Related provisions for SUP 12.5.4
1 - 20 of 118 items.
1The effect of sections 20 (Authorised persons acting without permission) and 39(4) (Exemption of appointed representatives) of the Act is that the regulated activities covered by an appointed representative's appointment need to:(1) fall within the scope of the principal's permission; or(2) be excluded from being regulated activities when carried on by the principal, for example because they fall within article 28 of the Regulated Activities Order (Arranging transactions to which
Before a firm appoints a person as an appointed representative (other than an introducer appointed representative) and on a continuing basis, it must establish on reasonable grounds that:11(1) the appointment does not prevent the firm from satisfying and continuing to satisfy the threshold conditions;(2) the person:(a) is solvent;(b) is otherwise 1suitable to act for the firm in that capacity;and1(c) has no close links which would be likely to prevent the effective supervision
8A firm must ensure that a tied agent that is an appointed representative is of sufficiently good repute and that it possesses appropriate general, commercial and professional knowledge so as to be able to communicate accurately all relevant information regarding the proposed service to the client or potential client. This does not limit a firm's obligations under SUP 12.4.2 R.[Note: paragraphs 3 and 4 of article 23(3) of MiFID]
In assessing, under SUP 12.4.2 R(2)1(a) and (b), whether an appointed representative or prospective appointed representative is solvent and otherwise 1suitable, a firm should determine, among other matters, whether the person is likely to be adversely influenced by its financial position in the conduct of the business for which the firm is responsible. This might arise, for example, if the person has cashflow problems and is not able to service its debts. Guidance for firms on
In assessing, under SUP 12.4.2 R (2)(b), whether an appointed representative or prospective appointed representative is otherwise 1suitable to act for the firm in that capacity, a firm should consider:(1) whether the person is fit and proper; guidance on the information that firms should take reasonable steps to obtain and verify is given in SUP 12 Annex 2; and(2) the fitness and propriety (including good character and competence) and financial standing of the controllers, directors,
In determining, under SUP 12.4.2 R (2)(c), whether an appointed representative or prospective appointed representative has any close links which would be likely to prevent the firm's effective supervision, a firm should consider the guidance to threshold condition 2C or 3B as applicable23 in COND 2.3.23
1If a firm proposes to appoint an appointed representative, but not to prohibit its appointment by any other principals (see SUP 12.5.2 G (3)), the firm should, in particular:(1) require, in the contract, that the appointed representative notifies the firm about other principals (see SUP 12.5.5 R (3)) and (2) unless the appointed representative is an introducer appointed representative:(a) take reasonable steps to check whether the appointed representative is already appointed
(1) 1A firm must not appoint a person as its appointed representative until it has entered into a written agreement (a "multiple principal agreement") with every other principal the person may have; but this does not apply to the appointment of an introducer appointed representative nor does it require an agreement with another principal which has appointed a person as an introducer appointed representative.(2) A firm must not unreasonably decline to enter into a multiple principal
1
Multiple principal agreement
Matter |
Explanation |
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1. |
Scope of appointment |
The scope of appointment given by each principal to the appointed representative. |
2. |
Complaints handling |
The identity of the principal which will be the point of contact for a complaint from a client (referred to as the "lead-principal" in SUP 12.4.5D G to SUP 12.4.5E G). |
An agreement that each principal will co-operate with each other principal in resolving a complaint from a client in relation to the appointed representative's conduct. |
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The arrangements for complaints handling, including arrangements for resolving disputes between the principals in relation to their liability to a client in respect of a complaint and arrangements for dealing with referrals to the Financial Ombudsman Service. |
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3. |
The arrangements for approving financial promotion. |
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4. |
Control and monitoring |
The arrangements for the control and monitoring of the activities of the appointed representative (see in particular SUP 12.6.6 R (Regulated activities and investment services outside the scope of appointment) and SUP 12.6.7 G (Senior management responsibility for appointed representatives)). |
5. |
Approved person status |
The arrangements for making applications for approved person status (see SUP 10A and SUP 10B23 (Approved persons)). 23 |
6. |
Training and competence |
The arrangements for training and competence (see TC). |
7. |
Co-operation |
The arrangements for co-operation over any other issues which may arise from the multiple appointments, including issues which may damage the interests of clients dealing with the appointed representative and administrative issues. |
An agreement by each principal to take reasonable steps to ensure that it does not cause the appointed representative or any of its other principals to be in breach of their obligations to each other or under the regulatory system. |
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8. |
Sharing information |
