2The FCA has various powers under sections 97, 122A, 122B, 122C,1 131E, 131FA, 165 to 169 and 284 of the Act and Schedule 5 to the CRA to gather information and appoint investigators, and to require the production of a report by a skilled person. In any particular case, the FCA will decide which powers, or combination of powers, are most appropriate to use having regard to all the circumstances. Further comments on the use of these powers are set out below.

2Information may also be provided to the FCA voluntarily. For example, firms may at times commission an internal investigation or a report from an external law firm or other professional adviser and decide to pass a copy of this report to the FCA. Such reports can be very helpful for the FCA in circumstances where enforcement action is anticipated or underway. The FCA's approach to using firm-commissioned reports in an enforcement context is set out at the end of this chapter.

1The FCA may use its section 165 power to require information and documents from firms to support both its supervisory and its enforcement functions.

1An officer with authorisation from the FCA may exercise the section 165 power to require information and documents from firms. This includes an FCA employee or an agent of the FCA.

1The FCA may use its section 122A power to require information and documents from an issuer, a person discharging managerial responsibilities or a person closely associated with a person discharging managerial responsibilities to support its supervisory and its enforcement functions, including those under the Market Abuse Regulation or any directly applicable EU regulation made under the Market Abuse Regulation.

An officer with authorisation from the FCA may exercise the section 122A power to require information and documents. This includes an FCA employee or an agent of the FCA.

1The FCA may use its section 122B power to require information and documents from a person to support both its supervisory and its enforcement functions under the Market Abuse Regulation or any directly applicable EU regulation made under the Market Abuse Regulation, or under the auction regulation.

[Note: see Regulation 6 and Schedule 1 to the RAP Regulations for application of the power in relation to functions under the auction regulation]

An officer with authorisation from the FCA may exercise the section 122B power to require information and documents. This includes an FCA employee or an agent of the FCA.

1Under section 166 of the Act, the FCA has a power to require a firm and certain other persons to provide a report by a skilled person, or itself to appoint a skilled person to produce such a report. The FCA may use its section 166 power to require reports by skilled persons to support both its supervision and enforcement functions.

1The factors the FCA will consider when deciding whether to use the section 166 power include:

1. (1)

   If the FCA's objectives for making further enquiries are predominantly for the purposes of fact finding i.e. gathering historic information or evidence for determining whether enforcement action may be appropriate, the FCA's information gathering and investigation powers under sections 167 and 168 of the Act are likely to be more effective and more appropriate than the power under section 166.

2. (2)

   If the FCA's objectives include obtaining expert analysis or recommendations (or both) for, say, the purposes of seeking remedial action, it may be appropriate to use the power under section 166 instead of, or in conjunction with, the FCA's other available powers.

1Where it exercises this power, the FCA will make clear both to the firm and to the skilled person the nature of the concerns that led the FCA to decide to appoint a skilled person and the possible uses of the results of the report. But a report the FCA commissions for purely diagnostic purposes could identify issues which could lead to the appointment of an investigator and/or enforcement action.

1Under section 166A of the Act, the FCA also has a power to require a firm to appoint a skilled person to collect or update information, or itself to appoint a skilled person to do so, where it considers that the firm has failed to provide information required by the FCA or update information previously provided to the FCA.

1 Chapter 5 of the FCA's Supervision manual (Reports by skilled persons) contains rules and guidance that will apply whenever the FCA uses the section 166 and 166A powers.

1Where the FCA has decided that an investigation is appropriate (see chapter 2) and it appears to it that there are circumstances suggesting that contraventions or offences set out in section 168 may have happened, the FCA will normally appoint investigators pursuant to section 168. Where the circumstances do not suggest any specific breach or contravention covered by section 168, but, the FCA still has concerns about a firm, an appointed representative, a recognised investment exchange or an unauthorised incoming ECA provider, such that it considers there is good reason to conduct an investigation into the nature, conduct or state of the person's business or a particular aspect of that business, or into the ownership or control of an authorised person, the FCA may appoint investigators under section 167.

