1The FCA will always give written notice of the appointment of investigators to the person under investigation if it is required to give such notice under section 170 of the Act. In such cases, if there is a subsequent change in the scope or conduct of the investigation and, in the FCA's opinion, the person under investigation is likely to be significantly prejudiced if not made aware of this, that person will be given written notice of the change. It is impossible to give a definitive list of the circumstances in which a person is likely to be significantly prejudiced by not being made aware of a change in the scope or conduct of an investigation. However, this may include situations where there may be unnecessary costs from dealing with an aspect of an investigation which the FCA no longer intends to pursue.

1The Act does not always require the FCA to give written notice of the appointment of investigators, for example, where investigators are appointed as a result of section 168(1) or (4) of the Act and the FCA believes that the provision of notice would be likely to result in the investigation being frustrated, or where investigators are appointed as a result of section 168(2) of the Act.

1Although the FCA is not required to give written notice of the appointment of investigators appointed as a result of section 168(2), when it becomes clear who the person under investigation is, the FCA will, nevertheless, normally notify them that they are under investigation when it exercises its statutory powers to require information from them, providing such notification will not, in the FCA's view, prejudice the FCA's ability to conduct the investigation effectively.

1In investigations into possible insider dealing,market abuse, misleading statements and practices offences, breaches of the general prohibition, the restriction on financial promotion, or the prohibition on promoting collective investment schemes, the investigator may not know the identity of the perpetrator or may be looking into market circumstances at the outset of the investigation rather than investigating a particular person. In those circumstances, the FCA will give an indication of the nature and subject matter of its investigation to those who are required to provide information to assist with the investigation. As soon as a person becomes the focus of the FCA's enquiries, the FCA will consider whether it is appropriate to notify that person that they are under investigation. The FCA will usually notify them when it exercises its statutory powers to require information from them unless doing so would prejudice the FCA's ability to conduct the investigation effectively.

1In some cases, the FCA will appoint an additional investigator or additional investigators during the course of an investigation. If this occurs and the FCA has previously told the subject it has appointed investigators, then the FCA will normally give the person written notice of the appointment(s).

1Except where the FCA has issued a warning notice, and the FCA has subsequently discontinued the proceedings, the Act does not require the FCA to provide notification of the termination of an investigation or subsequent enforcement action. However, where the FCA has given a person written notice that it has appointed an investigator and later decides to discontinue the investigation without any present intention to take further action, it will confirm this to the person concerned as soon as it considers it is appropriate to do so, bearing in mind the circumstances of the case.

1As is explained in the chapter of this guide on publicity (chapter 6), the FCA will not normally make public the fact that it is or is not investigating a matter and its expectation is that the person under investigation will also treat the matter as confidential. However, subject to the restrictions on disclosure of confidential information in section 348 of the Act, this does not stop the person under investigation from seeking professional advice or making their own enquiries into the matter, from giving their auditors appropriate details of the matter or from making notifications required by law or contract.

2The FCA's standard practice is generally to use statutory powers to require the production of documents, the provision of information or the answering of questions in interview. This is for reasons of fairness, transparency and efficiency. It will sometimes be appropriate to depart from this standard practice, for example:

1. (1)

   For suspects or possible suspects in criminal or market abuse investigations, the FCA may prefer to question that person on a voluntary basis, possibly under caution. In such a case, the interviewee does not have to answer but if they do, those answers may be used against them in subsequent proceedings, including criminal or market abuse proceedings.

2. (2)

   In the case of third parties with no professional connection with the financial services industry, such as the victims of an alleged fraud or misconduct, the FCA will usually seek information voluntarily.

3. (3)

   In some cases, the FCA is asked by overseas regulators or EEA regulators to obtain documents or conduct interviews on their behalf. In these cases, the FCA will not necessarily adopt its standard approach as it will consider with the overseas regulator or EEA regulator the most appropriate method for obtaining evidence for use in their country.

