the individual failed to act with integrity;

   6. (f)

      whether the individual abused a position of trust;

   7. (g)

      whether the individual committed a breach of any professional code of conduct;

   8. (h)

      whether the individual caused or encouraged other individuals to commit breaches;

   9. (i)

      whether the individual held a prominent position within the industry;

   10. (j)

       whether the individual is an experienced industry professional;

   11. (k)

       whether the individual held a senior position with the firm;

   12. (l)

       the extent of the responsibility of the individual for the product or business areas affected by the breach, and for the particular matter that was the subject of the breach;

   13. (m)

       whether the individual acted under duress;

   14. (n)

       whether the individual took any steps to comply with FCA3rules, and the adequacy of those steps;

       31
   15. (o)

       in the context of contraventions of Part VI of the Act, the extent to which the behaviour which constitutes the contravention departs from current market practice;1

   16. (p)

       1in relation to a contravention of section 63A of the Act, whether the individual’s only misconduct was to perform a controlled function without approval;

   17. (q)

       1in relation to a contravention of section 63A of the Act, whether the individual performed controlled functions without approval and, while doing so, committed misconduct in respect of which, if the individual had been an approved person, the FCA3 would have been empowered to take action pursuant to section 66 of the Act; and

       3
   18. (r)

       1in relation to a contravention of section 63A of the Act, the extent to which the individual could reasonably be expected to have known that they were4 performing a controlled function without approval. The circumstances in which the FCA3 would expect to be satisfied that a person could reasonably be expected to have known that they were4 performing a controlled function without approval include:

       3
       1. (i)

          the person had previously performed a similar role at the same or another firm for which he had been approved;

       2. (ii)

          the person'sfirm or another firm had previously applied for approval for the person to perform the same or a similar controlled function;

       3. (iii)

          the person's seniority or experience was such that he could reasonably be expected to have known that he was performing a controlled function without approval; and

       4. (iv)

          the person's firm had clearly apportioned responsibilities so the person's role, and the responsibilities associated with it, were clear.

       5. (v)

          the person’s approval was subject to a condition or was granted for a limited period, and they failed to act in accordance with that condition or time limitation.4

10. (10)

    Factors tending to show the breach was deliberate include:

    1. (a)

       the breach was intentional, in that the individual intended or foresaw that the likely or actual consequences of his actions or inaction would result in a breach;

    2. (b)

       the individual intended to benefit financially from the breach, either directly or indirectly;

    3. (c)

       the individual knew that his actions were not in accordance with his firm’s internal procedures;

    4. (d)

       the individual sought to conceal his misconduct;

    5. (e)

       the individual committed the breach in such a way as to avoid or reduce the risk that the breach would be discovered;

    6. (f)

       the individual was influenced to commit the breach by the belief that it would be difficult to detect;

    7. (g)

       the individual knowingly took decisions relating to the breach beyond his field of competence; and

    8. (h)

       the individual’s actions were repeated.

11. (11)

    Factors tending to show the breach was reckless include:

    1. (a)

       the individual appreciated there was a risk that his actions or inaction could result in a breach and failed adequately to mitigate that risk; and

    2. (b)

       the individual was aware there was a risk that his actions or inaction could result in a breach but failed to check if he was acting in accordance with internal procedures.

12. (12)

    In following this approach factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 4 factors’ or ‘level 5 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       the breach caused a significant loss or risk of loss to individual consumers, investors or other market users;

    2. (b)

       financial crime was facilitated, occasioned or otherwise attributable to the breach;

    3. (c)

       the breach created a significant risk that financial crime would be facilitated, occasioned or otherwise occur;

    4. (d)

       the individual failed to act with integrity;

    5. (e)

       the individual abused a position of trust;

    6. (f)

       the individual held a prominent position within the industry; and

    7. (g)

       the breach was committed deliberately or recklessly.

13. (13)

    Factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 1 factors’, ‘level 2 factors’ or ‘level 3 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       little, or no, profits were made or losses avoided as a result of the breach, either directly or indirectly;

    2. (b)

       there was no or little loss or risk of loss to consumers, investors or other market users individually and in general;

    3. (c)

       there was no, or limited, actual or potential effect on the orderliness of, or confidence in, markets as a result of the breach;

       1
    4. (d)

       the breach was committed negligently or inadvertently; and1

    5. (e)

       1in relation to a contravention of section 63A of the Act, the individual’s only misconduct was to perform a controlled function without approval.