The arrangements for sharing information on matters relevant to the matters covered under the multiple principal agreement and each principal's obligations under SUP 12.6 (Continuing obligations of firms with appointed representatives). |
An agreement that each principal will notify each other principal of any information which is materially relevant to the multiple principal agreement. |
1One effect of the multiple principal agreement is to introduce a 'lead-principal' concept in relation to complaints handling for the benefit of the client. For example, where the client has been given advice by an appointed representative who has two principals, and the advice could have led to a transaction being arranged with either principal, the client will know that he may pursue his complaint with (but not necessarily against) one of the principals. Whether he later decides
(1) 1Under the relevant provisions in COBS, ICOBS7 and MCOB, the customer will receive details of how to complain to the appointed representative and, when a product is purchased, details of the complaints procedure for the product provider, insurer or home finance provider.2772(2) Under DISP 1.2.1 R4, a firm must among other things, supply summary details of its internal process for dealing promptly and fairly with complaints4 to the customer when it receives a complaint4. In
Before a firm appoints a person as an introducer appointed representative, and on a continuing basis, it must take reasonable care to ensure that: (1) the person is suitable to act for the firm in that capacity (having regard, in particular, to other persons connected with the person who will be, or who are, directly responsible for its activities); and1(2) the firm is ready and organised to comply with the other applicable requirements contained or referred to in this chap
In assessing, under SUP 12.4.6 R(1)1, whether an introducer appointed representative or prospective introducer appointed representative is otherwise suitable to act for the firm in that capacity, the firm should determine whether the introducer appointed representative and those persons who will be, or who are, directly responsible for its activities are of sufficiently good reputation and otherwise fit and proper for that appointment. The firm should, as a minimum, verify the
If a firm has doubts that a prospective introducerappointed representative or other person is of sufficiently good reputation and otherwise fit and proper, the FCA will expect it to resolve those doubts before appointing the prospective introducer appointed representative. For example, if a firm is aware that a person's previous appointment as an introducer appointed representative or representative was terminated, it should take reasonable steps to find out the reasons for the
1Before a firm appoints a person as an appointed representative to carry on insurance mediation activity, it must in relation to insurance mediation activity ensure that the person will comply on appointment, and will continue to comply with, the provisions of 3MIPRU 2.3.1 R3 and 3MIPRU 2.3.3 R (Knowledge and ability, and good repute) as if the appointed representative were a firm.
1In assessing, under SUP 12.4.8A R, whether an appointed representative, or prospective appointed representative, has established the knowledge and ability requirements for persons within its management structure and for those directly involved in its insurance mediation activity, a firm should refer to TC.
(1) 1An appointed representative must not commence an insurance mediation activity until he is included on the Financial Services Register as carrying on such activities (see SUP 12.5.2 G (3)). (2) If an appointed representative's scope of appointment is to include an insurance mediation activity, the principal must notify the FSAFCA of the appointment before the appointed representative commences that activity (see SUP 12.7.1 R (1)). (3) As an exception, pre-notification is not
(1) 1The FCA has the power to decide not to include on the Financial Services Register (or to remove from the Financial Services Register) an appointed representative whose scope of appointment includes an insurance mediation activity, if it appears to the FCA that he is not a fit and proper person to carry on those activities (article 95 of the Regulated Activities Order).(2) If the FCA proposes to use the power in (1), it must give the appointed representative a warning notice.
(1) 8A tied agent that is an appointed representative may not start to act as a tied agent until it is included on the applicable register (section 39(1A) of the Act). If the tied agent is established in the UK, the register maintained by the FCA is the applicable register for these purposes. If the tied agent is established in another EEA State, it should consult section 39(1B) of the Act to determine the applicable register.(2) A UK MiFID investment firm that appoints an FCA
(1) Under section 19 of the Act (The general prohibition), no person may carry on a regulated activity in the United Kingdom, or purport to do so, unless he is an authorised person, or he is an exempt person in relation to that activity.(2) A person will be an exempt person if he satisfies the conditions in section 39(1) of the Act, guidance on which is given in SUP 12.2.2 G. A person who is exempt as a result of satisfying these conditions is referred to in the Act as an appointed
(1) A person (other than a firm with only a limited permission)15must satisfy the conditions in section 39(1) of the Act to become an appointed representative. These are that:(a) the person must not be an authorised person, that is, he must not have permission under the Act to carry on any regulated activity in his own right (section 39(1) of the Act); (b) the person must have entered into a contract with an authorised person, referred to in the Act as the 'principal', which:(i)
