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GEN 2.1 3Introduction3

Application

GEN 2.1.1 G

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.2 RP

This chapter applies to every person to whom any provision in the Handbook applies. In relation to a provision other than a rule, the rules in this chapter apply as if they were part of that provision.3

GEN 2.1.3 P

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.4 E

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.5 D

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.6 G

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.7 R

[deleted]3

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GEN 2.1.8 R RP

This chapter applies to all provisions 5 made by FOS Ltd.4

3 4 5
GEN 2.1.9 G RP

The effect of GEN 2.1.8 R is that this chapter applies with respect to those provisions in DISP 2 (Jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service), DISP 3 (Complaint handling procedures of the Financial Ombudsman Service), DISP 4 (Standard terms) and FEES 5 (Financial Ombudsman Service Funding) made by FOS Ltd.4

2 3 4

3The Reader's Guide3

GEN 2.1.10 G RP

The Reader's Guide supplements this chapter. It provides an introduction to the structure and contents of the Handbook and its related materials, explaining how the different modules fit together and how to interpret and use the Handbook.3

3

GEN 2.2 Interpreting the Handbook

Purposive interpretation

GEN 2.2.1 R RP

Every provision in the Handbook must be interpreted in the light of its purpose.

GEN 2.2.2 G RP

The purpose of any provision in the Handbook is to be gathered first and foremost from the text of the provision in question and its context among other relevant provisions. The guidance given on the purpose of a provision is intended as an explanation to assist readers of the Handbook. As such, guidance may assist the reader in assessing the purpose of the provision, but it should not be taken as a complete or definitive explanation of a provision's purpose.

Evidential provisions

GEN 2.2.3 R RP

Any rule in the Handbook which has the status letter "E" in the margin or heading:

  1. (1)

    is to be taken also to provide that contravention of the rule does not give rise to any of the consequences provided for by provisions of the Act other than section 138C36 (Evidential provisions); and

    36
  2. (2)

    incorporates the status letter "E" in the margin or heading as part of the rule.

GEN 2.2.4 G RP
  1. (1)

    The rules to which section 138C36 of the Act applies ("evidential provisions") are identified in the Handbook by the status letter "E" in the margin or heading.

    36
  2. (2)

    Other provisions in the Handbook, although also identified by the status letter "E" in the margin or heading, are actually not rules but provisions in codes and GEN 2.2.3 R does not apply to them.17

    361313
GEN 2.2.5 G RP

Chapter 6 of the Reader's Guide contains an explanation of the significance of the status letters R, E, G, D, UK, EU, P and C6, and includes further information on Handbook provisions, including6 evidential provisions.1

6

Use of defined expressions

GEN 2.2.6 G RP

Expressions with defined meanings appear in italics in the Handbook, unless otherwise stated in individual sourcebooks or manuals11.

GEN 2.2.7 R RP

In the Handbook (except IPRU, unless otherwise indicated2):

  1. (1)

    an expression in italics which is defined in the Glossary has the meaning given there; and

  2. (2)

    an expression in italics which relates to an expression defined in the Glossary must be interpreted accordingly.

GEN 2.2.8 G RP

Examples of related expressions are:

  1. (1)

    "advice on investments" and "advise on investments", which should be interpreted by reference to "advising on investments";

  2. (2)

    "closely linked", which should be interpreted by reference to "close links";

  3. (3)

    "controls" and "controlled", which should be interpreted by reference to "control";19

  4. (4)

    "effect", as for example in "effect a life policy", which should be interpreted by reference to "effecting contracts of insurance"; and19

  5. (5)

    employment”, which should be interpreted by reference to “employee”.19

GEN 2.2.9 G RP

Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise stated in a particular sourcebook or manual11, where italics have not been used, an expression bears its natural meaning (subject to the Interpretation Act 1978; see GEN 2.2.11 R to GEN 2.2.12 G).

GEN 2.2.10 G RP

The Interim Prudential sourcebooks (IPRU) have individual arrangements for defined terms and each contains rules or guidance on its own arrangements. In respect of those sourcebooks, reliance should not be placed on the definitions which appear in the Glossary unless otherwise indicated.

Application of the Interpretation Act 1978

GEN 2.2.11 R RP

The Interpretation Act 1978 applies to the Handbook.

GEN 2.2.12 G RP

The application of the Interpretation Act 1978 to the Handbook has the effect, in particular, that:

  1. (1)

    expressions in the Handbook used in the Act have the meanings which they bear in the Act, unless the contrary intention appears;

  2. (2)

    where reference is made in the Handbook to an enactment, it is a reference to that enactment as amended and includes a reference to that provision as extended or applied by or under any other enactment, unless the contrary intention appears; and

  3. (3)

    unless the contrary intention appears:

    1. (a)

      words in the Handbook importing the masculine gender include the feminine and words importing the feminine gender include the masculine;

    2. (b)

      words in the Handbook in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

4Civil partnership - references to stepchildren etc

GEN 2.2.12A R RP

4Any reference in a provision of the Handbook made before 5 December 2005 to a stepchild, step-parent, stepdaughter, stepson, stepbrother or stepsister is to be interpreted in accordance with section 246 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004.

GEN 2.2.12B G RP

4 GEN 2.2.12A R and sections 246 and 247 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 amend each reference in the Handbook to a stepchild, step-parent and certain related expressions to take account of civil partnerships. As a result a reference (for example) to a stepchild of a person (A) includes a reference to the child of the civil partner of A where that child is not A's child.

Cross-references in the Handbook

GEN 2.2.13 R RP
  1. (1)

    A reference in the Handbook to another provision in the Handbook is a reference to that provision as amended from time to time.13

  2. (2)

    Unless a contrary intention appears:

GEN 2.2.13A R RP

36Unless a contrary intention appears, to the extent that a provision made by the FCA15 ('the referring provision') contains a cross-reference to another provision that is not made by the FCA including a provision formerly made by the PRA which the PRA has now deleted15 ('the referred provision'), the referred provision as amended from time to time (excepting deletion in its entirety)15 is to be treated as having15 been made by the FCA15 to the extent necessary to make the referring provision function with the full effect indicated by the reference.

GEN 2.2.13B G RP

15The purpose of GEN 2.2.13AR is to ensure that cross references in the FCA Handbook to provisions outside the FCA Handbook are effective, including cross references to material that was formerly in the PRA Handbook but which the PRA has now deleted.

References to writing

GEN 2.2.14 R RP

If a provision in the Handbook refers to a communication, notice, agreement or other document "in writing" then, unless the contrary intention appears, it means in legible form and capable of being reproduced on paper, irrespective of the medium used. Expressions related to writing must be interpreted accordingly.