1. (1)

   The FCA3 may increase or decrease the amount of the financial penalty arrived at after Step 2, but not including any amount to be disgorged as set out in Step 1, to take into account factors which aggravate or mitigate the breach. Any such adjustments will be made by way of a percentage adjustment to the figure determined at Step 2.

   3
2. (2)

   The following list of factors may have the effect of aggravating or mitigating the breach:

   1. (a)

      the conduct of the individual in bringing (or failing to bring) quickly, effectively and completely the breach to the FCA's3 attention (or the attention of other regulatory authorities, where relevant);

      3
   2. (b)

      the degree of cooperation the individual showed during the investigation of the breach by the FCA3, or any other regulatory authority allowed to share information with the FCA3;

      33
   3. (c)

      whether the individual took any steps to stop the breach, and when these steps were taken;

   4. (d)

      any remedial steps taken since the breach was identified, including whether these were taken on the individual’s own initiative or that of the FCA3 or another regulatory authority;

      3
   5. (e)

      whether the individual has arranged his resources in such a way as to allow or avoid disgorgement and/or payment of a financial penalty;

   6. (f)

      whether the individual had previously been told about the FCA's3concerns in relation to the issue, either by means of a private warning or in supervisory correspondence;

      3
   7. (g)

      whether the individual had previously undertaken not to perform a particular act or engage in particular behaviour;

   8. (h)

      whether the individual has complied with any requirements or rulings of another regulatory authority relating to the breach;

   9. (i)

      the previous disciplinary record and general compliance history of the individual;

   10. (j)

       action taken against the individual by other domestic or international regulatory authorities that is relevant to the breach in question;

   11. (k)

       whether FCA3guidance or other published materials had already raised relevant concerns, and the nature and accessibility of such materials;

       3
   12. (l)

       whether the FCA3 publicly called for an improvement in standards in relation to the behaviour constituting the breach or similar behaviour before or during the occurrence of the breach;

       31
   13. (m)

       whether the individual agreed to undertake training subsequent to the breach; and1

   14. (n)

       1in relation to a contravention of section 63A of the Act, whether the person's firm3 or another firm3 has previously withdrawn an application for the person to perform the same or a similar controlled function or has had such an application rejected by the FCA3.

       333

1. (1)

   If the FCA3 considers the figure arrived at after Step 3 is insufficient to deter the individual who committed the breach, or others, from committing further or similar breaches then the FCA3 may increase the penalty. Circumstances where the FCA3 may do this include:

   333
   1. (a)

      where the FCA3 considers the absolute value of the penalty too small in relation to the breach to meet its objective of credible deterrence;

      3
   2. (b)

      where previous FCA3 action in respect of similar breaches has failed to improve industry standards. This may include similar breaches relating to different products (for example, action for mis-selling or claims handling failures in respect of ‘x’ product may be relevant to a case for mis-selling or claims handling failures in respect of ‘y’ product);

      3
   3. (c)

      where the FCA3 considers it is likely that similar breaches will be committed by the individual or by other individuals in the future;

      3
   4. (d)

      where the FCA3 considers that the likelihood of the detection of such a breach is low; and

      3
   5. (e)

      where a penalty based on an individual’s income may not act as a deterrent, for example, if an individual has a small or zero income but owns assets of high value.

The FCA3 and the individual on whom a penalty is to be imposed may seek to agree the amount of any financial penalty and other terms. In recognition of the benefits of such agreements, DEPP 6.7 provides that the amount of the financial penalty which might otherwise have been payable will be reduced to reflect the stage at which the FCA3 and the individual concerned reached an agreement. The settlement discount does not apply to the disgorgement of any benefit calculated at Step 1.

1The FCA3 will seek to deprive an individual of the financial benefit derived as a direct result of the market abuse (which may include the profit made or loss avoided) where it is practicable to quantify this. The FCA3 will ordinarily also charge interest on the benefit.