(1) 15Under sections 20(1) and (1A) of the Act (Authorised persons acting without permission), if an authorised person carries on a regulated activity in the United Kingdom, or purports to do so, otherwise than in accordance with his permission, he is to be taken to have contravened a requirement imposed by the FCA (in the case of a FCA-authorised person) or the FCA and the PRA (in the case of a PRA-authorised person).(2) In addition, under section 23(1A) of the Act (Contravention
(1) 15A firm must satisfy the conditions in section 39(1C) of the Act to become an appointed representative. These are that:(a) the firm must have only a limited permission (section 39(1C)(a) of the Act);(b) the firm must have entered into a contract with another authorised person, referred to in the Act as the 'principal', which:(i) permits or requires him to carry on business of a description prescribed in the Appointed Representatives Regulations (section 39(1C)(b)(i) of the
As long as the conditions in section 39 of the Act are satisfied, any person, other than an authorised person (unless he has only a limited permission)15, may become an appointed representative, including a body corporate, a partnership or an individual in business on his own account. However, an appointed representative cannot be an authorised person under the Act unless he has only a limited permission. A person15 cannot be exempt for some regulated activities and authorised
A firm is referred to as a 'network' if it appoints five or more appointed representatives (not counting introducer appointed representatives)7 or if it appoints fewer7 than five appointed representatives (again, not counting introducer appointed representatives)7 which have, between them, twenty-six or more representatives. However, a network does not include:54(a) a product provider;4(b) a firm which markets the packaged products of a product provider in the same group as the
(1) The Appointed Representatives Regulations are made by the Treasury under section 39(1)), (1C) and (1E)15 of the Act. These regulations describe, among other things, the business for which an appointed representative may be exempt or to which sections 20(1) and (1A) and 23(1A) of the Act may not apply15, which is business which comprises any of:(a) dealing in investments as agent (article 21 of the Regulated Activities Order) where the transaction relates to a pure protection
(1) An introducer appointed representative is an appointed representative appointed by a firm whose scope of appointment must, under SUP 12.5.7 R, be limited to:(a) effecting introductions to the firm or other members of the firm's group; and5(b) distributing non-real time financial promotions which relate to products or services available from or through the firm or other members of the firm's group.5(2) The permitted scope of appointment of an introducer appointed representative
All rules in SUP 12 apply in relation to introducer appointed representatives except for:(1) SUP 12.4.2 R, SUP 12.4.5B R and SUP 12.4.5C, on the appointment of appointed representatives, which are replaced by SUP 12.4.6 R;5(2) SUP 12.5.6A R on required contract terms, which is replaced by SUP 12.5.7 R; and5(3) SUP 12.9.1 R (4) (Record keeping).5
(1) An introducer is an individual appointed by a firm or by an appointed representative of such a firm to carry out, in the course of designated investment business, either or both of the following activities:4(a) effecting introductions; (b) distributing non-real time financial promotions.(2) An introducer is not an exempt person under section 39 of the Act (unless he is also an introducer appointed representative) and hence cannot benefit from the exemption to carry on regulated
(1) A representative is an individual who is appointed by a firm or an appointed representative, to carry on any of the activities in (1)(a) to (c):54(a) advising on investments;5(b) arranging (bringing about) deals in investments;5(c) dealing in investments as agent.5(2) If a firm appoints an appointed representative who is an individual in (1), that appointed representative will also be a representative. The individual may need to be approved to perform the customer function9,
(1) 12A tied agent is a person who acts for and under the responsibility of a MiFID investment firm (or a third country investment firm) in respect of MiFID business (or the equivalent business of the third country investment firm). Most tied agents appointed by firms are also appointed representatives.(2) Unless otherwise provided, this chapter applies to a firm that appoints a tied agent that is an appointed representative in the same way as it applies to the appointment of
If at any time a firm has reasonable grounds to believe that the conditions in SUP 12.4.2 R, 2SUP 12.4.6 R or SUP 12.4.8A R2 (as applicable) are not satisfied, or are likely not to be satisfied, in relation to any of its appointed representatives, the firm must:2(1) take immediate steps to rectify the matter; or(2) terminate its contract with the appointed representative.
7A firm that is a principal of a tied agent that is an appointed representative must monitor the activities of that tied agent so as to ensure the firm complies with obligations imposed under MiFID (or equivalent obligations relating to the equivalent business of a third country investment firm) when acting through that tied agent.[Note: paragraph 3 of Article 23(2) of MiFID]
The FSAFCA would normally expect a firm to carry out a check on its appointed representative's financial position every year (more often, if necessary) and to review critically the information obtained. An appropriately experienced person (for example, a financial accountant) should carry out these checks.
Consideration should be given, among other things, to the impact on the appointed representative's financial position of any debts owed to, or by, the appointed representative. Indicators that an appointed representative is experiencing financial problems may include failure to adhere to repayment schedules for any debts, failure to meet any other financial commitments or requests for advances of commission.