1In some cases involving both general and specific concerns, the FCA may consider it appropriate to appoint investigators under both section 167 and section 168 at the outset. Also, where, for example, it has appointed investigators under section 167, it may subsequently decide that it is appropriate to extend the appointment to cover matters under section 168 as well.

1If the FCA has decided to carry out an investigation where there are circumstances suggesting that contraventions set out in section 97 may have happened, it will normally appoint investigators pursuant to that section. An investigator appointed under section 97 is treated under the Act as if they were appointed under section 167(1).

1The FCA may appoint investigators under section 284 to conduct an investigation into the affairs of a collective investment scheme if it appears to it that it is in the interests of the participants or general participants to do so or that the matter is of public concern.

1The FCA's power to conduct investigations to assist overseas authorities is contained in section 169 of the Act. The section provides that at the request of an overseas regulator, the FCA may use its power under section 165 to require the production of documents or the provision of information under section 165 or to appoint a person to investigate any matter.

1If the overseas regulator is a competent authority and makes a request in pursuance of any Community obligation, section 169(3) states that the FCA must, in deciding whether or not to exercise its investigative power, consider whether the exercise of that power is necessary to comply with that obligation.

1Section 169(4) and (5) set out factors that the FCA may take into account when deciding whether to use its investigative powers. However, these provisions do not apply if the FCA considers that the use of its investigative powers is necessary to comply with a Community obligation.

1When it considers whether to use its investigative power, and whether section 169(4) applies, the FCA will first consider whether it is able to assist without using its formal powers, for example by obtaining the information voluntarily. Where that is not possible, the FCA may take into account all of the factors in section 169(4), but may give particular weight to the seriousness of the case and its importance to persons in the United Kingdom, and to the public interest.

1The FCA may use its section 131E power to require information and documents from natural or legal persons to support both its monitoring and its enforcement functions.

1An officer with authorisation from the FCA may exercise the section 131E power to require information and documents from natural or legal persons. This includes an FCA employee or an agent of the FCA.

1The FCA's power to conduct investigations to assist EEA regulators in respect of the short selling regulation is contained in section 131FA of the Act. The section provides that at the request of an EEA regulator or ESMA, the FCA may either use its power under section 131E to require the production of information, or appoint a person to investigate any matter.

1Section 131FA states that the FCA must, in deciding whether or not to exercise its investigative power, consider whether the exercise of that power is necessary to comply with an obligation under the short selling regulation.

1The FCA may use its section 122B power to require information and documents from natural or legal persons to support both its supervisory and its enforcement functions.

The FCA's power to require information to assist EEA regulators in respect of the Market Abuse Regulation or any directly applicable EU regulation made under the Market Abuse Regulation or the auction regulation is contained in section 122B(6) of the Act. The section provides that at the request of an EEA regulator, the FCA may use its power under section 122B to require the production of information.

[Note: see Regulation 6 and Schedule 1 to the RAP Regulations in relation to the auction regulation]

Section 122B(7) of the Act states that the FCA must, in deciding whether or not to exercise its power to require information, consider whether the exercise of that power is necessary to comply with the Market Abuse Regulation or any directly applicable EU regulation made under the Market Abuse Regulation or the auction regulation.

The FCA may give information under 122D(1) or 176(1) (Entry of premises under warrant) at the request of an EEA regulator where the regulator makes the request in the exercise of its functions under the Market Abuse Regulation. Section 122D(11) of the Act states that the FCA must, in deciding whether or not to exercise it powers of entry of premises under warrant, consider whether the exercise of that power is necessary for the purpose of the exercise by it of its obligations under the Market Abuse Regulation or any directly applicable EU regulation made under the Market Abuse Regulation or the auction regulation.

1Schedule 5 to the CRA gives:

1. (a)

   the FCA; and

   1. (b)

      any other person, who may be an FCA employee, specifically authorised or appointed by the FCA for this purpose;

the power to require, by notice in writing, which must contain the particulars specified by paragraph 15 of Schedule 5, the production of information to enable the FCA to ascertain whether a person has complied with or is complying with an injunction granted or an undertaking given under Schedule 3 to the CRA, as described in paragraphs 10.6.2 to 10.6.12 below; and

1. (2)

   such an appointed or authorised person the same power to enable the FCA to:

   1. (a)

      seek an injunction or undertaking under Schedule 3; or

   2. (b)

      consider whether to do so;

but only if that person reasonably suspects that an unfair term or notice within the scope of Schedule 3 is being used or proposed or recommended to be used.