1. (1)

   The FCA3 will determine a figure dependent on the seriousness of the market abuse and whether or not it was referable to the individual’s employment. This reflects the FCA's3 view that where an individual has been put into a position where he can commit market abuse because of his employment the fine imposed should reflect this by reference to the gross amount of all benefits derived from that employment.

   33
2. (2)

   In cases where the market abuse was referable to the individual’s employment, the figure for the purpose of Step 2 will be the greater of:

   1. (a)

      a figure based on a percentage of the individual’s “relevant income”. The percentage of relevant income which will apply is explained in paragraphs (6) and (8) to (16) below;

   2. (b)

      a multiple of the profit made or loss avoided by the individual for his own benefit, or for the benefit of other individuals where the individual has been instrumental in achieving that benefit, as a direct result of the market abuse (the “profit multiple”). The profit multiple which will apply is explained in paragraphs (6) and (8) to (16) below; and

   3. (c)

      for market abuse cases which the FCA3 assesses to be seriousness level 4 or 5, £100,000. How the FCA3 will assess the seriousness level of the market abuse is explained in paragraphs (9) to (16) below. The FCA3 usually expects to assess market abuse committed deliberately as seriousness level 4 or 5.

      333
3. (3)

   In cases where the market abuse was not referable to the individual’s employment, the figure for the purpose of Step 2 will be the greater of:

   1. (a)

      a multiple of the profit made or loss avoided by the individual for his own benefit, or for the benefit of other individuals where the individual has been instrumental in achieving that benefit, as a direct result of the market abuse (the “profit multiple”). The profit multiple which will apply is explained in paragraphs (7) to (16) below; and

   2. (b)

      for market abuse cases which the FCA3 assesses to be seriousness level 4 or 5, £100,000. How the FCA3 will assess the seriousness level of the market abuse is explained in paragraphs (9) to (16) below. The FCA3 usually expects to assess market abuse committed deliberately as seriousness level 4 or 5.

      333
4. (4)

   An individual’s “relevant income” will be the gross amount of all benefits received by the individual from the employment in connection with which the market abuse occurred (the “relevant employment”) for the period of the market abuse. In determining an individual’s relevant income, “benefits” includes, but is not limited to, salary, bonus, pension contributions, share options and share schemes; and “employment” includes, but is not limited to, employment as an adviser, director, partner or contractor.

5. (5)

   Where the market abuse lasted less than 12 months, or was a one-off event, the relevant income will be that earned by the individual in the 12 months preceding the final market abuse. Where the individual was in the relevant employment for less than 12 months, his relevant income will be calculated on a pro rata basis to the equivalent of 12 months’ relevant income.

6. (6)

   In cases where the market abuse was referable to the individual’s employment:

   1. (a)

      the FCA3 will determine the percentage of relevant income which will apply by considering the seriousness of the market abuse and choosing a percentage between 0% and 40%; and

      3
   2. (b)

      the FCA3 will determine the profit multiple which will apply by considering the seriousness of the market abuse and choosing a multiple between 0 and 4.

      3
7. (7)

   In cases where the market abuse was not referable to the individual’s employment the FCA3 will determine the profit multiple which will apply by considering the seriousness of the market abuse and choosing a multiple between 0 and 4.

   3
8. (8)

   The percentage range (where the market abuse was referable to the individual’s employment) and profit multiple range (in all cases) are divided into five fixed levels which reflect, on a sliding scale, the seriousness of the market abuse. The more serious the market abuse, the higher the level. For penalties imposed on individuals for market abuse there are the following five levels (the percentage figures only apply where the market abuse was referable to the individual’s employment):

   1. (a)

      level 1 - 0%, profit multiple of 0;

   2. (b)

      level 2 - 10%, profit multiple of 1;

   3. (c)

      level 3 - 20%, profit multiple of 2;

   4. (d)

      level 4 - 30%, profit multiple of 3; and

   5. (e)

      level 5 - 40%, profit multiple of 4.

9. (9)

   The FCA3 will assess the seriousness of the market abuse to determine which level is most appropriate to the case.