GEN 2.2.15 G RP

GEN 2.2.14 R means that, for example, electronic media may be used to make communications which are required by a provision of the Handbook to be "in writing", unless a contrary intention appears, or the use of electronic media would contravene some other requirement. GEN 2.2.14 R does not, however, affect any other legal requirement which may apply in relation to the form or manner of executing a document or agreement.

36 8
GEN 2.2.15A G RP

36An example of a requirement relevant to whether a communication required by a provision of the Handbook to be "in writing" may be made by use of electronic media is the requirement to treat customers fairly under Principle 6.

GEN 2.2.16 G RP

"Document" is a defined term in the Glossary, the definition of which includes information recorded in any form, including electronic form.

Activities covered by general rules

GEN 2.2.17 R RP

A general rule (that is a rule made by the FCA18 the general rule making powers36) is to be interpreted as:

36 36
  1. (1)

    applying to a firm with respect to the carrying on of all regulated activities, except to the extent that a contrary intention appears; and

  2. (2)

    not applying to a firm with respect to the carrying on of unregulated activities, unless and then only to the extent that a contrary intention appears.

Continuity of authorised partnerships and unincorporated associations

GEN 2.2.18 R RP
  1. (1)

    If a firm, which is a partnership7 or unincorporated association, is dissolved, but its authorisation continues to have effect under section 32 of the Act (Partnerships and unincorporated associations) in relation to any partnership or unincorporated association7 which succeeds to the business of the dissolved firm, the successor partnership or unincorporated association7 is to be regarded as the same firm for the purposes of the Handbook unless the context otherwise requires7.

    77
  2. (2)

    [deleted]7

    7
  3. (3)

    [deleted]7

    7
GEN 2.2.19 G RP

In principle, it is possible to view a change of partners7 in a partnership7, or a change in the membership of the unincorporated association, as the formation of a new partnership7 or association. GEN 2.2.18 R reflects section 32 of the Act (Partnerships and unincorporated associations), which provides for the continuing authorisation of partnerships7 and unincorporated associations following a change in partners7 or members if certain conditions are satisfied. GEN 2.2.18 R ensures a similar effect to section 327 in relation to the status of the partnership7 or unincorporated associations as a "firm" or "authorised person" for the purposes of the Handbook.

7 7 7 7 7 7 9 7 7

3Designated investment exchanges3

GEN 2.2.20 G RP

In the Glossary, the definition of designated investment exchange lists certain investment exchanges. Further information on designated investment exchanges, including guidance on the addition of an investment exchange to the list, is set out in GEN 2 Annex 1 G and the obligation to pay the application fee is set out in 53FEES 3.25.

European Economic Area (EEA)

GEN 2.2.21 G RP

[deleted]22

10

Treaty of Lisbon

GEN 2.2.22 G RP

10As a result of the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Union has replaced and succeeded the European Community. References in the Handbook to the European Community should therefore be interpreted as references to the European Union, where the context requires. 22

Onshored Regulations and third country firms

GEN 2.2.22A R RP
  1. (1)

    21Unless exempted in (2) and subject to (3), MiFIR, and any onshored regulations previously deriving from MiFIR2223 or MiFID, apply to a third country investment firm as if it were a UK MiFID investment firm when the following conditions are met:

    1. (a)

      when it carries on MiFID or equivalent third country business; and

    2. (b)

      it carries on the business in (a) from an establishment in the United Kingdom.

  2. (2)

    Paragraph (1) does not apply:

    1. (a)

      to the extent MiFIR or an onshored regulation previously deriving from 2223MiFIR or MiFID imposes a specific requirement in relation to a third country investment firm; and

    2. (b)

      to onshored regulations which were previously EU regulations2223 adopted under article 72223 of MiFID.

  3. (3)

    Paragraph (1) is modified by the application provisions in individual Handbook chapters for particular purposes.

  4. (4)

    GEN 2.2.22AR(1) is subject to articles 2A to 2E of MiFIR and article 1(3) to (5) of the MiFID Org Regulation.2223

  5. (5)

    In relation to TP firms GEN 2.2.22AR(1) does not apply requirements imposed by and under MiFIR or by the MiFID Org Regulation in addition to those referred to in articles 2A to 2E MiFIR and article 1(3) to (5) of the MiFID Org Regulation.2223

GEN 2.2.22B G RP
  1. (1)

    21The purpose of GEN 2.2.22AR is to ensure 2322that a third country investment firm should not be treated in a more favourable way than a UK firm2322.

  2. (2)

    GEN 2.2.22AR may be overridden where the application provisions at the beginning of individual Handbook chapters qualify its effect.

Application of provisions where there are commensurate PRA provisions

GEN 2.2.23 R RP
  1. (1)

    This rule applies to Handbook provisions20 where the PRA have made commensurate provisions in the PRA Rulebook. It may affect their application by the FCA to PRA-authorised persons and PRA approved persons20.

    3616151615
  2. (2)

    Where a Handbook provision (or part of one) goes beyond the FCA's20 powers or regulatory responsibilities, it is to be interpreted as applied20 to the extent of the FCA’s20 powers and regulatory responsibilities only.

  3. (3)

    The extent of a Handbook provision is to be interpreted as cut back under20 (2) by the minimum degree necessary.

  4. (4)

    [deleted]20

    14
GEN 2.2.24 G RP

36The published Memorandum of Understanding between the FCA and the PRA describes their regulatory responsibilities.

GEN 2.2.25 G RP

An example of a rule20 being interpreted as cut back by GEN 2.2.23R is SYSC 6.1.1R, which requires a firm to maintain adequate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with its obligations under the regulatory system; SYSC 6.1.1R should be interpreted as applied by the FCA in respect of a PRA-authorised person’s compliance with regulatory obligations that are the responsibility of the FCA (for example, in respect of a bank maintaining policies and procedures to ensure compliance with banking conduct requirements in BCOBS).20

36
  1. (1)

    [deleted]12

    12
  2. (2)

    [deleted]20

  3. (3)

    [deleted]20

    151515

Rules applying while a firm has temporary permission: the General Rules

GEN 2.2.26 R

23Unless the contrary intention appears, a rule does not apply to a TP firm except that:

  1. (1)

    A rule which imposed an obligation on a person immediately before IP completion day25 who becomes a TP firm continues to apply to the TP firm to the same extent and to the same activities to which the rule applied at that time.

