SUP 12.1 Application and purpose

5 In addition to those rules in SUP 12 relating to the MiFID business of appointed representatives and tied agents, there are other obligations derived from MiFID6 in the Handbook relevant to the knowledge and competence of tied agents and related compliance obligations (see SYSC 5.1, TC and FIT (in respect of appointed representatives that are approved persons)). These provisions are subject to the territorial application requirements in their respective chapters.

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’s website includes information about becoming and appointing an appointed representative. This information can be found at https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/appointed-representatives-principals5.

2This chapter also sets out:5

1. (1)

   guidance about section 39A of the Act, which is relevant to a MiFID investment firm6 that is considering appointing an FCA registered tied agent; and5

2. (2)

   the FCA’s rules, and guidance on those rules, in relation to the appointment of:5

   1. (a)

      an FCA registered tied agent by a MiFID investment firm6;5

   2. (b)

      a MiFID optional exemption appointed representative; and5

   3. (c)

      a structured deposit appointed representative.5