(1) A firm must not permit an appointed representative to hold client money unless the firm is an insurance intermediary acting in accordance with CASS 5.5.18 R to CASS 5.5.23 R (which include provision for periodic segregation and reconciliation)2.(2) The firm must take reasonable steps to ensure that if client money is received by the appointed representative, it is paid into a client bank account of the firm, or forwarded to the firm, in accordance with :(a) CASS 4.3.15 R to
A firm must take reasonable steps to ensure that each of its appointed representatives:(1) does not carry on regulated activities in breach of the general prohibition in section 19 of the Act or (if the appointed representative is a firm with a limited permission) in breach of section 20(1) or (1A) of the Act9; and(2) carries on the regulated activities for which the firm has accepted responsibility in a way which is, and is held out as being, clearly distinct from any of the
(1) Some of the controlled functions, as set out in SUP 10A.4.1 R22, apply to an appointed representative of a firm, other than an introducer appointed representative, just as they apply to a firm (see SUP 10A.1.15 R22). These are the governing functions and the customer function5. In the case of an appointed representative that also has a limited permission, an FCA required function may apply to it.9 As explained in SUP 10A.1.16 R22 and SUP 10A.3.2 G22 respectively:22222522522(a)
Firms should be aware that, under the approved persons regime, the firm is responsible for submitting applications to the FCA for the approval as an approved person of:(1) any individual who performs a controlled function and who is an appointed representative; and(2) any person who performs a controlled function under an arrangement entered into by any of the firm'sappointed representatives.Applications for approval should be submitted as early as possible since a person may
The rules and guidance relating to training and competence in SYSC 3 and SYSC 5 and 6 in TC for a firm carrying on retail business 6extend to any employee of the firm in respect of whom the relevant rules apply. For these purposes, an employee of a firm includes: (1) an individual who is an appointed representative of a firm; and(2) an individual who is employed or appointed by an appointed representative of a firm (whether under a contract of service or for services) in connection
A firm should take reasonable care to ensure that:(1) it has satisfied SYSC 3 or SYSC 4 to 98 and TC6 in respect of the relevant staff of the appointed representative; and68(2) its appointed representative has adequate arrangements in respect of training and competence, which meet the requirements in SYSC and 6TC.
A firm must make the following records on each of its appointed representatives:(1) the appointed representative's name;(2) a copy of the original contract with the appointed representative and any subsequent amendments to it (including details of any restrictions placed on the activities which the appointed representative may carry on);1(3) the date and reason for terminating or amending its contract with the appointed representative, whenever such termination or amendment gives
The firm should also satisfy itself that:(1) the appointed representative is making and retaining records in accordance with the relevant record keeping rules in the Handbook, if these records are not maintained by the firm;(2) the appointed representative (other than an introducer appointed representative) is making and retaining records sufficient to disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the business it carries on in its capacity as the firm's appointed
Firms are reminded that they should make and retain records in relation to any person who falls within the scope of the rules in TC or who performs a controlled function under an arrangement entered into by a firm or by an appointed representative. See SUP 10 and TC for the applicable record keeping rules.
(1) Regulations 3(1) 8and (2) of the Appointed Representatives Regulations make it a requirement that the contract between the firm and the appointed representative (unless it prohibits the appointed representative from representing other counterparties) contains a provision enabling the firm to:488(a) impose such a prohibition; or(b) impose restrictions as to the other counterparties which the appointed representative may represent, or as to the types of investment in relation
8If a UK MiFID investment firm or a third country investment firm appoints an appointed representative that is a tied agent, regulation 3(6) of the Appointed Representative Regulations requires the contract between the firm and the appointed representative to contain a provision that the representative is only permitted to provide the services and carry on the activities referred to in Article 4(1)(25) of MiFID while he is entered on the Register.