1The FCA has agreed guidelines that establish a framework for liaison and cooperation in cases where certain other UK authorities have an interest in investigating or prosecuting any aspect of a matter that the FCA is considering for investigation, is investigating or is considering prosecuting. These guidelines are set out in Annex 2 to this guide.

1The FCA recognises that there are good reasons for firms wishing to carry out their own investigations. This might be for, for example, disciplinary purposes, general good management, or operational and risk control. The firm needs to know the extent of any problem, and it may want advice as to what immediate or short-term measures it needs to take to mitigate or correct any problems identified. The FCA encourages this proactive approach and does not wish to interfere with a firm’s legitimate procedures and controls.

1A firm’s report – produced internally or by an external third party – can clearly assist the firm, but may also be useful to the FCA where there is an issue of regulatory concern. Sharing the outcome of an investigation can potentially save time and resources for both parties, particularly where there is a possibility of the FCA taking enforcement action in relation to a firm’s perceived misconduct or failing. This does not mean that firms are under any obligation to share the content of legally privileged reports they are given or advice they receive. It is for the firm to decide whether to provide such material to the FCA. But a firm’s willingness to volunteer the results of its own investigation, whether protected by legal privilege or otherwise, is welcomed by the FCA and is something the FCA may take into account when deciding what action to take, if any. (The FCA's approach to deciding whether to take action is described in more detail in DEPP 6.2 and paragraph 2.1.4 of this Guide.)

1Work done or commissioned by the firm does not fetter the FCA's ability to use its statutory powers, for example to require a skilled person’s report under section 166 of the Act or to carry out a formal enforcement investigation; nor can a report commissioned by the firm be a substitute for formal regulatory action where this is needed or appropriate. But even if formal action is needed, it may be that a report could be used to help the FCA decide on the appropriate action to take and may narrow the issues or obviate the need for certain work.

1The FCA invites firms to consider, in particular, whether to discuss the commissioning and scope of a report with FCA staff where:

1. (1)

   firms have informed the FCA of an issue of potential regulatory concern, as required by SUP 15; or

2. (2)

   the FCA has indicated that an issue or concern has or may result in a referral to Enforcement.

1The FCA's approach in commenting on the proposed scope and purpose of the report will vary according to the circumstances in which the report is commissioned; it does not follow that the FCA will want to be involved in discussing the scope of a report in every situation. But if the firm anticipates that it will proactively disclose a report to the FCA in the context of an ongoing or prospective enforcement investigation, then the potential use and benefit to be derived from the report will be greater if the FCA has had the chance to comment on its proposed scope and purpose.

1Some themes or issues are common to any discussion about the potential use or value of a report to the FCA. These include:

1. (1)

   to what extent the FCA will be able to rely on the report in any subsequent enforcement proceedings;

2. (2)

   to what extent the FCA will have access to the underlying evidence or information that was relied upon in producing the report;

3. (3)

   where legal privilege or other professional confidentiality is claimed over any material gathered or generated in the investigation process, to what extent such material may nevertheless be disclosed to the FCA, on what basis and for what purposes the FCA may use that material;

4. (4)

   what approach will be adopted to establishing the relevant facts and how evidence will be recorded and retained;

5. (5)

   whether any conflicts of interest have been identified and whether there are proposals to manage them appropriately;

6. (6)

   whether the report will describe the role and responsibilities of identified individuals;

7. (7)

   whether the investigation will be limited to ascertaining facts or will also include advice or opinions about breaches of FCArules or requirements;

8. (8)

   how the firm intends to inform the FCA of progress and communicate the results of the investigation; and

9. (9)

   timing.