Firms, approved persons and conduct rules staff1 have an obligation to be open and co-operative with the FCA (as a result of Principle 11 for Businesses,1 Statement of Principle 4 for Approved Persons and Rule 3 of COCON 2.11). The FCA will make it clear to the person concerned whether it requires them to produce information or answer questions under the Act or whether the provision of answers is purely voluntary. The fact that the person concerned may be a regulated person does not affect this.

2The FCA will not bring disciplinary proceedings against a person for failing to be open and co-operative with the FCA1 simply because, during an investigation, they choose not to attend or answer questions at a purely voluntary interview. However, there may be circumstances in which an adverse inference may be drawn from the reluctance of a person (whether or not they are a firm or individual1) to participate in a voluntary interview. If a person provides the FCA with misleading or untrue information, the FCA may consider taking action against them.1

2If a person does not comply with a requirement imposed by the exercise of statutory powers, they may be held to be in contempt of court. The FCA may also choose to bring proceedings for breach of Principle 11,1 Statement of Principle 4 or COCON 2.1.3R1 as this is a serious form of non-cooperation.

2For cases involving firms,1approved persons or conduct rules staff1, the FCA will generally hold scoping discussions with the firm or individuals concerned close to the start of the investigation (and may do so in other cases). The purpose of these discussions is to give the firm or individuals concerned in the investigation an indication of: why the FCA has appointed investigators (including the nature of and reasons for the FCA's concerns); the scope of the investigation; how the process is likely to unfold and an indication of the likely timing of the key milestones and next steps in the investigation3; the individuals and documents the team will need access to initially and so on. There may be3 a limit, however, as to how specific the FCA can be about the nature of its concerns in the early stages of an investigation. The FCA team for the purposes of the scoping discussions will normally include the nominated supervisor if the subject is a relationship-managed3firm.

2In addition to the initial scoping discussions, there will be an ongoing dialogue with the firm or individuals throughout the investigative process. We will aim to give periodic updates at least on a quarterly basis covering the steps taken in the investigation to date as well as the next steps in the investigation and indicative timelines.3 Where the nature of the FCA's concerns changes significantly from that notified to the person under investigation and the FCA, having reconsidered the case, is satisfied that it is appropriate in the circumstances to continue the investigation, the FCA will notify the person of the change in scope.

1A clear division between the conduct of the investigation2 the ongoing supervision of the firm means that clarity as to who is carrying out what work in important, so that the focus on the various needs of the investigation and supervisory function are not lost. It is also important that the investigation can2 benefit2 from the knowledge of the firm or individuals that the supervisors will have built up, or from their general understanding of the firm's business or sector. In most (if not all) cases, assistance from a referring area in informing the investigation team of certain matters2 (e.g. the firm’s business model and market practice issues) will be helpful.2 Following a referral, the FCA takes the following general considerations into account in relation to the potential role of a supervisor in an investigation.

1. (1)

   While it is clearly essential for the day-to-day supervisory relationship to continue during the course of any enforcement action, this need not, of itself, preclude a firm's supervisor from assisting in an investigation.

2. (2)

   Such assistance will include: making the case team aware of the firm's business,2 history and compliance track record; the current supervisory approach to the area concerned; current issues with the firm; and acting as a sounding board on questions that emerge from the investigation about industry practices and standards and any market practice issues. Depending on the issues that arise, it may be appropriate for a supervisor to attend a progress meeting with the firm2.

3. (3)

   Equally, there may be circumstances where someone in the FCA other than the firm’s supervisor can more effectively and efficiently provide information on the current supervisory approach to the area under investigation or current market standards. In this case it makes good sense for the FCA to draw on that other source of expertise.

4. (4)

   In the event that a firm's supervisor becomes part of the investigation team, the FCA will notify the firm of this in the normal way.

5. (5)

   2Where a firm’s supervisor does not become part of the investigation team, the investigation will keep the firm’s supervisor (or referring area) updated on the progress of the investigation.

