MAR 8.5 Regulated benchmark administrators

1The rule in MAR 8.5.2R does not apply to a regulated benchmark administrator which is an SMCR firm2. That is because:

1. (1)

   Most UK SMCR firms2 are already subject to the requirement to allocate overall responsibility for each of the activities, business areas and management functions of the firm in SYSC 26.3 (Main rules)2 (the table in SYSC 25 Annex 1G (Examples of the2 business activities and functions of a relevant authorised person an SMCR firm2) refers to administering a benchmark); and

2. (2)

   overseas SMCR firms2 do not require authorisation to carry out the activity of administering a benchmark unless they are located in the UK. That is because that regulated activity gives effect to article 34 of the benchmarks regulation and, for these purposes, the requirements of article 34 only apply to administrators which are located in the UK.

1. (1)

   1Article 19 of the benchmarks regulation states that Annex II to that regulation applies to the provision of a commodity benchmark instead of Title II to the regulation (save where Annex II is disapplied by article 19).

2. (2)

   Paragraph 14(a) of Annex II to the benchmarks regulation requires an Annex II benchmark administrator to ensure that it has in place segregated reporting lines amongst its managers, assessors and other employees and from the managers to the administrator’s most senior level management and its board to ensure:

   1. (a)

      that the administrator satisfactorily implements the requirements of the benchmarks regulation; and

   2. (b)

      that responsibilities are clearly defined and do not conflict or cause a perception of conflict.

1An Annex II benchmark administrator which is an SMCR firm2 may comply with the requirement in MAR 8.5.4R(2) to notify the FCA of the identity of the most senior manager(s) responsible for implementing the requirements of the benchmarks regulation by including that responsibility in that person’s statement of responsibilities.

1. (1)

   1The guidance in (2) and (3) applies to regulated benchmark administrators other than Annex II benchmark administrators.

2. (2)

   Article 14(1) of the benchmarks regulation requires a regulated benchmark administrator to establish adequate systems and effective controls to ensure the integrity of input data in order to be able to identify and report to its competent authority any conduct that may involve manipulation or attempted manipulation of a benchmark, under the Market Abuse Regulation.

3. (3)

   For the avoidance of doubt, the FCA expects a regulated benchmark administrator to notify the FCA without delay of any notification it receives from a contributor about conduct that may involve manipulation or attempted manipulation of a benchmark under the Market Abuse Regulation.

1A regulated benchmark administrator that administers more than one critical benchmark may comply with its financial resources requirements under MAR 8.5.8R(2) by holding sufficient financial resources to cover the combined operating costs for all critical benchmarks it administers.

1. (1)

   1MAR 8.5.8R sets out the minimum amount of financial resources a regulated benchmark administrator must hold to carry out administering a benchmark in relation to a critical benchmark.

2. (2)

   The FCA expects regulated benchmark administrators administering a critical benchmark to:

   1. (a)

      normally hold sufficient financial resources to cover the operating costs of administering the critical benchmark(s) for a period of nine months; and

   2. (b)

      notify the FCA where a regulated benchmark administrator’s financial resources fall below these levels (required by MAR 8.5.13R and SUP 15.3.11R).

1To meet the financial resources requirement in MAR 8.5.8R(2), the FCA expects a regulated benchmark administrator to hold both sufficient liquid financial assets and net capital to cover the operating costs of administering the critical benchmark(s). In particular:

1. (1)

   net capital can include common stock, retained earnings, disclosed reserves, or other instruments generally classified as common equity tier one capital or additional tier one capital, and may include interim earnings that have been independently verified by an auditor.

2. (2)

   net capital should be calculated after deductions for:

   1. (a)

      holdings of the regulated benchmark administrator’s own securities or those of any undertakings in the regulated benchmark administrator’s group;

   2. (b)

      any amount owed to the regulated benchmark administrator by an undertaking in its group under any loan or credit arrangement; and

   3. (c)

      any exposure arising under any guarantee, charge or contingent liability.

3. (3)

   liquid financial assets can include cash or liquid financial instruments held on the balance sheet of the regulated benchmark administrator where the financial instruments:

   1. (a)

      have minimal market and credit risk; and

   2. (b)

      are capable of being liquidated with minimal adverse price effect.

1The FCA may use its powers under section 55L of the Act to impose on a regulated benchmark administrator subject to MAR 8.5.8R a requirement to hold additional financial resources to MAR 8.5.8R if the FCA considers that desirable to meet any of its operational objectives.

1Regulated benchmark administrators are reminded of their obligation under SUP 15.3.11R to notify the FCA of any significant breaches of rules.