PDCOB 17.1 Application of other parts of the Handbook

Principles for Businesses sourcebook (PRIN)

PRIN sets out high-level requirements imposed by the FCA. It provides a general statement of regulatory requirements. The Principles apply to all firms.

Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook (SYSC)

SYSC 1, SYSC 4 to SYSC 10, SYSC 18, SYSC 21 to SYSC 24 and SYSC 27 apply to firms carrying out regulated pensions dashboard activity. Insurers carrying out regulated pensions dashboard activity will be subject to the provisions of SYSC applicable to insurers when carrying out that activity.

Code of Conduct sourcebook (COCON)

This contains rules and guidance that are directly applicable to a firm’s SMF managers, certification employees and other conduct rules staff. It also contains guidance for firms on giving their staff training about COCON and general factors to which the FCA will have regard when assessing compliance with the COCON rules.

Threshold Conditions sourcebook (COND)

In order to become authorised under the Act, all firms must meet the threshold conditions. The threshold conditions must be met on a continuing basis by firms. Failure to meet one of the conditions is sufficient grounds for the exercise by the FCA of its powers.

Fit and Proper test for Employees and Senior Personnel sourcebook (FIT)

The purpose of FIT is to set out and describe the criteria that a firm should consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a person:

(1)

in respect of whom an application is being made for approval to undertake a controlled function under the senior managers regime;

(2)

who has already been approved;

(3)

who is a certification employee; or

(4)

whom a firm is considering appointing to be a certification employee.

FIT also sets out and describes criteria that the FCA will consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a candidate for a controlled function position and that it may consider when assessing the continuing fitness and propriety of approved persons.

Training and Competence sourcebook (TC)

TC sets out rules and guidance regarding the competence of a firm’s employees, continuing professional development and associated record-keeping requirements.

General Provisions sourcebook (GEN)

GEN contains rules and guidance on general matters, including interpreting the FCA Handbook, statutory status disclosure, the FCA’s logo and insurance against financial penalties.

Fees manual (FEES)

FEES sets out the fees applying to firms.

Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS)

COBS sets out rules and guidance regarding conduct of business in relation to investment services, such as investment advice.

Supervision manual (SUP)

SUP sets out the relationship between the FCA and firms. As a general rule, SUP contains material that is of continuing relevance after authorisation.

Decision, Procedure and Penalties manual (DEPP)

DEPP sets out:

(1)

the FCA’s decision-making procedure for giving statutory notices. These are warning notices, decision notices and supervisory notices (DEPP 1.2 to DEPP 5); and

(2)

the FCA’s policy with respect to the imposition and amount of penalties under the Act (see DEPP 6).

Dispute Resolution: Complaints sourcebook (DISP)

DISP sets out rules and guidance in relation to treating complainants fairly and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

The Enforcement Guide (EG)

EG describes the FCA’s approach to exercising the main enforcement powers given to it by the Act and by other legislation.

Financial Crime Guide (FCG): A firm’s guide to countering financial crime risks and Financial Crime Thematic Reviews (FCTR)

FCG and FCTR provide guidance on steps that a firm can take to reduce the risk that it might be used to further financial crime.

The Perimeter Guidance manual (PERG)

PERG gives guidance about the circumstances in which authorisation is required, or exempt person status is available, including guidance on the activities which are regulated under the Act and the exclusions which are available.

The Unfair Contract Terms and Consumer Notices Regulatory Guide (UNFCOG)

UNFCOG explains the FCA’s policy on how it will use its powers under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 in relation to unfair terms and consumer notices.

The Wind-Down Planning Guide (WDPG)

WDPG gives guidance about how to develop an effective wind-down plan.