   3
10. (10)

    In deciding which level is most appropriate to a market abuse case, the FCA3 will take into account various factors which will usually fall into the following four categories:

    3
    1. (a)

       factors relating to the impact of the market abuse;

    2. (b)

       factors relating to the nature of the market abuse;

    3. (c)

       factors tending to show whether the market abuse was deliberate; and

    4. (d)

       factors tending to show whether the market abuse was reckless.

11. (11)

    Factors relating to the impact of the market abuse include:

    1. (a)

       the level of benefit gained or loss avoided, or intended to be gained or avoided, by the individual from the market abuse, either directly or indirectly;

    2. (b)

       whether the market abuse had an adverse effect on markets and, if so, how serious that effect was. This may include having regard to whether the orderliness of, or confidence in, the markets in question has been damaged or put at risk; and

    3. (c)

       whether the market abuse had a significant impact on the price of shares or other investments.

12. (12)

    Factors relating to the nature of the market abuse include:

    1. (a)

       the frequency of the market abuse;

    2. (b)

       whether the individual abused a position of trust;

    3. (c)

       whether the individual caused or encouraged other individuals to commit market abuse;

    4. (d)

       whether the individual has a prominent position in the market;

    5. (e)

       whether the individual is an experienced industry professional;

    6. (f)

       whether the individual held a senior position with the firm; and

    7. (g)

       whether the individual acted under duress.

13. (13)

    Factors tending to show the market abuse was deliberate include:

    1. (a)

       the market abuse was intentional, in that the individual intended or foresaw that the likely or actual consequences of his actions would result in market abuse;

    2. (b)

       the individual intended to benefit financially from the market abuse, either directly or indirectly;

    3. (c)

       the individual knew that his actions were not in accordance with exchange rules, share dealing rules and/or the firm’s internal procedures;

    4. (d)

       the individual sought to conceal his misconduct;

    5. (e)

       the individual committed the market abuse in such a way as to avoid or reduce the risk that the market abuse would be discovered;

    6. (f)

       the individual was influenced to commit the market abuse by the belief that it would be difficult to detect;

    7. (g)

       the individual’s actions were repeated; and4

    8. (h)

       for market abuse falling within the prohibition in article 14(a) of the Market Abuse Regulation5, the individual knew or recognised that the information on which the dealing was based was inside information.4

       4
14. (14)

    Factors tending to show the market abuse was reckless include:

    1. (a)

       the individual appreciated there was a risk that his actions could result in market abuse and failed adequately to mitigate that risk; and

    2. (b)

       the individual was aware there was a risk that his actions could result in market abuse but failed to check if he was acting in accordance with internal procedures.

15. (15)

    In following this approach factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 4 factors’ or ‘level 5 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       the level of benefit gained or loss avoided, or intended to be gained or avoided, directly by the individual from the market abuse was significant;

    2. (b)

       the market abuse had a serious adverse effect on the orderliness of, or confidence in, markets;

    3. (c)

       the market abuse was committed on multiple occasions;

    4. (d)

       the individual breached a position of trust;

    5. (e)

       the individual has a prominent position in the market; and

    6. (f)

       the market abuse was committed deliberately or recklessly.

16. (16)

    In following this approach factors which are likely to be considered ‘level 1 factors’, ‘level 2 factors’ or ‘level 3 factors’ include:

    1. (a)

       little, or no, profits were made or losses avoided as a result of the market abuse, either directly or indirectly;

    2. (b)

       there was no, or limited, actual or potential effect on the orderliness of, or confidence in, markets as a result of the market abuse; and

    3. (c)

       the market abuse was committed negligently or inadvertently.

[Note: For the purposes of DEPP 6.5C, “firm” has the special meaning given to it in DEPP 6.5.1 G.]

1. (1)

   The FCA3 may increase or decrease the amount of the financial penalty arrived at after Step 2, but not including any amount to be disgorged as set out in Step 1, to take into account factors which aggravate or mitigate the market abuse. Any such adjustments will be made by way of a percentage adjustment to the figure determined at Step 2.