1As delays in the provision of information and/or documents can have a significant impact on the efficient progression of an investigation, the FCA expects persons to respond to information and document requests in a timely manner to appropriate deadlines. When an investigation is complex (and the timetable allows), the FCA may decide to issue an information or document requirement in draft, allowing a specified period (of usually no more than three working days) for the person to comment on the practicality of providing the information or documentation by the proposed deadline. After considering any comments, the FCA will then confirm or amend the request. The FCA will not, however, send such a draft request where the request is straightforward and the FCA considers that it is reasonable to expect the information or documents to be made available within the FCA's specified timeframe.

1Once it has formally issued a requirement (whether or not this has been preceded by a draft), the FCA will not usually agree to an extension of time for complying with the requirement unless compelling reasons are provided to support an extension request.

1 Paragraph 4.7.1 explains the FCA's approach to the use of its statutory powers to require, amongst other matters, individuals to be interviewed. The type of interview is a decision for the FCA.

1A person required to attend an interview by the use of statutory powers has no entitlement to insist that the interview takes place voluntarily. If someone does not attend an interview required under the Act, then he can be dealt with by the court as if he were in contempt (where the penalties can be a fine, imprisonment or both).

1Similarly, a person asked to attend an interview on a purely voluntary basis is not entitled to insist that he be served with a requirement. A person is not obliged to attend a voluntary interview or to answer questions put to them at that time. But they should be aware that in an appropriate case, an adverse inference may be drawn from the failure to attend a voluntary interview, or a refusal to answer any questions at such an interview.

1Where the FCA interviews a person, it will allow the person to be accompanied by a legal adviser, if they wish. The FCA will also, where appropriate, explain what use can be made of the answers in proceedings against them. Where the interview is tape-recorded, the person will be given a copy of the audio tape of the interview and, where a transcript is made, a copy of the transcript.

1 Individuals suspected of a criminal offence may be interviewed under caution. These interviews will be subject to all the safeguards of the relevant Police and Criminal Evidence Act Codes and are voluntary on the part of the suspect. The FCA will warn the suspect at the start of the interview of their right to remain silent (and the consequences of remaining silent) and will inform the suspect that they are entitled to have a legal adviser present. The FCA will also give a cautionary warning in similar terms to interviewees who are the subject of market abuse investigations.

1If a suspect has been interviewed by the FCA using statutory powers, before they are re-interviewed on a voluntary basis (under caution or otherwise), the FCA will explain the difference between the two types of interview. The FCA will also tell the individual about the limited use that can be made of their previous answers in criminal proceedings or in proceedings in which the FCA seeks a penalty for market abuse under Part VIII of the Act.

1Conversely, where a suspect has been interviewed under caution, and the FCA later wishes to conduct a compulsory interview with them, the FCA will explain the difference between the two types of interview, and will notify the individual of the limited use that can be made of his answers in the compulsory interview.

1On occasion, where the police have a power of arrest, the FCA may make a request to the police for assistance to arrest the individual for questioning by the FCA (FCA investigators do not have powers of arrest), for example:

1. (1)

   where it appears likely that inviting an individual to attend on a voluntary basis would prejudice an ongoing investigation or risk the destruction of evidence or the dissipation of assets; or

2. (2)

   where a suspect declines an invitation to attend a voluntary interview.

The procedure the FCA may follow on such occasions in seeking assistance from the police is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Chief Police Officers of England, Wales and Northern Ireland dated 3 August 2005.

1Where the FCA has appointed an investigator in response to a request from an overseas regulator or EEA regulator, it may, under sections 169(7) or 131FA of the Act respectively, direct the investigator to allow a representative of that regulator to attend, and take part in, any interview conducted for the purposes of the investigation. However, the FCA may only use this power if it is satisfied that any information obtained by an overseas regulator or EEA regulator as a result of the interview will be subject to safeguards equivalent to those in Part XXIII of the Act (sections 169(8) and 131FA respectively).

1The factors that the FCA may take into account when deciding whether to make a direction under section 169(7) include the following:

1. (1)

   the complexity of the case;

2. (2)

   the nature and sensitivity of the information sought;

3. (3)

   the FCA's own interest in the case;

4. (4)

   costs, where no Community obligation is involved, and the availability of resources; and

5. (5)

   the availability of similar assistance to UK authorities in similar circumstances.