1In certain circumstances the FCA may prefer that a firm does not commission its own investigation (whether an internal audit report or a report by external advisers) because action by the firm could itself be damaging to an FCA investigation. This is true in particular of criminal investigations, where alerting the suspects could have adverse consequences. For example, where the FCA suspects that individuals are abusing positions of trust within financial institutions and that an insider dealing ring is operating, it might notify the relevant firm but would not want the firm to embark on its own investigation: to do so would alert those under investigation and prejudice on-going monitoring of the suspects and other action. Firms are therefore encouraged to be alive to the possibility that their own investigations could prejudice or hinder a subsequent FCA investigation, and, if in doubt, to discuss this with the FCA. The FCA recognises that firms may be under time and other pressures to establish the relevant facts and implications of possible misconduct, and will have regard to this in discussions with the firm.

1Nothing in paragraphs 3.11.1 to 3.11.7 extends or increases the scope of the existing duty to report facts or issues to the FCA in accordance with SUP 15 or Principle 11.

1Where a firm does conduct or commission an investigation, it is very helpful if the firm maintains a proper record of the enquiries made and interviews conducted. This will inform the FCA's judgment about whether any further work is needed and, if so, where the FCA's efforts should be focused.

1How the results of an investigation are presented to the FCA may differ from case to case; the FCA acknowledges that different circumstances may call for different approaches. In this sense, one size does not fit all. The FCA will take a pragmatic and flexible approach when deciding how to receive the results of an investigation. However, if the FCA is to rely on a report as the basis for taking action, or not taking action, then it is important that the firm should be prepared to give the FCA underlying material on which the report is based as well as the report itself. This includes, for example, notes of interviews conducted by the lawyers, accountants or other professional experts carrying out the investigation.

1The FCA is not able to require the production of “protected items”, as defined in the Act, but it is not uncommon for there to be disagreement with firms about the scope of this protection. Arguments about whether certain documents attract privilege tend to be time- consuming and delay the progress of an investigation. If a firm decides to give a report to the FCA, then the FCA considers that the greatest mutual benefit is most likely to flow from disclosure of the report itself and any supporting papers. A reluctance to disclose these source materials will, in the FCA's opinion, devalue the usefulness of the report and may require the FCA to undertake additional enquiries.

1For reasons that the FCA can understand, firms may seek to restrict the use to which a report can be put, or assert that any legal privilege is waived only on a limited basis and that the firm retains its right to assert legal privilege as the basis for non-disclosure in civil proceedings against a private litigant.

1The FCA understands that the concept of a limited waiver of legal privilege is not one which is recognised in all jurisdictions; the FCA considers that English law does permit such “limited waiver” and that legal privilege could still be asserted against third parties notwithstanding disclosure of a report to the FCA. However, the FCA cannot accept any condition or stipulation which would purport to restrict its ability to use the information in the exercise of the FCA's statutory functions. In this sense, the FCA cannot ‘close its eyes’ to information received or accept that information should, say, be used only for the purposes of supervision but not for enforcement.

1This does not mean that information provided to the FCA is unprotected. The FCA is subject to strict statutory restrictions on the disclosure of confidential information (as defined in section 348 of the Act), breach of which is a criminal offence (under section 352 of the Act). Reports and underlying materials provided voluntarily to the FCA by a firm, whether covered by legal privilege or not, are confidential for these purposes and benefit from the statutory protections.

1Even in circumstances where disclosure of information would be permitted under the “gateways” set out in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) Regulations, the FCA will consider carefully whether it would be appropriate to disclose a report provided voluntarily by a firm. The FCA appreciates that firms feel strongly about the importance of maintaining confidentiality, and that firms are more likely to volunteer information to the regulator when they know that the regulator is mindful of this sensitivity and the impact of potential disclosure. Accordingly, if the FCA contemplates disclosing a report voluntarily provided by a firm, the firm will normally be notified and given the opportunity to make representations about the proposed disclosure. The exceptions to this include circumstances where disclosure is urgently needed, where notification might prejudice an investigation or defeat the purpose for which the information had been requested, or where notification would be inconsistent with the FCA's international obligations.