  2. (2)

    In addition, a rule which deals with a matter (in relation to an activity of a TP firm in either (3) or (4)) which immediately before IP completion day25 was reserved to the:

    1. (a)

      Home State of the firm under an EU directive; or

    2. (b)

      where applicable, EEA state where the firm has the establishment from which the service is provided, under an EU directive,

      also applies to a TP firm if and to the extent that that rule:

      1. (i)

        applies to a UK firm (or other cognate expression) that carries on the same regulated activity as the TP firm; and

      2. (ii)

        immediately before IP completion day25, implemented a provision of an EU directive (disregarding any provision of a directive which allocates responsibility between different member states).

  3. (3)

    A TP firm which carries on an activity from its UK branch or establishment (or that of its appointed representative) does not contravene a rule applied by (2) to the extent that:

    1. (a)

      at the time the firm was required to comply with the rule (“the relevant time”), the firm (or its appointed representative) complied with or applied a provision which implements the same provision of the relevant directive reserved to its Home State and imposed by that state’s law; and

    2. (b)

      the firm’s compliance with or application of the provision covers the firm’s activities provided from its UK branch or establishment (or that of its appointed representative).

  4. (4)

    A TP firm which carries on an activity other than from its UK branch or establishment (or that of its appointed representative) into the United Kingdom does not contravene a rule applied by (2) to the extent that:

    1. (a)

      at the time the firm was required to comply with the rule (“the relevant time”), the firm complied with or applied a provision which implements the same provision of the relevant directive reserved to its Home State (or, where (2)(b) applies, to the EEA state where it has the establishment from which the service is provided) and imposed by that state’s law; and

    2. (b)

      the firm’s compliance with or application of the provision covers the firm’s activities into the UK (or that of its appointed representative).

  5. (5)

    Paragraph (3) or (4) does not apply unless a TP firm can demonstrate to the FCA that, at the relevant time, it complied with or applied a provision in (3) or (4) to the extent referred to there.

  6. (6)

    Where a TP firm’s Home State (or, where applicable, the EEA state where it has the establishment from which the service is provided) exercises a national discretion expressly permitted by an EU directive not to apply a provision which would implement a provision of an EU directive referred to in (2) which the FCA has chosen to apply as a rule, the TP firm has no need to comply with or apply the rule in question.

  7. (7)

    A provision referred to in paragraph (3) or (4) includes a provision where an EU directive sets out a number of options, and the state referred to in paragraph (3) or (4) has chosen one or more such options different from those chosen by the FCA in order to implement the same provision.

Amendments to rules applied by the General Rules

GEN 2.2.27 R
  1. (1)

    23A rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(1) or GEN 2.2.26R(2):

    1. (a)

      applies with any amendment made to the rule in question which comes into force on IP completion day25 to address an issue resulting from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union;

    2. (b)

      applies until it is deleted after IP completion day25, or where a rule is amended or replaced after IP completion day25 it continues to apply as amended or replaced unless the rule states that it does not apply; and

    3. (c)

      only applies to the firm’s activities carried on from a UK branch or establishment (maintained by the firm or by its appointed representative) or carried on other than from a UK branch or establishment into the UK (by the firm or its appointed representative).

  2. (2)

    Apart from in COMP and FEES 6, where a rule (or paragraph of a rule) applied by GEN 2.2.26R(1) or GEN 2.2.26R(2):

    1. (a)

      only applied to a person which passported into the United Kingdom under Schedule 3 or 4 to the Act; and

    2. (b)

      is deleted on IP completion day25;

    deletion is disregarded and it continues to apply to the TP firm; and references in the rule (or paragraph of the rule) to the EU or to an EU matter or thing are deemed to be references to the UK or a UK matter or thing, as the case may be.

  3. (3)

    Except where paragraph (4) applies, a TP firm does not have to comply with paragraph (1)(a) while and to the extent that the FCA directs that where the same rule:

    1. (a)

      begins to apply to a firm other than a TP firm (A) as a result of an exit instrument, the rule is not to apply to A; or

    2. (b)

      applies to A differently from how it would but for an exit instrument, the obligation is modified so that A does not breach it if A complies with the rule as it applied immediately before IP completion day25.

  4. (4)

    In relation to a matter subject to the FCA’s prudential transitional direction, paragraph (1)(a) does not apply while and to the extent that the FCA directs that where the same rule:

    1. (a)

      begins to apply to a firm other than a TP firm (A) as a result of an exit instrument, the rule is not to apply to A; or

    2. (b)

      applies to A differently from how it would but for an exit instrument, the rule shall apply to A as it would have applied immediately before IP completion day25.

  5. (5)

    In this rule:

    1. (a)

      the reference to the “FCA directs” refers to a direction made by the FCA under Part 7 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019;

    2. (b)

      the expressions “exit instrument” and “relevant obligation” have the meanings in Part 7 of those regulations;

    3. (c)

      the reference to the “FCA’s prudential transitional direction” is to a direction made under Part 7 of those regulations covering prudential matters set out in the direction.

Modification of rules applied by the General Rules in cases of conflict

GEN 2.2.28 R
  1. (1)

    23Where a rule in GEN 2.2.26R(1) applies and:

    1. (a)

      as a result of an amendment which comes into force on IP completion day25 which removes a reference to a matter in relation to the EEA; and

    2. (b)

      it is no longer practicable for the TP firm to comply with the rule because of the amendment,

    the firm may treat the rule, to the extent necessary, as if it continued to refer to a matter in relation to the EEA.

  2. (2)

    Where a rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(1) contradicts a rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(2), to the extent necessary the rule in GEN 2.2.26R(2) does not apply.

  3. (3)

    Where as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU different provisions (than those which applied to the person immediately before IP completion day25) apply in an EEA State to a TP firm and if as a result of complying with a rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(2) the firm would contravene a provision in that EEA State, the rule in GEN 2.2.26R(2), to the extent necessary, does not apply.

MiFID technical standards

GEN 2.2.29 R
  1. (1)

    23The provisions, as amended on or after IP completion day25, in (2) apply to a TP firm which is an EEA MiFID investment firm as if it were a MiFID investment firm when the following conditions are met:

    1. (a)

      where it carries on MiFID or equivalent third country business; and

    2. (b)

      that business is carried on from a UK branch (maintained by the firm or its appointed representative) or, where it is carried on other than from a UK branch, that business is provided into the United Kingdom (by the firm or its appointed representative).