   3
2. (2)

   The following list of factors may have the effect of aggravating or mitigating the market abuse:

   1. (a)

      the conduct of the individual in bringing (or failing to bring) quickly, effectively and completely the market abuse to the FCA's3 attention (or the attention of other regulatory authorities, where relevant);

      3
   2. (b)

      the degree of cooperation the individual showed during the investigation of the market abuse by the FCA3, or any other regulatory authority allowed to share information with the FCA3;

      33
   3. (c)

      whether the individual assists the FCA3 in action taken against other individuals for market abuse and/or in criminal proceedings;

      3
   4. (d)

      whether the individual has arranged his resources in such a way as to allow or avoid disgorgement and/or payment of a financial penalty;

   5. (e)

      whether the individual had previously been told about the FCA's3 concerns in relation to the issue, either by means of a private warning or in supervisory correspondence;

      3
   6. (f)

      the previous disciplinary record and general compliance history of the individual;

   7. (g)

      action taken against the individual by other domestic or international regulatory authorities that is relevant to the market abuse in question;

   8. (h)

      whether FCA3guidance or other published materials had already raised relevant concerns, and the nature and accessibility of such materials; and

      3
   9. (i)

      whether the individual agreed to undertake training subsequent to the market abuse.

1. (1)

   If the FCA3 considers the figure arrived at after Step 3 is insufficient to deter the individual who committed the market abuse, or others, from committing further or similar abuse then the FCA3 may increase the penalty. Circumstances where the FCA3 may do this include:

   333
   1. (a)

      where the FCA3 considers the absolute value of the penalty too small in relation to the market abuse to meet its objective of credible deterrence;

      3
   2. (b)

      where previous FCA3 action in respect of similar market abuse has failed to improve industry standards; and

      3
   3. (c)

      where the penalty may not act as a deterrent in light of the size of the individual’s income or net assets.

The FCA3 and the individual on whom a penalty is to be imposed may seek to agree the amount of any financial penalty and other terms. In recognition of the benefits of such agreements, DEPP 6.7 provides that the amount of the financial penalty which might otherwise have been payable will be reduced to reflect the stage at which the FCA3 and the individual concerned reached an agreement. The settlement discount does not apply to the disgorgement of any benefit calculated at Step 1.

1. (1)

   1The FCA's3 approach to determining penalties described in DEPP 6.5 to DEPP 6.5C is intended to ensure that financial penalties are proportionate to the breach. The FCA3 recognises that penalties may affect persons differently, and that the FCA3 should consider whether a reduction in the proposed penalty is appropriate if the penalty would cause the subject of enforcement action serious financial hardship.

   333
2. (2)

   Where an individual or firm claims that payment of the penalty proposed by the FCA3 will cause them serious financial hardship, the FCA3 will consider whether to reduce the proposed penalty only if:

   33
   1. (a)

      the individual or firm provides verifiable evidence that payment of the penalty will cause them serious financial hardship; and

   2. (b)

      the individual or firm provides full, frank and timely disclosure of the verifiable evidence, and cooperates fully in answering any questions asked by the FCA3 about their financial position.

      3
3. (3)

   The onus is on the individual or firm to satisfy the FCA3 that payment of the penalty will cause them serious financial hardship.

   3

[Note: For the purposes of DEPP 6.5D, “firm” has the special meaning given to it in DEPP 6.5.1 G.]

1. (1)

   In assessing whether a penalty would cause an individual serious financial hardship, the FCA3 will consider the individual’s ability to pay the penalty over a reasonable period (normally no greater than three years). The FCA's3 starting point is that an individual will suffer serious financial hardship only if during that period his net annual income will fall below £14,000 and his capital will fall below £16,000 as a result of payment of the penalty. Unless the FCA3 believes that both the individual’s income and capital will fall below these respective thresholds as a result of payment of the penalty, the FCA3 is unlikely to be satisfied that the penalty will result in serious financial hardship.

   3333
2. (2)

   The FCA3 will consider all relevant circumstances in determining whether the income and capital threshold levels should be increased in a particular case.

   3
3. (3)

   The FCA3 will consider agreeing to payment of the penalty by instalments where the individual requires time to realise his assets, for example by waiting for payment of a salary or by selling property.

   3
4. (4)

   For the purposes of considering whether an individual will suffer serious financial hardship, the FCA3 will consider as capital anything that could provide the individual with a source of income, including savings, property (including personal possessions), investments and land. The FCA3 will normally consider as capital the equity that an individual has in the home in which he lives, but will consider any representations by the individual about this; for example, as to the exceptionally severe impact a sale of the property might have upon other occupants of the property or the impracticability of re-mortgaging or selling the property within a reasonable period.