A firm should satisfy itself that the terms of the contract with its appointed representative (including an introducer appointed representative):(1) are designed to enable the firm to comply properly with any limitations or requirements on its own permission;(2) require the appointed representative to cooperate with the FCA as described in SUP 2.3.4 G (Information gathering by the FCA on its own initiative: cooperation by firms) and give access to its premises, as described in
A firm must ensure that its written contract with each of its appointed representatives:4(1) complies with the requirements prescribed in regulation 3 of the Appointed Representatives Regulations (see SUP 12.5.2 G);4(2) requires the appointed representative to comply, and to ensure that any persons who provide services to the appointed representative under a contract of services or a contract for service comply, with the relevant requirements in or under the Act (including the
(1) If the appointed representative is appointed to give advice on investments to retail clients7 concerning packaged products, the firm should also satisfy itself that the contract requires compliance with the rules in COBS 6 (Information about the firm, its services and remuneration).979(2) The contractual requirements in SUP 12.5.5 R should extend to:(a) the activities of the appointed representative, if the appointed representative is an individual; and3(b) the activities
(1) 4A firm must ensure that, if appointing an appointed representative (other than an introducer appointed representative), to carry on any of the following regulated activities, its written contract prohibits the appointed representative from carrying on any of the specified activities as an appointed representative for another firm:4(a) any designated investment business for retail clients7: the prohibition must cover all designated investment business for retail clients7;477(b)
4(1) The effect of SUP 12.5.6A R (1)(a) is that, in relation to designated investment business with retail clients7, appointed representatives are restricted to one principal.47(1A) The effect of SUP 12.5.6A R (1A) is that tied agents are restricted to one principal when acting as such. A tied agent who has a MiFID investment firm or a third country investment firm as a principal may have other principals who are not MiFID investment firms or third country investment firms.8(2)
A firm must ensure that its written contract with each of its introducer appointed representatives limits the scope of the appointment to:4(1) effecting introductions to the firm or other members of the firm's group; and4(2) distributing non-real time financial promotions which relate to products or services available from or through the firm or other members of the firm's group.4
(1) This chapter applies to a firm which is considering appointing, has decided to appoint or has appointed an appointed representative.1(1A) This chapter applies to a UK MiFID investment firm which is considering appointing, has decided to appoint or has appointed an EEA tied agent.2(2) This chapter does not apply to a UCITS qualifier.1(3) This chapter does not apply in relation to a tied agent acting on behalf of an EEA MiFID investment firm unless that tied agent is established
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'srules, 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) its appointed representatives are fit and proper to deal with clients in its name; and (2) clients dealing with its appointed representatives are afforded the same level of protection as if they had
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'srules, and guidance on those rules, in relation to the appointment of an EEA tied agent by a UK MiFID investment firm.
(1) 6This rule applies to a firm which intends to appoint:6636(a) an appointed representative to carry on insurance mediation activities; or646(b) a tied agent .664(2) This rule also applies to a firm which has appointed an appointed representative.63(3) A firm in (1) must complete and submit the form in SUP 12 Annex 3 before the appointment.6(4) A firm in (2) must complete and submit the form in SUP 12 Annex 3 within ten business days after the commencement of activities.6
(1) A firm other than:99(a) a credit union; or9(b) a firm which intends to appoint , or has appointed, an appointed representative to carry on only credit-related regulated activity;9must submit the form in SUP 12 Annex 3 online 9at http://www.fca.org.uk using the FCA'sONA10system.10(2) A credit union or a firm which intends to appoint , or has appointed, an appointed representative to carry on only credit-related regulated activity9must submit the form in SUP 12 Annex 3 R in
A firm's notice under SUP 12.7.1 R should give details of the appointed representative and the regulated activities which the firm is, or intends to, carry on through the appointed representative, including:(1) the name of the firm's new appointed representative (if the appointed representative is a body corporate, this is its registered name);(2) any trading name under which the firm's new appointed representative carries on a regulated activity in that capacity;(3) a description
(1) If:434(a) (i) the scope of appointment of an appointed representative is extended to cover insurance mediation activities for the first time; and42(ii) the appointed representative is not included on the Financial Services Register as carrying on insurance mediation activities in another capacity; or42(b) the scope of appointment of an appointed representative ceases to include insurance mediation activity;42the appointed representative's principal must give written notice
(1) As soon as a firm has reasonable grounds to believe that any of the conditions in SUP 12.4.2 R,SUP 12.4.6 R or SUP 12.4.8A R4 (as applicable) are not satisfied, or are likely not to be satisfied, in relation to any of its appointed representatives, it must complete and submit to the FCA the form in SUP 12 Annex 4 R (Appointed representative notification form), in accordance with the instructions on the form.3(2) In its notification under SUP 12.7.8 R (1), the firm must state
(1) 8Subject to (2A), a 9firm other than a credit union must submit the form as set out in SUP 12 Annex 4 R online at http://www.fca.org.uk using the FCA'sONA10system.910(2) A credit union must submit the form in SUP 12 Annex 4 R in the way set out in SUP 15.7.4 R to SUP 15.7.9 G (Form and method of notification).(2A) If the notification:9(a) relates to an appointed representative whose scope of appointment covers only credit-related regulated activity; or9(b) is of a change to
If either the firm or the appointed representative notifies the other that it proposes to terminate the contract of appointment or to amend it so that it no longer meets the requirements contained or referred to in SUP 12.5 (Contracts: required terms), the firm must:2(1) complete and submit to the FCA the form in SUP 12 Annex 5 R (Appointed representative termination form) in accordance with the instructions on the form and no more than ten business days after the date of the
(1) 4Subject to (2A), a5firm other than a credit union must submit any notification under SUP 12.8.1 R (1) in the form set out in SUP 12 Annex 5 R, online at www.fca.org.uk5 using the FCA'sONA6system.556(2) A credit union must submit any notification under SUP 12.8.1 R (1) in the form set out in SUP 12 Annex 5 R and in the way set out in SUP 15.7.4 R to SUP 15.7.9 G (Form and method of notification).(2A) A firm must submit any notification under SUP 12.8.1 R (1) that relates to
In assessing whether to terminate a relationship with an appointed representative, a firm should be aware that the notification rules in SUP 15 require notification to be made immediately to the FCA if certain events occur. Examples include a matter having a serious regulatory impact or involving an offence or a breach of any requirement imposed by the Act or by regulations or orders made under the Act by the Treasury.
