SUP 10C.3 1General material about the definition of controlled functions

This section has general provisions that apply to the definition of all controlled functions.

There are two types of FCA controlled function under the Act:

1. (1)

   an FCA-designated senior management function; and

2. (2)

   an FCA controlled function that is not a designated senior management function.

All the controlled functions that the FCA has specified in this chapter are designated senior management functions. The FCA has not, in this chapter, used its power to specify controlled functions that are not designated senior management functions.

The FCA has (in SUP 10A) specified controlled functions for SMCR firms3 that are not designated senior management functions. (See SUP 10C.1.7R to SUP 10C.1.8G (Appointed representatives)).

1. (1)

   Except as described in SUP 10C.3.4G, in this chapter, FCA controlled function and FCA-designated senior management function cover the same functions.

2. (2)

   Therefore, a function is only covered by SUP 10C.4.3R (Table of FCA-designated senior management 2functions3) if that function meets both the following sets of requirements:

   1. (a)

      the requirements of SUP 10C.3.6R (Definition of FCA controlled function: arrangements); and

   2. (b)

      the requirements of SUP 10C.3.10R (Definition of FCA-designated senior management function).

Section 59(1) and (2) of the Act provide that approval is necessary for an FCA controlled function which is performed under an arrangement entered into by a firm, or its contractor (typically an appointed representative), in relation to a regulated activity.

1. (1)

   Arrangement is defined in section 59(10) of the Act as any kind of arrangement for the performance of a function which is entered into by a firm or any of its contractors with another person.

2. (2)

   Arrangement includes the appointment of a person to an office, a person becoming a partner, or a person's employment (whether under a contract of service or otherwise).

3. (3)

   An arrangement need not be a written contract but could arise by conduct, custom and practice.

If a firm is a member of a group, a person employed elsewhere in the group (for example, by the holding company) who carries out a function in relation to the firm will only perform an FCA controlled function:

1. (1)

   if the function is performed under an arrangement entered into by the firm (under section 59(1)); or

2. (2)

   if:

   1. (a)

      there is a contract (under section 59(2)) between the firm and the relevant group member permitting this; and

   2. (b)

      the function is performed under an arrangement entered into by the contractor.

Section 59ZA(2) of the Act says that a function is a ‘senior management function’, in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by a firm, if:

1. (1)

   the function will require the person performing it to be responsible for managing one or more aspects of the firm's affairs, so far as relating to the activity; and

2. (2)

   those aspects involve, or might involve, a risk of serious consequences:

   1. (a)

      for the firm; or

   2. (b)

      for business or other interests in the United Kingdom.

Section 59ZA(3) of the Act says that ‘managing’ includes, for these purposes, taking decisions, or participating in the taking of decisions, about how one or more aspects of the firm's affairs should be carried on.

SUP 10C.3.13R enables cover to be given for (as an example) holidays and emergencies and avoids the need for the precautionary approval of, for example, a deputy. However, as soon as it becomes apparent that a person will be performing an FCA-designated senior management function for more than 12 weeks, the firm should apply for approval.

See SUP 10C.12.7G to SUP 10C.12.14G (time-limited approvals) for procedures for temporary appointments longer than 12 weeks.

1. (1)

   3A firm to which SYSC 26 (Senior managers and certification regime: Overall and local responsibility) applies may have allocated responsibilities under that chapter to an SMF manager who is absent under SUP 10C.3.13R.

2. (2)

   SYSC 26.4.6R (Exclusion where the 12-week rule applies) deals with how those responsibilities may be reallocated during the SMF manager’s absence.

3. (3)

   SYSC 26.4.8G explains that SYSC 26.4.6R and SUP 10C.3.13R apply to a person performing the other overall responsibility function or the other local responsibility function as well as to other designated senior management functions.

1. (1)

   3If:

   1. (a)

      a firm allocates any FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities to an SMF manager; and

   2. (b)

      the SMF manager later becomes absent;

   the firm should reallocate them to another SMF manager.

2. (2)

   The firm may not allocate the absent manager’s FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities to the person providing cover for that manager unless the person providing cover is also an SMF manager of the firm.