   33
5. (5)

   The FCA3 may also consider the extent to which the individual has access to other means of financial support in determining whether he is able to pay the penalty without being caused serious financial hardship.

   3
6. (6)

   Where a penalty is reduced it will be reduced to an amount which the individual can pay without going below the threshold levels that apply in that case. If an individual has no income, any reduction in the penalty will be to an amount that the individual can pay without going below the capital threshold.

7. (7)

   There may be cases where, even though the individual has satisfied the FCA3 that payment of the financial penalty would cause him serious financial hardship, the FCA3considers the breach to be so serious that it is not appropriate to reduce the penalty. The FCA3 will consider all the circumstances of the case in determining whether this course of action is appropriate, including whether:

   333
   1. (a)

      the individual directly derived a financial benefit from the breach and, if so, the extent of that financial benefit;

   2. (b)

      the individual acted fraudulently or dishonestly with a view to personal gain;

   3. (c)

      previous FCA3 action in respect of similar breaches has failed to improve industry standards; or

      3
   4. (d)

      the individual has spent money or dissipated assets in anticipation of FCA3 or other enforcement action with a view to frustrating or limiting the impact of action taken by the FCA3 or other authorities.

      33

In cases against individuals, including market abuse cases, the FCA3 may make a prohibition order under section 56 of the Act or withdraw an individual’s approval under section 63 of the Act, as well as impose a financial penalty. Such action by the FCA3 reflects the FCA's3 assessment of the individual’s fitness to perform regulated activity or suitability for a particular role, and does not affect the FCA's3 assessment of the appropriate financial penalty in relation to a breach. However, the fact that the FCA3 has made a prohibition order against an individual or withdrawn his approval, as a result of which the individual may have less earning potential, may be relevant in assessing whether the penalty will cause the individual serious financial hardship.

1. (1)

   The FCA3 will consider reducing the amount of a penalty if a firm will suffer serious financial hardship as a result of having to pay the entire penalty. In deciding whether it is appropriate to reduce the penalty, the FCA3 will take into consideration the firm’s financial circumstances, including whether the penalty would render the firm insolvent or threaten the firm’s solvency. The FCA3 will also take into account its statutory objectives3, for example in situations where consumers would be harmed or market confidence would suffer, the FCA3 may consider it appropriate to reduce a penalty in order to allow a firm to continue in business and/or pay redress.

   33333
2. (2)

   There may be cases where, even though the firm has satisfied the FCA3 that payment of the financial penalty would cause it serious financial hardship, the FCA3 considers the breach to be so serious that it is not appropriate to reduce the penalty. The FCA3 will consider all the circumstances of the case in determining whether this course of action is appropriate, including whether:

   333
   1. (a)

      the firm directly derived a financial benefit from the breach and, if so, the extent of that financial benefit;

   2. (b)

      the firm acted fraudulently or dishonestly in order to benefit financially;

   3. (c)

      previous FCA3 action in respect of similar breaches has failed to improve industry standards; or

      3
   4. (d)

      the firm has spent money or dissipated assets in anticipation of FCA3 or other enforcement action with a view to frustrating or limiting the impact of action taken by the FCA3 or other authorities.

      33

2The FCA3 may withdraw a firm’s authorisation under section 33 of the Act, as well as impose a financial penalty. Such action by the FCA3 does not affect the FCA's3 assessment of the appropriate financial penalty in relation to a breach. However, the fact that the FCA3 has withdrawn a firm’s authorisation, as a result of which the firm may have less earning potential, may be relevant in assessing whether the penalty will cause the firm serious financial hardship.

Where the FCA3 considers that, following commencement of an FCA3 investigation, an individual or firm has reduced their solvency in order to reduce the amount of any disgorgement or financial penalty payable, for example by transferring assets to third parties, the FCA3 will normally take account of those assets when determining whether the individual or firm would suffer serious financial hardship as a result of the disgorgement and financial penalty.