  2. (2)

    The provisions referred to in (1) are technical standards deriving from previously adopted EU regulations under MiFID which are retained EU law, except:

    1. (a)

      those deriving from previously adopted EU regulations under article 7 of MiFID;

    2. (b)

      those deriving from previously adopted EU regulations under article 32(2) and (3) of MiFID where they apply to a firm other than a TP firm operating an organised trading facility or acting as a systematic internaliser from a branch in the United Kingdom; or

    3. (c)

      to the extent that their application to a TP firm would be inconsistent with the application to that firm of Chapter 5 of the MiFID Org Regulation or MAR 10.4.

  3. (3)

    A TP firm which carries on business from a UK branch (maintained by the firm or its appointed representative) does not contravene a rule applied by (1) to the extent that:

    1. (a)

      at the time the firm was required to comply with the rule (“the relevant time”), the firm complied with or applied the same provision of the relevant measure referred to in (2) applied by its Home State; and

    2. (b)

      the firm’s compliance with or application of the provision covers the firm’s activities provided from the UK branch (maintained by the firm or its appointed representative).

  4. (4)

    A TP firm which carries on business other than from a UK branch into the United Kingdom (by the firm or its appointed representative) does not contravene a rule applied by (1) to the extent that:

    1. (a)

      at the time the firm was required to comply with the rule (“the relevant time”), the firm complied with or applied the same provision of the relevant measure referred to in (2) applied by its Home State; and

    2. (b)

      the firm’s compliance with or application of the provision covers the firm’s or its appointed representative’s activities in the UK.

  5. (5)

    A rule in (3) or (4) does not apply unless a TP firm can demonstrate to the FCA that, at the relevant time, it complied with or applied a provision in (3) or (4) to the extent referred to there.

  6. (6)

    Neither of paragraphs (3) and (5) apply to rules applied by (1) which are provisions deriving from previously adopted EU regulations under article 27 of MiFID.

Rules and guidance applying while a firm has temporary permission – capital adequacy requirements

GEN 2.2.30 R
  1. (1)

    23Nothing in GENPRU, MIFIDPRU29, INSPRU, MIPRU, IPRU(FSOC), IPRU(INS) or IPRU(INV) applies to a TP firm, except for the provisions in (2).

  2. (2)

    To the extent a TP firm carries on the relevant regulated activity, the following apply by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R:

    1. (a)

      INSPRU 1.5.33R;

    2. (b)

      MIPRU;

    3. (c)

      IPRU(FSOC); and

    4. (d)

      IPRU(INV) 5, 6, 2912 and 13, except that rules relating to capital adequacy in these chapters, which would apply to a TP firm through the operation of GEN 2.2.26R(2), do not apply to that TP firm. Specifically, the financial resources requirements for depositaries of UCITS schemes and depositaries of certain AIFs in IPRU(INV) 5, and requirements involving the holding of professional indemnity insurance which relate to capital adequacy in IPRU(INV) 1329.

GEN 2.2.31 G
  1. (1)

    GEN 2.2.30R operates by excluding the application of the sourcebooks contained in the Prudential Standards part of the FCA Handbook, except for the sourcebooks or parts of sourcebooks referred to in GEN 2.2.30R(2).

  2. (2)

    The sourcebooks referred to in GEN 2.2.30R(2) contain rules that may apply to a TP firm either by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(1) if they applied to that firm immediately before IP completion day25, or rules that may apply to a TP firm by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(2) if the conditions in that provision are met, and the rule does not relate to capital adequacy.

  3. (3)

    The approach in GEN 2.2.30R to applying rules relating to capital adequacy to a TP firm is generally to ensure that the firm is only subject to those rules that applied to it immediately before IP completion day25. Therefore, a TP firm will not be subject to additional capital adequacy requirements to those that applied to the firm immediately before IP completion day25.

  4. (4)

    The sourcebooks referred to in GEN 2.2.30R(2) contain some rules which do not relate to capital adequacy. Such rules may apply to TP firms by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R. Certain of these rules may apply to TP firms by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(2), as follows:

    1. (a)

      rules in MIPRU 2.2 (Allocation of the responsibility for insurance distribution activity or MCD credit intermediation activity);

    2. (b)

      certain of the rules in MIPRU 3.2 (Professional indemnity insurance requirements);

    3. (c)

      rules in MIPRU 5.2 (Use of intermediaries); and

    4. (d)

      certain of the rules in IPRU(INV) 13.1 (Application, general requirements and professional indemnity insurance requirements).

  5. (5)

    The sourcebooks contained in the Prudential Standards part of the FCA Handbook are not the only sourcebooks which include rules relating to capital adequacy. For example, see the rules in CONC 10 and MAR 8. The capital adequacy requirements in such other sourcebooks may apply to a TP firm by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R, to the extent the firm carries on the relevant regulated activity. However, a TP firm will not be subject to additional capital adequacy requirements to those that applied to the firm immediately before IP completion day25.

  6. (6)

    For the purpose of this guidance, rules relating to capital adequacy comprise rules relating to the adequacy of a firm’s financial resources, including both capital resources and liquidity resources. However, rules relating to capital adequacy do not include rules involving the holding of professional indemnity insurance, except where such rules are tied to capital adequacy requirements by a form of optionality29. Therefore, rules involving the holding of professional indemnity insurance may apply to a TP firm by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R, but if such rules are tied to capital adequacy requirements, they cannot apply by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(2).

Rules applying while a firm has temporary recognition – general – TP UCITS qualifiers and TP AIFM qualifiers

GEN 2.2.32 R
  1. (1)

    23Unless the contrary intention appears, a rule does not apply to a TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier, except that in relation to a scheme or a sub-fund a rule which imposed an obligation on a person immediately before IP completion day25 who becomes a TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier continues to apply to that person to the same extent and to the same activities to which the rule applied at that time.

  2. (2)
    1. (a)

      If after IP completion day25 a person becomes a TP UCITS qualifier in relation to a new sub-fund then, unless the contrary intention appears, a rule which would have imposed an obligation on that person immediately before IP completion day25 had that new sub-fund been recognised under section 264 of the Act at that time applies to the TP UCITS qualifier.

    2. (b)

      A rule in (a) applies in relation to the new sub-fund to the same extent and to the same activities to which the rule would have applied had that new sub-fund been recognised under section 264 of the Act. immediately before IP completion day.

Amendments to rules applied to TP AIFM qualifiers and TP UCITS qualifiers

GEN 2.2.33 R
  1. (1)

    23A rule applied by GEN 2.2.32R:

    1. (a)

      applies with any amendment made to the rule in question which comes into force on IP completion day25 arising from the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union;

    2. (b)

      applies until it is deleted after IP completion day25, or, where a rule is amended or replaced after IP completion day25, it continues to apply as amended or replaced unless the rule states that it does not apply; and

    3. (c)

      only applies to the firm’s activities in relation to the AIF or the scheme in the United Kingdom.

