Related provisions for SUP 3.6.1
This table belongs to COLL 8.3.2 R.
1 |
Document status |
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A statement that this document is the prospectus of the authorised fund valid as at a particular date which shall be the date of the document. |
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2 |
Description of the authorised fund |
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Information detailing: |
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(1) |
the name of the authorised fund; |
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(2) |
that the authorised fund is either an ICVC, ACS11 or an AUT; |
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(3) |
that the scheme is a qualified investor scheme; |
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(4) |
where relevant, that the unitholders in an ICVC are not liable for the debts of the authorised fund; |
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(5) |
where relevant, the address of the ICVC's head office and the address in the United Kingdom for service on the ICVC of documents required or authorised to be served on it; |
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(6) |
the effective date of the authorisation order made by the FCA and, if the duration of the authorised fund is not unlimited, when it will or may terminate; |
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(7) |
the base currency for the authorised fund; |
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(8) |
where relevant, the maximum and minimum sizes of the ICVC's capital; 11 |
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(9) |
the circumstances in which the authorised fund may be wound up under the rules in COLL and a summary of the procedure for, and the rights of unitholders under, such a winding up; and11 11 |
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(10)11 |
for an ACS that is a limited partnership scheme, the address of the proposed principal place of business of the limited partnership scheme. |
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3 |
Investment objectives and policy |
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(1) |
Sufficient information to enable a unitholder to ascertain: |
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(a) |
the investment objectives of the authorised fund; |
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(b) |
the authorised fund's investment policy for achieving those investment objectives, including: |
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(i) |
the general nature of the portfolio and any intended specialisation; |
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(ii) |
the policy for the spreading of risk in the scheme property; and |
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(iii) |
the policy in relation to the exercise of borrowing powers; |
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(c) |
a description of any restrictions in the assets in which investment may be made; and |
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(d) |
the extent (if any) to which that investment policy does not envisage remaining fully invested at all times. |
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(2) |
For investment in immovables : |
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(a) |
the countries or territories of immovables in which the authorised fund may invest; |
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(b) |
the policy of the authorised fund manager in relation to insurance of immovables forming part of the scheme property; and |
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(c) |
the policy of the authorised fund manager in relation to the granting of options over immovables in the scheme property and the purchase of options on immovables. |
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(3) |
If intended, whether the scheme property may consist of units in collective investment schemes ("second schemes") which are managed by or operated by the authorised fund manager or by one of its associates and a statement as: |
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(a) |
to the basis of the maximum amount of the charges in respect of transactions in a second scheme; and |
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(b) |
the extent to which any such charges will be reimbursed to the scheme. |
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(4) |
If intended, whether the scheme may enter into stock lending transactions and, if so, what procedures will operate and what collateral will be required. |
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(5) |
Where a scheme is a feeder scheme which (in respect of investment in units in a single collective investment scheme) is dedicated to units in a collective investment scheme, details of the master scheme and the minimum (and, if relevant, maximum) investment that the feeder scheme may make in it;8 |
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(6) |
Where the scheme is a money market fund or a short-term money market fund, a statement identifying it as such a fund and a statement that the scheme's investment objectives and policies will meet the conditions in the definition of money market fund or short-term money market fund, as appropriate.9 |
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4 |
Distributions and accounting dates |
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Relevant details of accounting and distribution dates and a description of the procedures: |
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(1) |
for determining and applying income (including how any distributable income is paid); and |
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(2) |
relating to unclaimed distributions. |
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5 |
The characteristics of units in the authorised fund |
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Information as to: |
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(1) |
the names of the classes of units in issue or available for issue and the rights attached to them in so far as they vary from the rights attached to other classes; |
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(2) |
how unitholders may exercise their voting rights and what these are; and |
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(3) |
the circumstances where a mandatory redemption, cancellation or conversion of units from one class to another may be required.11 |