1. (1)

   The FCA2 attaches considerable importance to the timely submission by firms of reports. This is because the information that they contain is essential to the FCA's2 assessment of whether a firm is complying with the requirements and standards of the regulatory system and to the FCA2 understanding of that firm's business.

   222
2. (2)

   DEPP 6.6.1 G to DEPP 6.6.5 G set out the FCA's2 policy in relation to financial penalties for late submission of reports and is in addition to the FCA's2 policy relating to financial penalties as set out in DEPP 6.5 to DEPP 6.5D.1

   221

In addition to the factors considered in Step 2 for cases against firms (DEPP 6.5A) and cases against individuals (DEPP 6.5B),1 the following considerations are relevant.

1. (1)

   In general, the FCA's2 approach to disciplinary action arising from the late submission of a report will depend upon the length of time after the due date that the report in question is submitted.

   2
2. (2)

   If the person concerned is an individual, it is open to him to make representations to the FCA2 as to why he should not be the subject of a financial penalty, or why a lower penalty should be imposed. If he does so, the matters to which the FCA2 will have regard will include the matters set out in DEPP 6.5B1. It should be noted that an administrative difficulty such as pressure of work does not, in itself, constitute a relevant circumstance for this purpose.

   221
3. (3)

   The FCA2 will have regard to repeated failures to submit reports on time. In the majority of cases involving such repeated failure, the FCA2 considers that it will be appropriate to seek more serious disciplinary sanctions or other enforcement action, including seeking to apply for the cancellation of the firm's2 permission.

   222
4. (4)

   The FCA2 will also have regard to the submission frequency of the late report when assessing the seriousness of the contravention. For example, a short delay in submitting a weekly or monthly report can have serious implications for the supervision of the firm2 in question. Such a delay may therefore be subject to a higher penalty than might otherwise be the case.

   22

[Note: For the purposes of DEPP 6.6.2 G, “firm” has the special meaning given to it in DEPP 6.5.1.]1

In addition, in appropriate cases, the FCA2 may bring disciplinary action against the individuals3 within the firm's management who are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the firm's reports are completed and returned to the FCA2.

In applying the guidance in this section, the FCA2 may treat a report which is materially incomplete or inaccurate as not received until it has been submitted in a form which is materially complete and accurate. For the purposes of the guidance, the FCA2 may also treat a report as not received where the method by which it is submitted to the FCA2 does not comply with the prescribed method of submission.

In most late reporting cases, it will not be necessary for the FCA2 to appoint an investigator since the fact of the breach will be clear. It follows that the FCA2 will not usually send the firm concerned a preliminary findings letter for late-reporting disciplinary action.

Persons subject to enforcement action may be prepared to agree the amount of any financial penalty, or the length of any period of suspension, restriction, condition,5 limitation or disciplinary prohibition5 (see DEPP 6A)4, and other conditions which the FCA seeks to impose by way of such action. These4 conditions might include, for example, the amount or mechanism for the payment of compensation to consumers. The FCA recognises the benefits of such agreements, as4 they offer the potential for securing earlier redress or protection for consumers and a cost saving4 to the person concerned and to the FCA4 in contesting the financial penalty or other disciplinary action4. The penalty that might otherwise be payable, or the length of the period of suspension, restriction,5 condition4 or disciplinary prohibition5 that might be imposed, for4 a breach by the person concerned will therefore be reduced to reflect the timing of any settlement agreement.

In appropriate cases the FCA's3 approach will be to negotiate with the person concerned to agree in principle the amount of a financial penalty having regard to the FCA's3statement of policy as set out in DEPP 6.5 to DEPP 6.5D and DEPP 6.6.1 (This starting figure will take no account of the existence of the settlement discount scheme described in this section.) Such amount ("A") will then be reduced by a percentage of A according to the scheme set out in DEPP 6.7.3G to DEPP 6.7.3CG6. The resulting figure ("B") will be the amount actually payable by the person concerned in respect of the breach. However, where part of a proposed financial penalty specifically equates to the disgorgement of profit accrued or loss avoided then the percentage reduction will not apply to that part of the penalty.

6The reductions in penalty in cases involving a focused resolution agreement will be as follows.

