PERG 7.1 Application and purpose

This chapter applies to anyone involved in publishing periodicals, or in providing news services or broadcasts, who gives (or proposes to give) advice about securities, structured deposits,4 relevant investments, P2P agreements,4 home finance transactions 1or certain pension transfers or conversions4 and who wishes to determine whether he will be carrying on the regulated activities of advising on investments, advising on regulated credit agreements for the acquisition of land2 oradvising on a home finance transaction or advising on conversion or transfer of pension benefits4.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance as to:

1. (1)

   when a person involved in publishing periodicals, or in providing news services or broadcasts, requires authorisation to carry on the regulated activities of advising on investments, advising on regulated credit agreements for the acquisition of land,4 advising on a home finance transaction 1or advising on conversion or transfer of pension benefits4 (see PERG 7.3 (Does the activity require authorisation));

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2. (2)

   if he does, whether he qualifies for the exclusion from those activities that applies to a periodical publication, a regularly updated news or information service or a television or radio service (see PERG 7.4 (Does the article 54 exclusion apply));

3. (3)

   if he does, whether his circumstances are an appropriate case for a certificate given by the FCA as conclusive evidence that he does qualify (see PERG 7.5 (When is it appropriate to apply for a certificate));

4. (4)

   how to apply for a certificate (see PERG 7.6.1 G to PERG 7.6.5 G); and

5. (5)

   how the FCA will use its power to give certificates (see PERG 7.6.6 G to PERG 7.6.10 G).

This guidance is issued under section 139A of the Act. The guidance represents the FCA's views and does not bind the courts, for example in relation to an action for damages brought by a private person for breach of a rule (see section 138D of the Act (Actions for damages)), or in relation to the enforceability of a contract where there has been a breach of section 19 (The general prohibition) of the Act (see section 26 of the Act (Enforceability of agreements)). Although the guidance does not bind the courts, it may be of persuasive effect for a court considering whether it would be just and equitable to allow a contract to be enforced (see section 28(3) of the Act). Anyone reading this guidance should refer to the Act and to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated activities) Order 2001 (SI 2001/544) (the Regulated activities Order) to find out the precise scope and effect of any particular provision referred to in the guidance and should consider seeking legal advice if doubt remains. If a person acts in accordance with the guidance in the circumstances contemplated by it, then the FCA will proceed on the footing that the person has complied with the aspects of the requirement to which the guidance relates.