  2. (2)

    Where a rule (or paragraph of a rule) applied by GEN 2.2.32R:

    1. (a)

      only applied to a person who was an authorised person by virtue of paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 5 to the Act; and

    2. (b)

      is deleted on IP completion day25;

    deletion is disregarded and it continues to apply to the TP UCITS qualifier or TP AIFM qualifier; and references in the rule (or paragraph of the rule) to the EU or to an EU matter or thing are deemed to be references to the UK or a UK matter or thing, as the case may be.

  3. (3)

    A TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier does not have to comply with paragraph (1)(a) while and to the extent that the FCA directs that where the same rule:

    1. (a)

      begins to apply to a firm other than a TP firm, TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier (A) as a result of an exit instrument, it is not to apply to A; or

    2. (b)

      applies to A differently from how it would have but for an exit instrument, the obligation is modified so that A does not breach it if it complies with the rule as it applied immediately before IP completion day25.

  4. (4)

    In paragraph (3):

    1. (a)

      the reference to the “FCA directs” is to a direction made by FCA under Part 7 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019;

    2. (b)

      the expressions “exit instrument” and “relevant obligation” have the meanings in Part 7 of those regulations.

Modification of rules applied to TP AIFM qualifiers and TP UCITS qualifiers

GEN 2.2.34 R
  1. (1)

    23Where a rule in GEN 2.2.32R applies and:

    1. (a)

      as a result of an amendment which comes into force on IP completion day25 which removes a reference to a matter in relation to the EEA; and

    2. (b)

      it is no longer practicable for the TP UCITS qualifier or the TP AIFM qualifier to comply with the rule because of the amendment,

    the TP UCITS qualifier or the TP AIFM qualifier may treat the rule, to the extent necessary, as if it continued to refer to a matter in relation to the EEA.

  2. (2)

    If as a result of:

    1. (a)

      the UK’s withdrawal from the EU; and

    2. (b)

      complying with a rule applied by GEN 2.2.32R,

    a TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier would contravene a provision in its Home State, the rule applied by GEN 2.2.32R which caused the contravention, to the extent necessary, does not apply.

Guidance applying while a firm has temporary permission

GEN 2.2.35 R

23Unless the contrary intention appears, guidance does not apply to a , a TP UCITS qualifier or a TP AIFM qualifier except that:

  1. (1)

    guidance on or in connection with a rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(1) applies to a TP firm to the same extent as that rule;

  2. (2)

    guidance on or in connection with a rule applied by GEN 2.2.26R(2) applies to a TP firm to the same extent as that rule;

  3. (3)

    guidance on or in connection with a rule applied by GEN 2.2.32R applies to a TP UCITS qualifier and a TP AIFM qualifier to the same extent as that rule; and

  4. (4)

    to the extent that an enactment, other than a rule, applies to both a TP firm and a firm with a Part 4A permission granted by the FCA or PRA, guidance on, or in connection with, that enactment (or relevant part of that enactment) applies to a TP firm to the same extent as it applies to a firm with Part 4A permission granted by the FCA or PRA. To the extent an enactment is modified for the purposes of the EU Exit Passport Regulations, guidance on, or in connection with, that enactment must be read subject to those modifications. This provision applies mutatis mutandis to guidance which applies to a TP UCITS qualifier.or a TP AIFM qualifier

GEN 2.2.35A G

27A TP firm should refer to the provisions listed below, which identify the rules and guidance in their sourcebooks that came into force after IP completion day and in respect of which special provision has been made to apply them to TP firms.

27 COBS 1.1.1CR ,

27 COBS 2.2.-1R ,

COBS 4.12A.3R 31

COBS 4.12B.1R 31

27 COBS 10.1.2R ,

27 COBS 14.3.1R

and COBS 22.6.1R28,

[deleted]28

28 ICOBS 1 Annex 1 , Part 1, Who? (paragraph 7)

27 PROD 1.3.-1AR

27 and

27 PROD 1.4.-1AR

28 SUP 16.28.7R

27 SUP 16.1.3R ,

27 SUP 16.27.2R

27 and SUP 16.27.8R

27 27 27 27 27

Purpose

GEN 2.2.36 G
  1. (1)

    23The approach to what rules apply to TP firms is broadly to apply rules to TP firms which applied to them immediately prior to IP completion day26, whether those rules applied in the United Kingdom (as was the case for host state rules) or, where rules are directive-based, in the firm’s Home State or, where relevant under an EU measure in relation to which the law of the country of origin applies, the state where the establishment is located and from which the firm’s service is provided.

    23
  2. (2)

    The Glossary definitions of TP firm and temporary permission each include both firms that enter the temporary permission or temporary variation regime set out in Part 3 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations and firms that enter the financial services contracts regime set out in Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations.on or after IP completion day25

  3. (3)

    GEN 2.2.26R (1) and GEN 2.2.33R refer to “a rule which imposed an obligation on a person”. This is to distinguish a rule which imposes substantive obligations from a rule which sets out the application of rules.

  4. (4)

    GEN 2.2.26R to GEN 2.2.35R apply rules and guidance to firms which before IP completion day25 had passporting rights by virtue of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, or of that Treaty as applied by the Agreement on the European Economic Area signed at Oporto on 2 May 1992 whose parties consist of the EEA States.

  5. (5)

    The application of rules and guidance to TP firms under Part 3 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations must be read in the light of the purpose of temporary permission under Part 3 of those Regulations, which is to allow TP firms to continue to carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom, or of the purpose of the temporary recognition regime for TP UCITS qualifiers or for TP AIFM qualifiers to continue to market funds in the United Kingdom. In each case that purpose takes into account that the legal framework underpinning cross border financial services has changed because the Treaty, EU regulations and EU directives no longer apply in the United Kingdom by virtue of EU law.

  6. (6)

    For a TP firm under Part 3 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations the scope of authorisation of an EEA-based firm which qualified for authorisation under Schedule 3 or 4 to the Act is preserved. Those Regulations do not extend the means by which a TP firm can carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom, which remain limited (leaving aside top-up permission) to those which were available under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, for example, a firm carrying on regulated activities in the United Kingdom from an establishment outside of the EEA cannot rely upon this means to do so.For a TP firm under Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations, the scope of the firm’s permission is further limited by what is permitted under regulation 33 or 40 of those Regulations.