1. (1)

   Where agreement is reached in relation to all relevant facts and all issues as to whether those facts constitute a breach (or more than one breach):

   1. (a)

      30% if the agreement is concluded during stage 1; and

   2. (b)

      0% in any other case.

2. (2)

   Where agreement is reached in relation to all relevant facts:

   1. (a)

      15 to 30% if the agreement is concluded during stage 1; and

   2. (b)

      0% in any other case.

3. (3)

   Where the agreement reached does not fall within either DEPP 6.7.3AG(1) or DEPP 6.7.3AG(2):

   1. (a)

      0 to 30% if the agreement is concluded during stage 1; and

   2. (b)

      0% in any other case.

4. (4)

   Where a focused resolution agreement is followed:

   1. (a)

      before the end of stage 1, by a complete settlement agreement, the reduction is determined under DEPP 6.7.3G and not DEPP 6.7.3AG.

   2. (b)

      after the end of stage 1, by a complete settlement agreement, the reduction is determined under DEPP 6.7.3AG and not DEPP 6.7.3G.

6The decision maker responsible for applying DEPP 6.7.3AG is:

1. (1)

   The settlement decision makers in cases in which the focused resolution agreement is followed, after stage 1 has ended, by a complete settlement agreement.

2. (2)

   The RDC in all other cases.

6Where DEPP 6.7.3AG specifies that the reduction will be within a range, the decision maker identified by DEPP 6.7.3BG will determine the appropriate figure within the range. Factors relevant to this determination may include:

1. (1)

   the extent to which the position taken by the person subject to enforcement action on the disputed issues at the time the focused resolution agreement is entered into is reflected in the terms of the decision notice.

2. (2)

   any saving of time or public resources as a result of the focused resolution agreement.

1. (1)

   Any settlement agreement6 between the FCA3 and the person concerned will therefore need to include a statement as to the appropriate penalty discount in accordance with this procedure.

   3
2. (2)

   In certain circumstances the person concerned may consider that it would have been possible to reach a settlement at an earlier stage in the action, and argue that it should be entitled to a greater percentage reduction in penalty than is suggested by the table at DEPP 6.7.3G (3). It may be, for example, that the FCA3 no longer wishes to pursue its action in respect of all of the acts or omissions previously alleged to give rise to the breach. In such cases, the person concerned might argue that it would have been prepared to agree an appropriate penalty at an earlier stage and should therefore benefit from the discount which would have been available at that time. Equally, FCA3 staff may consider that greater openness from the person concerned could have resulted in an earlier settlement.

   33
3. (3)

   Arguments of this nature risk compromising the goals of greater clarity and transparency in respect of the benefits of early settlement, and invite dispute in each case as to when an agreement might have been possible. It will not usually be appropriate therefore to argue for a greater reduction in the amount of penalty on the basis that settlement could have been achieved earlier.

4. (4)

   However, in exceptional cases the FCA3 may accept that there has been a substantial change in the nature or seriousness of the action being taken against the person concerned, and that an agreement would have been possible at an earlier stage if the action had commenced on a different footing. In such cases the FCA3 and person6 concerned may agree that the amount of the reduction in penalty should reflect the stage at which a settlement might otherwise have been possible or, where the settlement agreement is a focused resolution agreement, the decision maker identified by DEPP 6.7.3BG may take this into account when determining the appropriate figure within the applicable range.6

   33

In cases in which the settlement discount scheme is applied, the fact of settlement and the level of the discount to the financial penalty imposed by the FCA3 will be set out in the final notice.

2The settlement discount scheme which applies to the amount of a financial penalty, described in DEPP 6.7.2 G to DEPP 6.7.5 G, also applies to the length of the period of a suspension, restriction,5 condition or disciplinary prohibition (other than a permanent disciplinary prohibition)5, having regard to the FCA's3 statement of policy as set out in DEPP 6A.3. No settlement discount is available with respect to a permanent disciplinary prohibition.5 The settlement discount scheme does not apply to the length of the period for which approvals under section 59 of the Act have effect as a result of a limitation, as different considerations apply to determining the appropriate length of this period: see DEPP 6A.1.5G and DEPP 6A.3AG. However, the FCA will take into account that the approved person is willing to enter into a settlement agreement when determining the appropriate period.4