SUP 12.1 Application and purpose

This chapter gives guidance to a firm, which is considering appointing an appointed representative, on how the provisions of section 39 of the Act (Exemption of appointed representatives) work. For example, it gives guidance on the conditions that must be satisfied for a person to be appointed as an appointed representative. It also gives guidance to a firm on the implications, for the firm itself, of appointing an appointed representative.

The chapter also sets out the FCA's rules, and guidance on these rules, that apply to a firm before it appoints, when it appoints and when it has appointed an appointed representative. The main purpose of these rules is to place responsibility on a firm for seeking to ensure that:

1. (1)

   its appointed representatives are fit and proper to deal with clients in its name; and

2. (2)

   clients dealing with its appointed representatives are afforded the same level of protection as if they had dealt with the firm itself.

The FCA has produced a leaflet entitled "Becoming an appointed representative" which provides a comprehensive summary of some of the main features of the appointed representative regime. You may download a copy of this leaflet from our website at http://www.fca.org.uk/your-fca/documents/factsheet-becoming-an-appointed-representative.

2This chapter also sets

out guidance about section 39A of the Act, which is relevant to a UK MiFID investment firm that is considering appointing an FCA registered tied agent. It also sets out the FCA's rules, and guidance on those rules, in relation to the appointment of an EEA tied agent by a UK MiFID investment firm.