ENF 10.8 The FSA's policy: applications in relation to voluntary arrangements

In general terms, the approval of a voluntary arrangement (in relation to companies, partnerships and individuals) requires more than 75% of the creditors to whom notice of a meeting has been sent and who are present in person or by proxy. The arrangement must also not be opposed by more than 50% of creditors given notice of the meeting and who have notified their claim, but excluding secured creditors and creditors who are, in the case of companies or partnerships, connectedpersons and, in the case of individuals, associates. The FSA will therefore not normally challenge an arrangement approved by a majority of creditors.

Exceptionally, the FSA will consider making such a challenge after considering, in particular, the following matters:

1. (1)

   the ratio of consumer to non-consumer creditors;

2. (2)

   Whether the FSA has concerns, or is aware of concerns of creditors, about the regularity of the meeting or the identification of connected or associated creditors and the extent to which creditors with those concerns could themselves make the application;

3. (3)

   whether the company, partnership or individual has control of consumer assets which might be affected by the voluntary arrangement;

4. (4)

   the complexity of the arrangement;

5. (5)

   the nature and complexity of the regulated activity;

6. (6)

   the company's, partnership's or individual's previous dealings with the FSA, including the extent of its cooperation with the FSA and its compliance history; and

7. (7)

   whether the FSA is aware of any matters which would materially affect the rights and expectations of creditors under the voluntary arrangement as approved.

Similarly, the FSA will not normally petition for sequestration of a debtor's estate following the grant of a trustdeed, if the trustdeed has been, or appears likely to be, acceded to by a majority of creditors.

The FSA will consider making a challenge in relation to acts, omissions or decisions of a nominee during a moratorium having regard to the following matters in particular:

1. (1)

   whether the FSA is aware of matters indicating that the proposed voluntary arrangement does not have a reasonable prospect of being approved and implemented or that the company is likely to have insufficient funds available to it to carry on its business during the moratorium;

2. (2)

   whether consumer assets held by the company are or may be placed at risk; and

3. (3)

   in the case of an unauthorised company, whether that company is able to carry on its business lawfully during the moratorium without undertaking any regulated activity in contravention of the general prohibition.