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115A |
Issue of units in ACSs: eligible investors |
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(1) |
A statement that units may not be issued to a person other than to a person : 12 |
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(a) |
who 12is a: |
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(i) |
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(ii) |
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(iii) |
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(b) |
to whom units in a qualified investor scheme may be promoted under COBS 4.12.4 R.12 12 |
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(2) |
A statement that the authorised contractual scheme manager of an ACS must redeemunits as soon as practicable after becoming aware that those units are vested in anyone (whether as a result of subscription or transfer of units) other than a person meeting the criteria in (1). |
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115B |
Transfer of units in ACSs |
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(1) |
A statement whether the transfer of units in the ACSscheme is either: |
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(a) |
prohibited; or |
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(b) |
allowed; |
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by the instrument constituting the fund13 and prospectus. 13 |
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(2) |
A statement that where transfer of units is allowed by the instrument constituting the fund13 and prospectus in accordance with (1)(b), units may only be transferred in accordance with the conditions specified by FCArules, including that units may not be transferred to a person other than a person : 1312 |
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(a) |
who 12is a: |
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(i) |
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(ii) |
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(iii) |
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(b) |
to whom units in a qualified investor scheme may be promoted under COBS 4.12.4 R.12 12 |
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(3) |
For a co-ownership scheme which is an umbrella, a statement in accordance with (1)(a) or (1)(b) and, where appropriate, a statement in accordance with (2), must also be made for the sub-funds. Where individual sub-funds have differing policies in relation to transfer of units, separate statements are required. |
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6 |
The authorised fund manager |
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The following particulars of the authorised fund manager: |
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(1) |
its name and the nature of its corporate form; |
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(2) |
the country or territory of its incorporation; |
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(3) |
the date of its incorporation and if the duration of its corporate status is limited, when that status will or may cease; |
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(4) |
if it is a subsidiary, the name of its ultimate holding company and the country or territory in which that holding company is incorporated; |
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(5) |
the address of its registered office, its head office, and, if different, the address of its principal place of business in the United Kingdom; |
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(6) |
the amount of its issued share capital and how much of it is paid up; |
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(7) |
for an ICVC, a summary of the material provisions of the contract between the ICVC and the authorised fund manager which may be relevant to unitholders including provisions (if any) relating to termination, compensation on termination and indemnity; and |
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(8) |
for an AUT, the names of the directors of the authorised fund manager.11 11 |
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7 |
Directors of an ICVC, other than the ACD |
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Other than for the ACD: |
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(1) |
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(2) |
the manner, amount and calculation of the remuneration of the directors. |
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8 |
The depositary |
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The following particulars of the depositary: |
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(1) |
its name and the nature of its corporate form; |
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(2) |
the country or territory of its incorporation; |
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(3) |
the address of its registered office and the address of its head office if that is different from the address of its registered office; and |
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(4) |
if neither its registered office nor its head office is in the United Kingdom, the address of its principal place of business in the United Kingdom. |
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9 |
The investment adviser |
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If an investment adviser is retained in connection with the business of the authorised fund, its name and whether or not it is authorised by the FCA. |
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10 |
The auditor |
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The name of the auditor of the authorised fund. |
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11 |
The register of Unitholders |
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Details of the address in the United Kingdom where the register of unitholders is kept and can be inspected by unitholders. |
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12 |
Payments out of the scheme property |
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The payments that may be made out of the scheme property to any person whether by way of remuneration for services, or reimbursement of expense and for each category of remuneration or expense, the following should be specified: |
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(1) |
the current rates or amounts of such remuneration; |
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(2) |