If a contract with an appointed representative is terminated, or if it is amended in a way which gives rise to a requirement to notify under SUP 12.8.1R, a firm must take all reasonable steps to ensure that:(1) if the termination is by the firm, the appointed representative is notified in writing before, or if not possible, immediately on, the termination of the contract and informed that it will no longer be an exempt person for the purpose of the Act because of the contract
The descriptions of the following FCA controlled functions apply to an appointed representative of a firm, except an introducer appointed representative, as they apply to an FCA-authorised person:(1) the FCAgoverning functions, subject to SUP 10A.1.16 R and except for a tied agent of an EEAMiFID investment firm; and(2) the customer function other than in relation to acting in the capacity of an investment manager (see SUP 10A.10.7R (6)).
(1) SUP 10A.1.15 R is modified in relation to an appointed representative meeting the conditions in (2) so that only one of the following FCA governing functions:(a) director function; or(b) chief executive function; or(c) partner function; or(d) director of unincorporated association function;applies, as appropriate, to an individual within that appointed representative who will be required to be an FCA-approved person.(2) The conditions are that:(a) the scope of appointment
3This chapter applies to an appointed representative that has a limited permission to carry on a regulated activity prescribed for the purposes of section 39(1E)(a) of the Act as follows:(1) FCA controlled functions apply to the appointed representative as set out in SUP 10A.1.15 R and SUP 10A.1.16 R in relation to the carrying on of the regulated activity, for which it does not have permission, comprised in the business for which its principal has accepted responsibility; (2)
Section 39 of the Act makes provision exempting appointed representatives from the need to obtain authorisation. An appointed representative is a person who is a party to a contract with an authorised person which permits or requires the appointed representative to carry on certain regulated activities. SUP 12 (Appointed representatives) contains guidance relating to appointed representatives.
An appointed representative can carry on only those regulated activities which are specified in the Appointed Representatives Regulations. As respects regulated mortgage contracts, these are arranging (bringing about), making arrangements with a view to and advising on regulated mortgage contracts (as well as agreeing to do so).
A person who is not already an appointed representative for designated investment business activities, and who may wish to become one in relation to the regulated activities of arranging (bringing about), making arrangements with a view to or advising on regulated mortgage contracts, can do so. He must be appointed under a written contract by an authorised person, who has permission to carry on those regulated activities, and who accepts responsibility for the appointed representative's
Where a person is already an appointed representative (in relation to any non-mortgage activities) and he proposes to carry on any regulated mortgage activities, he will need to consider the following matters.(1) He must become authorised if his proposed mortgage activities include either entering into a regulated mortgage contract or administering a regulated mortgage contract. These activities may not be carried on by appointed representatives and the Act does not permit any
In determining whether a firm has complied with any provision in or under the Act such as any Principle or other rule, anything that an appointed representative has done or omitted to do as respects the business for which the firm has accepted responsibility will be treated as having been done or omitted to be done by the firm (section 39(4) of the Act ).
1This chapter contains:2(1) guidance for firms, authorised payment institutions and authorised electronic money institutions8 and their 7appointed representatives, agents7or tied agents5on the circumstances in which the FCA12 permits them 7to reproduce the FSA and FCA logos12;28812712(2) rules on the use by firms of the Key facts logo.2
6A firm must not use the FSA logo (and must take all reasonable steps to ensure that its representatives do not use the FSA logo) in any communication with a client other than in accordance with the general licence in GEN 5 Annex 1 G or any individual licence granted by the FCA12 to the firm or its representatives. 12
Section 39 of the Act (Exemption of appointed representatives) exempts appointed representatives from the need to obtain authorisation (or, in relation to an appointed representative with a limited permission, provides that sections 20(1) and (1A) and 23(1A) of the Act do not apply in relation to the carrying on of the regulated activity which is comprised in the business for which his principal has accepted responsibility and for which he does not have limited permission)1. An
An appointed representative can carry on only those regulated activities which are specified in the Appointed Representatives Regulations. The regulated activities set out in the table in PERG 5.13.4 G are included in those regulations. As set out in the table, the insurance mediation activities that can be carried on by an appointed representative differ depending on the type of contracts of insurance in relation to which the activities are carried on.