  7. (7)

    The General Rules also apply where regulated activities have been amended on IP completion day25, because the purpose of temporary permission is to enable TP firms to continue to carry on such regulated activities in the United Kingdom.

  8. (8)

    Part 6 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 enables a new sub-fund to be a recognised scheme for the purposes of Part 17 of the Act in certain circumstances. Therefore, the purpose of GEN 2.2.32R(2) is to ensure that a rule applies to a TP UCITS qualifier in relation to a new sub-fund if that rule would have applied to the sub-fund had it been a scheme recognised under section 264 of the Act immediately before IP completion day25 (unless the contrary intention appears).

  9. (9)

    In relation to persons with temporary EMI authorisation, temporary PI authorisation and temporary RAISP authorisation, the specified directions, rules and guidance in FEES 4A, 7C and 13A apply to them. In addition, in relation to those persons, rules and guidance in DISP, SUP, PRIN and BCOBS apply to them as they apply to electronic money institutions, payment institutions and registered account information service providers24 that are authorised or registered in the UK.

  10. (10)

    A person with temporary EMI authorisation is deemed to be an authorised electronic money institution in accordance with regulation 2(a) of Part 1 of Schedule 3 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations. As such, the provisions of the Electronic Money Regulations as amended by the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations and subject to the exclusions set out in regulation 7 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations apply to such persons.

  11. (11)

    This paragraph applies to persons with temporary PI authorisation and temporary RAISP authorisation:

    1. (a)

      a person with temporary PI authorisation is deemed to be an authorised payment institution in accordance with regulation 14(2)(a)(i) of Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations.

    2. (b)

      a person with temporary RAISP authorisation is deemed to be a Registered Account Information Service Provider in accordance with regulation 2(2)(a)(ii) of Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations.

  12. (12)

    As such, the provisions of the Payment Services Regulations as amended by the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations and subject to the exclusions set out in regulation 19 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations apply to persons to whom paragraph (11) applies.

  13. (13)

    The Glossary definitions of temporary EMI authorisation, temporary PI authorisation and temporary RAISP authorisation each include both persons that enter the temporary permission regime set out in Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule 3 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations and persons that enter the financial services contracts regime in accordance with regulation 12B and 26 of Parts 1A and 3 of Schedule 3 of the E-money and Payments Transitional Provisions Regulations.

The effect of the General Rules

GEN 2.2.37 G
  1. (1)

    23The approach in these rules is a general one and does not apply where a rule states explicitly that a different provision applies to such a firm or that position is stated in relation to the rule.

  2. (2)

    The FCA has decided in certain cases specifically to apply rules to TP firms, for example:

    1. (a)

      in relation to the application of our Principles for Businesses (PRIN);

    2. (b)

      in chapters 4A, 6, 7C, 7D and 13A, and at rule 5.1.1CR, of the Fees Manual (FEES);

    3. (c)

      in the General Provisions (GEN) which relate to status disclosure;

    4. (d)

      in the Client Assets sourcebook (CASS) at chapter 14;

    5. (e)

      in the Compensation sourcebook (COMP);

    6. (f)

      in chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the Dispute Resolution: Complaints sourcebook (DISP);

    7. (g)

      in relation to the approved persons regime, such specific applications are largely to be found in the Supervision Manual (SUP) 10A; and

    8. (h)

      in relation to the senior managers and certification regime, the main provisions so applied are listed in the Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook (SYSC) at SYSC 23.3.3G.

  3. (3)

    The effect of GEN 2.2.26R(1) and GEN 2.2.32R also includes a rule which applied immediately before IP completion day25 to a firm’s activity beyond the activity that was its permitted activity under Schedule 3 (or its permitted activity under Schedule 4 to the Act or beyond the activity that was permitted under paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 5 to the Act). For example, where such a firm had a Part 4A permission for that other activity before IP completion day25 (i.e. it had a top-up permission).

  4. (4)

    None of GEN 2.2.26R(1), GEN 2.2.26R(2) and GEN 2.2.32R prevent changes being made to the rules that apply to such firms on and after IP completion day25.

  5. (5)

    GEN 2.2.26R(2) refers to a rule which deals with a matter which immediately before IP completion day25 was reserved to the Home State of the firm. These rules include both rules that under an EU directive are always the responsibility of that state, such as rules concerning the safeguarding of client assets, and also rules the responsibility for which depends on whether the service or activity takes place at a branch or establishment in a state other than the Home State of the firm or is provided cross border from a branch or establishment in the Home State. For example, it would cover all of the rules which implement the provisions which are the responsibility of the Home State under, as the case may be, article 34 or article 35 of MIFID. GEN 2.2.26R(2)(b) and the words in (4) and (6) concerning the EEA State where the TP firm has its establishment will be applicable in a situation where an EU directive includes a country of origin provision (one which generally requires compliance with the law of the state where the establishment from which the service is provided), such as the E-Commerce Directive or the Distance Marketing Directive. In that case GEN 2.2.26R(2)(b) and the related words in (4) and (6) would apply to an FCA rule which deals with a matter reserved, under such a directive, to the law of the state where the TP firm has its establishment from which the service is provided, an example of which is the rules in COBS 5.2.

  6. (6)

    The effect of GEN 2.2.26R(2) is to apply a rule to the extent that the rule implemented an EU directive, notwithstanding that before IP completion day25 the matter was reserved to the Home State or to the state where the establishment from which the service is provided is situated. A rule which the FCA imposes by virtue of a national discretion set out in a directive is to be taken as a rule which implements a directive. Where a TP firm’s home state or, where relevant, the country of origin of the firm’s establishment exercises a national discretion expressly permitted by a directive not to apply a provision, which the FCA has chosen to apply through a rule, the firm has no need to comply with or apply the rule in question. To the extent a rule goes beyond what is necessary to implement a directive, it does not apply as a result of GEN 2.2.26R(2). Therefore a more stringent rule applied by the FCA in relation to a minimum harmonisation EU directive would not be applied by GEN 2.2.26R(2).

  7. (7)

    The General Rules set out in GEN 2.2.26R to 2.2.31G do not address EEA fund managers which only market funds in the UK without carrying on any regulated activity here (e.g. without managing any funds). The definition of TP firm does not include a person which was a recognised scheme under section 264 of the Act and a person which exercised its right only to market an AIF in the UK in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Act. Persons when only marketing are defined for these rules and guidance as TP UCITS qualifiers and TP AIFM qualifiers, and are covered by GEN 2.2.32R, 2.2.33R, 2.2.34R and 2.2.35R.