1Under sections 169(9) and 131FA respectively, the FCA is required to prepare a statement of policy with the approval of the Treasury on the conduct of interviews attended by representatives of overseas regulators or EEA regulators. The statement is set out in DEPP 7.

2Under sections 176 and 122D1 of the Act, the FCA has the power to apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant to enter premises where documents or information is held. The circumstances under which the FCA may apply for a search warrant include:

1. (1)

   where a person on whom an information requirement has been imposed fails (wholly or in part) to comply with it; or

2. (2)

   where there are reasonable grounds for believing that if an information requirement were to be imposed, it would not be complied with, or that the documents or information to which the information requirement relates, would be removed, tampered with or destroyed.

2A warrant obtained pursuant to sections 176 and 122D1 of the Act authorises a police constable or an FCA investigator in the company, and under the supervision of, a police constable, to do the following, amongst other things: to enter and search the premises specified in the warrant and take possession of any documents or information appearing to be documents or information of a kind in respect of which the warrant was issued or to take, in relation to any such documents or information, any other steps which may appear to be necessary for preserving them or preventing interference with them.

1In cases where the FCA proposes to submit an investigation report to the RDC with a recommendation for regulatory action, the FCA's usual practice is to send a preliminary findings letter to the subject of an investigation before the matter is referred to the RDC. The letter will normally annex the investigators' preliminary investigation report. Comment will be invited on the contents of the preliminary findings letter and the preliminary investigation report.

1The FCA recognises that preliminary findings letters serve a very useful purpose in focussing decision making on the contentious issues in the case. This in turn makes for better quality and more efficient decision making. However, there are exceptional circumstances in which the FCA may decide it is not appropriate to send out a preliminary findings letter. This includes:

1. (1)

   where the subject consents to not receiving a preliminary findings letter; or

2. (2)

   where it is not practicable to send a preliminary findings letter, for example where there is a need for urgent action in the interests of consumer protection, restoring market confidence or reducing financial crime or if the whereabouts of the subject are unknown; or

3. (3)

   where the FCA believes that no useful purpose would be achieved in sending a preliminary findings letter, for example where it has otherwise already substantially disclosed its case to the subject and the subject has had an opportunity to respond to that case.

1In cases where it is sent, the preliminary findings letter will set out the facts which the investigators consider relevant to the matters under investigation (normally, as indicated above, by means of an annexed preliminary investigation report). And it will invite the person concerned to confirm that those facts are complete and accurate, or to provide further comment. FCA staff will allow a reasonable period (normally 28 days) for a response to this letter, and will take into account any response received within the period stated in the letter. They are not obliged to take into account any response received outside that period. If a firm or individual requests an extension to the period for responding to the preliminary findings report, the FCA will take into account all relevant factors, including the legal and factual complexity of the case, and whether there are any factors outside the control of the firm or individual that would materially impact on their ability to respond within the period set out in the preliminary findings letter.2

1Where the FCA has sent a preliminary findings letter and it then decides not to take any further action, the FCA will communicate this decision promptly to the person concerned.

1In some cases, it may be appropriate for both the FCA and the PRA to pursue investigations into different aspects of the same misconduct (see EG 2.5.2).

1In such cases, the guidance contained in this chapter will apply to the FCA’s investigation and the FCA will attempt to ensure that the subject of the investigation is not prejudiced or unduly inconvenienced by the fact that there are two investigating authorities. The FCA and PRA investigation teams will keep each other and their respective supervisory teams informed about the progress of the investigation. Discussions with the firm or individual under investigation should normally occur with the representatives of both regulators present.2

2Both the FCA and the PRA will seek to ensure that, as far as possible, their respective processes (whether for contested or settlement decision-making) occur in a coordinated and timely manner in a joint investigation. For example, the regulators will, where appropriate, endeavour to settle a joint investigation into a relevant firm or individual simultaneously.