Insurance mediation activities able to be carried on by an appointed representative. This table belongs to PERG 5.13.3 G.
Type of contract of insurance |
Regulated activities an appointed representative can carry on |
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A person who is not already an appointed representative may wish to become one in relation to the regulated activitiesspecified in the Appointed Representatives Regulations (see table in PERG 5.13.4 G). If so, he must be appointed under a written contract by an authorised person, who has permission to carry on those regulated activities and who accepts responsibility for the appointed representative's actions when acting for him. SUP 12.4 (What must a firm do when it appoints
Where a person is already an appointed representative and he proposes to carry on any insurance mediation activities, he will need to consider the following matters.(1) He must become authorised if his proposed insurance mediation activities include activities that do not fall within the table in PERG 5.13.4 G (for example, dealing as agent in pure protection contracts) and he wishes to carry on these activities. The Act does not permit any person to be exempt for some activities
(1) Subject
to (4), a 2firm must
in relation to each of its appointed representatives, field representatives and other agents comply
with CASS 5.5.19 R to CASS
5.5.21 R (Immediate segregation) or with CASS 5.5.23 R (Periodic
segregation and reconciliation).(2) A firm must in relation to each representative or other agent keep a record
of whether it is complying with CASS 5.5.19 R to CASS 5.5.21 R or
with CASS 5.5.23 R.(3) A firm is, but without affecting the application
of CASS
A firm must
establish and maintain procedures to ensure that client
money received by its appointed
representatives, field representatives,
or other agents of the firm is:(1) paid
into a client bank account of
the firm in accordance with CASS 5.5.5 R; or(2) forwarded
to the firm, or in the case
of a field representative forwarded
to a specified business address of the firm,
so as to ensure that the money arrives
at the specified business address by the close of the third busi
If client
money is received in accordance with CASS 5.5.19 R,
the firm must ensure that its appointed representatives, field representatives or other agents keep client money (whether in the form of premiums, claims money or premium refunds) separately identifiable
from any other money (including
that of the firm) until the client money is paid into a client bank account or sent to the firm.
(1) A firm must, on a regular basis, and at reasonable
intervals, ensure that it holds in its client
bank account an amount which (in addition to any other amount
which it is required by these rules to
hold) is not less than the amount which it reasonably estimates to be the
aggregate of the amounts held at any time by its appointed
representatives, field representatives,
and other agents.(2) A firm must, not later than ten business days following the expiry of each
period in
(1) CASS 5.5.23 R allows a firm with appointed representatives, field representatives and other agents to
avoid the need for the representative to
forward client money on a daily
basis but instead requires a firm to
segregate into its client money bank account amounts
which it reasonably estimates to be sufficient to cover the amount of client money which the firm expects
its representatives or agents
to receive and hold over a given period. At the expiry of each such period,
the
(1) A firm must, as often as is necessary to ensure
the accuracy of its records and at least at intervals of not more than 25 business days:2(a) check whether its client money resource, as determined by CASS 5.5.65 R on the previous business day,
was at least equal to the client money requirement,
as determined by CASS 5.5.66 R or CASS 5.5.68 R, as at the close of
business on that day; and2(b) ensure that:2(i) any shortfall is
paid into a client bank account by
the close of business
1The purpose of the rules and guidance in this section is to ensure that, in addition to the notifications made under SUP 12.7 (Appointed representatives; notification requirements), the FCA6 receives regular and comprehensive information about the appointed representatives engaged by a firm, so that the FCA6 is in a better position to pursue the statutory objective6 of the protection of consumers.3666
(1) 1A firm must:(a) submit a report to the FCA6 annually, in the form of an amended copy of the relevant extract from the Financial Services Register,6 containing the information in (2);366(b) submit the report in (1) to the FCA6 within four months of the firm'saccounting reference date.666(2) The report in (1) must contain a list of all the current appointed representatives of the firm as at the firm'saccounting reference date6.6(3) The report in (1) is not required if:(a) the
1If a group includes more than one firm, a single annual appointed representatives report may be submitted on behalf of all firms in the group. Such a report should contain the information required from all the firms, meet all relevant due dates, indicate all the firms on whose behalf it is submitted and give their Financial Services Register6 firm reference numbers. The requirement to provide a report, and the responsibility for the report remains with each firm in the group.