  8. (8)

    An example of a matter falling within GEN 2.2.28R(1) or GEN 2.2.34R(1) may be a rule which on IP completion day25 (as a result of an amendment made under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) then only refers to membership of a UK professional body. Where GEN 2.2.28R(1) or GEN 2.2.34R(1) applies, the firm may treat the rule in question as if it continued to refer to an EEA professional body.

  9. (9)

    In determining the rules that apply to them by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(1), TP firms may as a starting point find it helpful to refer to the table in SUP 13A Annex 1 (Rules that apply to incoming EEA firms) as it applied immediately before IP completion day25. However, the table will not apply in its entirety to each TP firm, for example, because a TP firm with top-up permission (see paragraph (3)) needs to continue to comply with rules that apply in relation to that activity, and specified rules referred to in the table were deleted on IP completion day and are not applied by the General Rules as set out in GEN 2.2.27R(2)), namely those in COMP and FEES 6.

  10. (10)

    In determining the rules that apply to them by virtue of GEN 2.2.26R(2), TP firms may as a starting point find it helpful to refer to the table in SUP 13A Annex 2G (Matters reserved to the home state) as it applied immediately before IP completion day25.

  11. (11)

    GEN 2.2.27R(3) concerns the use of the FCA’s standstill direction to disapply or modify certain obligations as a result of the operation of exit instruments. That direction does not apply to rules applied to TP firms by the general approach rules. GEN 2.2.27R(3) therefore achieves a similar result to the direction by disapplying the requirement in GEN 2.2.27R(1)(a) to comply with changes made to a rule in question which comes into force on IP completion day25 to address an issue resulting from the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. Since GEN 2.2.27R(3) states that, where it applies, a TP firm does not have to comply with a rule as amended referred to in GEN 2.2.27R(1)(a), it is open to the TP firm to comply with such a rule while the FCA’s standstill direction is in force. GEN 2.2.33R(3) has the same effect in relation to TP UCITS qualifiers and TP AIFM qualifiers. In contrast, GEN 2.2.27R(4), where it applies, has the effect that a TP firm has to comply with a prudential rule which applies to it as the rule was immediately before IP completion day25.

Rules and guidance applying while a firm has temporary permission – tied agents

GEN 2.2.38 G
  1. (1)

    23A tied agent that is an appointed representative may not start to act as a tied agent until it is included on the Financial Services Register (see section 39(1A) of the Act).

  2. (2)

    To ensure that a tied agent is included on the Financial Services Register, a TP firm should complete the Appointed representative appointment form in SUP 12 Annex 3R when appointing a tied agent to carry on MiFID business on its behalf in the United Kingdom.

  3. (3)

    A TP firm that terminates its relationship with a tied agent that was required to be notified to the FCA should complete the Appointed representative termination form in SUP 12 Annex 5R to have that tied agent removed from the Financial Services Register.

TP firms that enter the financial services contracts regime under Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations

GEN 2.2.39 G
  1. (1)

    23As the definitions of TP firm and temporary permission also include TP firms under Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations, the rules and guidance in GEN 2.2.26R to GEN 2.2.35G also apply to firms which enter the financial services contracts regime set out in Part 6 of those Regulations after IP completion day25 having been in temporary permission under Part 3 of those Regulations, or which become TP firms under regulation 32 of those Regulations.

  2. (2)

    The application of rules and guidance to TP firms under Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations must be read in the light of the purpose of temporary permission under Part 6 of those Regulations, which is to enable such a TP firm to run down its regulated business in the United Kingdom. Regulation 33 or 40 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations sets out the scope of permitted activities, which is generally those regulated activities previously within the scope of the firm’s passport, necessary to perform a pre-existing contract (as defined in regulation 46 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations).

  3. (3)

    Accordingly, the rules and guidance in GEN 2.2.26R to 2.2.31G, and 2.2.35R to 2.2.37G continue to apply where a TP firm leaves temporary permission under Part 3 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations and then enters temporary permission under Part 6 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations, namely, where the person falls within regulation 31, 37 or 38 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations. The same is true for a TP firm which leaves temporary permission under regulation 28 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations and then enters temporary permission under regulation 39 of those Regulations.

  4. (4)

    In those cases, GEN 2.2.27R has the effect that any changes referred to in that rule, which happen between IP completion day25 and when the person enters temporary permission (notwithstanding that they were previously in temporary permission) under the regulation in question, apply to the TP firm. This also applies to a TP firm which enters temporary permission for the first time under regulation 32 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations.

  5. (5)

    Where a TP firm enters temporary permission under regulation 32 of the EU Exit Passport Regulations, a rule referred to in GEN 2.2.26R(1) once again applies to that person, together with any changes referred to in paragraph (3). The rules applied by GEN 2.2.26R(2) to such a TP firm apply together with any changes referred to in paragraph (3).

GEN 2.3 General saving of the Handbook for Gibraltar

Continued application of the Handbook with respect to Gibraltar

GEN 2.3.1 R
  1. (1)

    3The FCA Handbook shall, after IP completion day4, be construed, unless the contrary intention appears, as conferring rights and imposing obligations in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar corresponding to those that existed immediately before IP completion day4.

  2. (2)

    Accordingly, any provision of these rules which immediately before IP completion day4 applied in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar shall, with any necessary modifications to give effect to that corresponding right or obligation, continue to apply after IP completion day4; and any provision which did not so apply shall continue not to apply, unless provision indicating the contrary intention is made.

  3. (3)

    In GEN 2.3, a reference to “Gibraltar” includes, but is not limited to, rights or obligations conferred or imposed in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar-based firms5, public institutions established, persons resident and body corporates incorporated in Gibraltar, and activities of firms in Gibraltar.

  4. (4)

    A Gibraltar-based firm with permission for funeral plan provision activity or funeral plan distribution must comply with the relevant Handbook provisions relating to regulated funeral plan activity5.

Extent of guidance applying in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar

GEN 2.3.2 R
  1. (1)

    3Guidance which, immediately before IP completion day4, was guidance on or in connection with a rule to which, on and after IP completion day4, GEN 2.3.1R applies, shall, with any necessary modifications, continue to apply on and after IP completion day4 in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar to the same extent as the rule, unless provision indicating the contrary intention is made.

  2. (2)

    Guidance which, immediately before IP completion day4, was guidance on or in connection with an enactment other than a rule, shall continue to apply on and after IP completion day4 in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar to the same extent as the enactment continues to apply in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar.