how the remuneration will be calculated and accrue and when it will be paid; |
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(3) |
if notice has been given to unitholders of the authorised fund manager's intention to: |
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(a) |
introduce a new category of remuneration for its services; or |
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(b) |
increase the basis of any current charge; or |
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(c) |
change the basis of the treatment of a payment from the capital property set out in COLL 8.5.13 R (2) (Payments); |
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particulars of that introduction or increase and when it will take place; |
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(4) |
the types of any other charges and expenses that may be taken out of the scheme property; and |
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(5) |
if, in accordance with COLL 8.5.13 R (2), all or part of the remuneration or expense are to be treated as a capital charge: |
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(a) |
that fact; and |
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(b) |
the basis of the charge which may be so treated |
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13 |
Dealing |
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Details of: |
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(1) |
the dealing days and times in the dealing day on which the authorised fund manager will receive requests for the sale and redemption of units; |
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(2) |
the procedures for effecting: |
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(a) |
the issue and cancellation of units; |
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(b) |
the sale and redemption of units; and |
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(c) |
the settlement of transactions; |
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(3) |
the steps required to be taken by a unitholder in redeeming units before he can receive the proceeds including any relevant notice periods and the circumstances and periods where a deferral of payment as provided in COLL 8.5.11 R (3) (Sale and redemption) may be applied; |
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(4) |
the circumstances in which the redemption of units may be suspended; |
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(5) |
the days and times in the day on which recalculation of the price will commence; |
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(6) |
details of the minimum number or value of each type of unit in the authorised fund which: |
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(a) |
any one person may hold; and |
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(b) |
may be the subject of any one transaction of sale or redemption; |
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(7) |
the circumstances in which the authorised fund manager may arrange for, and the procedure for, a redemption of units in specie; |
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(8) |
the circumstances in which the further issue of units in any particular class may be limited and the procedures relating to this:66 |
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(9) |
the circumstances in which direct issue or cancellation of units by the ICVC or the depositary of an AUT or ACS11 (as appropriate) may occur and the relevant procedures for such issues and cancellations; and66 11 |
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(10) |
6whether a unitholder may effect transfer of title to units on the authority of an electronic communication and if so the conditions that must be satisfied in order to effect a transfer.6 |
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14 |
Valuation of scheme property |
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Details as to: |
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(1) |
how frequently and at what times of the day the scheme property will be regularly valued to determine the price at which units in the scheme may be purchased from or redeemed by the authorised fund manager and a description of any circumstance where the scheme property may be specially valued; |
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(2) |
in relation to each purpose for which the scheme property must be valued, the basis on which it will be valued; and |
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(3) |
how the price of units of each class will be determined, including whether a forward price or historic price basis is to be applied. |
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15 |
Sale and redemption charges |
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If the authorised fund manager makes any charges on sale or redemption of units, details of the charging structure and how notice will be provided to unitholders of any increase. |
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15A5 |
Property Authorised Investment Funds |
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For a property authorised investment fund, a statement that: |
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(1) |
it is a property authorised investment fund; |
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(2) |
no body corporate may seek to obtain or intentionally maintain a holding of more than 10% of the net asset value of the fund; and |
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(3) |
in the event that the authorised fund manager reasonably considers that a body corporate holds more than 10% of the net asset value of the fund, the authorised fund manager is entitled to delay any redemption or cancellation of units if the authorised fund manager reasonably considers such action to be: |
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(a) |
necessary in order to enable an orderly reduction of the holding to below 10%; and |
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(b) |
in the interests of the unitholders as a whole. |
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16 |
General information |
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Details as to: |
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(1) |
when annual and half- yearly reports will be published; and |
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(2) |