The appropriate regulator uses various methods of information gathering on its own initiative which require the cooperation of firms:55(1) Visits may be made by representatives or appointees of the appropriate regulator. These visits may be made on a regular basis, on a sample basis, for special purposes such as theme visits (looking at a particular issue across a range of firms), or when the appropriate regulator has a particular reason for visiting a firm. Appointees of the
In complying with Principle 11, the appropriate regulator considers that a firm should, in relation to the discharge by the appropriate regulator of its functions under the Act:(1) make itself readily available for meetings with representatives or appointees of the appropriate regulator as reasonably requested;(2) give representatives or appointees of the appropriate regulator reasonable access to any records, files, tapes or computer systems, which are within the firm's possession
In complying with Principle 11, the appropriate regulator considers that a firm should take reasonable steps to ensure that the following persons act in the manner set out in SUP 2.3.3 G: (1) its employees, agents and appointed representatives; and(2) any other members of its group, and their employees and agents.(See also, in respect of appointed representatives, SUP 12.5.3 G (2)).
(1) A firm must permit representatives of the appropriate regulator, or persons appointed for the purpose by the appropriate regulator, to have access, with or without notice, during reasonable business hours to any of its business premises in relation to the discharge of the appropriate regulator's functions under the Act or its obligations under the short selling regulation3.(2) A firm must take reasonable steps to ensure that its agents, suppliers under material outsourcing
3GEN 4.5 (Statements about authorisation and regulation by the appropriate regulator9) applies in relation to activities carried on from an establishment maintained by the firm (or by its appointed representative) in the United Kingdom, provided that, in the case of the MiFID business of an EEAMiFID investment firm or the activities of an EEA UCITS management company,4 it only applies to business conducted within the territory of the United Kingdom. 9
1Article 72 exempts any financial promotion made by an employer to an employee in relation to a group personal pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) the financial promotion must inform the employee that the employer will make a contribution to the pension that the employee will receive from the pension scheme to which the financial promotion relates in the event of the employee becoming a member;(2) the employer
6Article 72A exempts any financial promotion made to an employee by or on behalf of a person (“A”) in relation to a group personal pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) the employer and A must have entered into a written contract specifying the terms on which the communication may be made;(2) in the case of a communication made by a person (“B”) on behalf of A, A and B must also have entered into a written contract
6Article 72B exempts any financial promotion made by an employer to an employee in relation to work-related insurance. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) where the provider of the insurance is not the employer, the employer must not receive or have received, any direct financial benefit (including any commission, discount, remuneration or reduction in premium) as a result of making the communication; and(2) where the communication is a non-real time financial
6Article 72C exempts any financial promotion made to an employee by or on behalf of a person (“A”) in relation to work-related insurance. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) the employer and A must have entered into a written contract specifying the terms on which the communication may be made;(2) in the case of a communication made by a person (“B”) on behalf of A, A and B must also have entered into a written contract specifying the terms on which the communication
6Article 72D exempts any financial promotion made by an employer to an employee in relation to a staff mortgage. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) where the provider of the staff mortgage is an undertaking in the same group as the employer, the employer must not receive or have received, any direct financial benefit (including any commission, discount, remuneration or reduction in premium) as a result of making the communication; and(2) where the communication
6Article 72E exempts any financial promotion made to an employee by or on behalf of a person (“A”) in relation to a staff mortgage. This is subject to certain requirements as follows:(1) the employer and A must have entered into a written contract specifying the terms on which the communication may be made;(2) in the case of a communication made by a person (“B”) on behalf of A, A and B must also have entered into a written contract specifying the terms on which the communication
Article 28B (Real time communications: introductions) exempts a real time financial promotion that relates to one or more of the controlled activities about regulated mortgage contracts, as well as home reversion plans, home purchase plans,4regulated sale and rent back agreements3, certain consumer hire agreements and relevant credit agreements4. The exemption is subject to the following conditions being satisfied:224(1) the financial promotion must be made for the purpose of,
Introducers can check whether a person is an authorised person or an appointed representative by visiting the FCA's register at www.fca.org.uk/firms/systems-reporting/register.If an authorised person has permission to carry on a regulated activity (which can be checked on the FCA's register) it is reasonable, in the FCA's view, to conclude that the authorised person carries on that activity (but not a controlled activity which is not a regulated activity). The FCA would normally
In the FCA's view, money payable to an introducer on his own account includes money legitimately due to him for services rendered to the borrower, whether in connection with the introduction or otherwise. It also includes sums payable in connection with transfer of property to an introducer (for example, a housebuilder) by a borrower. For example, article 28B allows a housebuilder to receive the purchase price on a property that he sells to a borrower, whom he previously introduced