Purpose of GEN 2.3.1R and GEN 2.3.2R

GEN 2.3.3 G
  1. (1)

    3The purpose of GEN 2.3.1R and GEN 2.3.2R is to ensure that the rules and guidance that apply in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar before IP completion day4 continue to apply in the same way after IP completion day4, notwithstanding amendments made to the FCA Handbook as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

  2. (2)

    Accordingly, any amendment to or deletion of a rule or guidance made to address a matter arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU is to be disregarded to the extent it changed the application of a rule or guidance in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar.

  3. (3)

    As such, any rule or guidance that applied before IP completion day4 in relation to or in connection with a Gibraltar-based firm, a person resident in Gibraltar, a body corporate incorporated in Gibraltar, or the activities of a firm in Gibraltar will so apply after IP completion day4 with any necessary modifications, taking into account any other amendments made on IP completion day4.

  4. (4)

    However, the approach in GEN 2.3.1R is a general one, and as such that approach does not apply where a rule or guidance states explicitly that a different provision applies in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar or where a different position is explicitly stated in relation to a rule or guidance.

  5. (5)

    In GEN 2.3.1R, the contrary intention should be construed in the light of regulations made under the EUWA. GEN 2.3.1R is not intended to apply where the application of a rule or guidance in the FCA Handbook in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar would be contrary to the intention of regulations made under the EUWA or would have a result that is incompatible or inconsistent with the legislative scheme with which the rule or guidance is connected.

  6. (6)

    The rules and guidance are saved subject to any necessary modification to give effect to a right or obligation that corresponds to the right or obligation that existed before IP completion day4. So, for example, where the removal of a reference to a matter in relation to Gibraltar could make it impracticable for a Gibraltar-based firm exercising market access rights by virtue of the Gibraltar Order to continue to comply with a rule, the rule should be construed as applying, to the extent necessary, as if it continued to refer to a matter in relation to Gibraltar.

  7. (7)

    An example of such a matter may be a rule which on and after IP completion day4(as a result of an amendment made under the EUWA) refers only to the membership of a UK professional body. Where this is the case, a Gibraltar-based firm may treat the rule as if it continues to refer to a Gibraltar-based professional body, if that is necessary to correspond with the obligation that had effect in relation to the Gibraltar-based firm before IP completion day4.

  8. (8)

    None of GEN 2.3.1R or GEN 2.3.2R prevents changes being made to rules and guidance that apply in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar after IP completion day4.

Further guidance on GEN 2.3.1R and GEN 2.3.2R as they apply in relation to Gibraltar-based firms exercising market access rights by virtue of the Gibraltar Order

GEN 2.3.4 G
  1. (1)

    3Where GEN 2.3.1R and GEN 2.3.2R apply in relation to a Gibraltar-based firm exercising market access rights by virtue of the Gibraltar Order and which carries on regulated activities outside of the scope of its entitlement, such as by virtue of a Part 4A permission (i.e. it has a top-up permission), rules and guidance will continue to apply to such a firm in respect of those activities by virtue of that permission.

  2. (2)

    Where GEN 2.3.1R and GEN 2.3.2R apply in relation to a Gibraltar-based firm exercising market access rights by virtue of the Gibraltar Order, in determining which rules and guidance could apply to them in the UK, such firms may, as a starting point, find it helpful to refer to the table in SUP 13A Annex 1G (Rules that applied to incoming EEA firms) as it applied immediately before IP completion day4. However, the table will not apply in its entirety to each such firm, if, for example, a firm has a Part 4A permission for other activities.

Exception for fee rates

GEN 2.3.5 G

2 1Provisions in FEES that immediately before IP completion day applied in relation to or in connection with Gibraltar shall continue to apply after IP completion day. The exceptions to this provision are the fee rates set out in FEES which may change each fee year.

GEN 2 Annex 1 Designated investment exchanges

G

Introduction

1.

A designated investment exchange is an exchange appearing in the list of such exchanges in the Glossary.

Benefits of designation

2.

Under certain rules, firms may treat transactions effected on a designated investment exchange in the same way as transactions on RIEs (for example, see 3CASS 2).

3

Criteria for inclusion in the list of designated investment exchanges

3.

Before adding an investment exchange to the list of designated investment exchanges in the Handbook, the FCA5 will comply with all the requirements imposed by the Act in relation to the exercise of its rule-making powers. This will include consulting on the proposed amendment to the list.

5

4.

In considering compatibility of the proposed addition with the statutory objectives5, the FCA5 will determine whether the investment exchange provides an appropriate degree of protection for consumers having regard in particular to:

5 5

(1)

the relevant law and practice, including the regulatory framework in which the investment exchange operates, in the country or territory in which the investment exchange's head office is situated and any other relevant country or territory; and

(2)

the rules and practices of the investment exchange.

5.

Only investment exchanges which do not carry on a regulated activity in the United Kingdom and are not regulated markets may be added to the list. This is because an investment exchange carrying on a regulated activity in the United Kingdom will need to apply for recognition as an RIE, or authorisation, and because a regulated market is usually treated in the same way as an RIE in the rules.

Applications to be added to the list of designated investment exchanges

6.

An application to be added to the list should be in writing and delivered to the FCA5 by:

5

(1)

post to:

The Financial Conduct Authority5

12 Endeavour Square4

London

E20 1JN4; or

5

(2)

leaving the application at that address.

7.

In support of the application, an investment exchange should provide information on the questions set out in the table below.

8.51

An application will not be considered by the FCA5 until the application fee has been paid. See 12FEES 3.22

5

Designated investment exchange questionnaire

1

In what way are members subject to formal supervision by the exchange or another supervisory or regulatory body? Describe how capital resources of members are monitored on an ongoing basis and how this is related to business done.

2

What powers does the exchange or any other supervisory or regulatory body have to intervene in a member's business in the event of misconduct, financial difficulties or otherwise?

3

What are the clearing arrangements of the exchange? How does the exchange ensure performance of a contract between its members? If relevant, what type of contract guarantee is available?

4

How is price information in respect of contracts effected on the exchange disseminated to investors, particularly those investors in the United Kingdom?

5

What are the exchange's arrangements for reporting and recording of transactions effected on the exchange? Please describe.

6

Does the exchange, or any other supervisory or regulatory body, require members to segregate the money and assets of the member's clients from the money and assets of the member? If so, please describe in outline how this operates. If not, are investors protected in any other way in the event of the insolvency of a member or the exchange?

7

Does the exchange have procedures for the investigation of complaints? Please describe what they are.

8

Does the exchange classify the different contracts traded on it in terms of liquidity? Is it possible to identify certain contracts which are more liquid than others and in which a ready market might be considered to exist?