the address at which copies of the instrument constituting the fund,13 any amending instrument and the most recent annual reports may be inspected and from which copies may be obtained. 13 |
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17 |
Information on the umbrella |
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In the case of a scheme which is an umbrella, the following information: |
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(1) |
that a unitholder may exchange units in one sub-fund for units in another sub-fund and that such an exchange is treated as a redemption and sale; |
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(2) |
what charges may be made on exchanging units in one sub-fund for units in other sub-funds; |
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(3) |
the policy for allocating between sub-funds any assets of, or costs, charges and expenses payable out of, the scheme property which are not attributable to any particular sub-fund; |
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(4) |
in respect of each sub-fund, the currency in which the scheme property allocated to it will be valued and the price of units calculated and payments made, if this currency is not the base currency of the umbrella; and |
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(5) |
for an ICVC or a co-ownership scheme,11 that:10 10 |
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10(a) |
for an ICVC,11 its sub-funds are segregated portfolios of assets and, accordingly, the assets of a sub-fund belong exclusively to that sub-fund and shall not be used to discharge directly or indirectly the liabilities of, or claims against, any other person or body, including the umbrella, or any other sub-fund, and shall not be available for any such purpose; 11 |
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11(aa) |
for a co-ownership scheme, the property subject to a sub-fund is beneficially owned by the participants in that sub-fund as tenants in common (or, in Scotland, is the common property of the participants in that sub-fund) and must not be used to discharge any liabilities of, or meet any claims against, any person other than the participants in that sub-fund; and |
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10(b) |
for an ICVC or a co-ownership scheme,11 while the provisions of the OEIC Regulations, and section 261P (Segregated liability in relation to umbrella co-ownership schemes) of the Act in the case of co-ownership schemes,11 provide for segregated liability between sub-funds, the concept of segregated liability is relatively new. Accordingly, where claims are brought by local creditors in foreign courts or under foreign law contracts, it is not yet known how those foreign courts will react to regulations 11A and 11B of the OEIC Regulations or, as the case may be, section 261P of the Act.11 11 |
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18 |
Application of the prospectus contents to an umbrella |
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For a scheme which is an umbrella, information required must be stated: |
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(1) |
in relation to each sub-fund where the information for any sub-fund differs from that for any other; and |
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(2) |
for the umbrella as a whole, but only where the information is relevant to the umbrella as a whole. |
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318A |
Investment in overseas4 property through an intermediate holding vehicle3 |
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If investment in an overseas4 immovable is to be made through an intermediate holding vehicle or a series of intermediate holding vehicles a statement disclosing the existence of that intermediate holding vehicle or series of intermediate holding vehicles and confirming that the purpose of that intermediate holding vehicle or series of intermediate holding vehicles is to enable the holding of overseas4 immovables by the scheme.3 |
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1118B |
Information on authorised contractual schemes |
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A statement that: |
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(1) |
a unitholder in a co-ownership scheme is not liable to make any further payment after he has paid the price of his units and that no further liability can be imposed on him in respect of the units he holds; |
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(2) |
a unitholder in a limited partnership scheme is not liable for the debts or obligations of the limited partnership scheme beyond the amount of the scheme property which is available to the authorised contractual scheme manager to meet such debts or obligations, provided that the unitholder does not take part in the management of the partnership business; |
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(3) |
the exercise of rights conferred on limited partners by FCArules does not constitute taking part in the management of the partnership business; and |
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(4) |
the scheme property of a co-ownership scheme is beneficially owned by the participants as tenants in common (or, in Scotland, is the common property of the participants). |
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19 |
Additional information |
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Any other material information which is within the knowledge of the directors11 of an ICVC or the authorised fund manager11 of an AUT or ACS11, or which the directors or authorised fund manager11 would have obtained by the making of reasonable enquiries which investors and their professional advisers would reasonably require, and reasonably expect to find in the prospectus, for the purpose of making an informed judgement about the merits of investing in the authorised fund and the extent and characteristics of the risks accepted by so participating. 111111 |
1Introduction |
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1. |
An accredited body is a body appearing in the list of such bodies in the Glossary.1 1 |
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2. |
Information on accredited bodies, including guidance on the process for including an applicant body in the list, is set out below and the obligation to pay the application fee is set out in FEES 3.2. |
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3. |
[deleted]1 1 |
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Process for including a body in the list of accredited bodies |
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4. |
In considering the compatibility of a proposed addition with the statutory objectives, the FCA will determine whether the applicant will, if accredited, contribute to securing an appropriate degree of protection for consumers having regard in particular to: |
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(1) |
the matters set out in paragraphs 10 to 20; and |
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(2) |
the rules and practices of the applicant. |
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5. |
An application to the FCA to be added to the list of accredited bodies should set out how the applicant will satisfy the criteria in paragraphs 10 to 20. The application should be accompanied by a report from a suitable auditor which sets out its independent assessment of the applicant's ability to meet these criteria. An application form is available from the FCA upon request. |
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6. |
When considering an application for accredited body status the FCA may: |
|
(1) |
carry out any enquiries and request any further information that it considers appropriate, including consulting other regulators; |
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(2) |
ask the applicant or its specified representative to answer questions and explain any matter the FCA considers relevant to the application; |
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(3) |
take into account any information which the FCA considers appropriate to the application; and |
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(4) |
request that any information provided by the applicant or its specified representative is verified in such a manner as the FCA may specify. |
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7. |
The FCA will confirm its decision in writing to the applicant. |
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8. |
The FCA will enter into an agreement with the applicant or accredited body which will specify the requirements that the accredited body must meet. These will include the matters set out in paragraphs 10 to 20. Approval as an accredited body becomes effective only when the name of the applicant is added to the Glossary definition of accredited body. |
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9. |
Paragraphs 10 to 20 set out the criteria which an applicant should meet to become an accredited body and which an accredited body should meet at all times. |
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Acting in the public interest and furthering the development of the profession |
||
10. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to act in the public interest, to contribute to raising consumer confidence and professional standards in the retail investment advice market and to promoting the profession. |
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Carrying out effective verification services |
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11. |
If independent verification of a retail investment adviser's professional standards has been carried out by an accredited body, the FCA will expect the accredited body to provide the retail investment adviser with evidence of that verification in a durable medium and in a form agreed by the FCA. This is referred to in this Appendix and TC 2.1.28 R as a 'statement of professional standing'. |
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12. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to have in place effective procedures for carrying out its verification activities. These should include: |
|
(1) |
verifying that each retail investment adviser who is a member of or subscriber to the accredited body's verification service has made an annual declaration in writing that the retail investment adviser has, in the preceding 12 months, complied with APER or, for a relevant authorised person, complied with COCON2and completed the continuing professional development required under TC 2.1.15 R;1 |
|
(2) |
verifying annually the continuing professional development records of no less than 10% of the retail investment advisers who have used its service in the previous 12 months to ensure that the records are accurate and the continuing professional development completed by the retail investment advisers is appropriate; and |
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(3) |
verifying that, if required by TC, the retail investment advisers who use its services have attained an appropriate qualification. This should include, where relevant, checking that appropriate qualification gap-fill records have been completed by the retail investment advisers. |
|
13. |
The FCA will not expect an accredited body to carry out the verification in paragraph 12(3) if a retail investment adviser provides the accredited body with evidence in a durable medium which demonstrates that another accredited body has previously verified the retail investment adviser's appropriate qualification, including, where relevant, appropriate qualification gap-fill. |
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14. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to make it a contractual condition of membership (where a retail investment adviser is a member of the accredited body) or of using its verification service (where a retail investment adviser is not a member of the accredited body) that, as a minimum, the accredited body will not continue to verify a retail investment adviser's standards. The FCA2will also expect an accredited body to 2withdraw its statement of professional standing if it 2is provided with false information in relation to a retail investment adviser's qualifications or continuing professional development or a false declaration in relation to a retail investment adviser's compliance with APER or, for a relevant authorised person, compliance with COCON2. In this regard, an accredited body must have in place appropriate decision-making procedures with a suitable degree of independence and transparency. |
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Having appropriate systems and controls in place and providing evidence to the FCA of continuing effectiveness |
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15. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to ensure that it has adequate resources and systems and controls in place in relation to its role as an accredited body. |
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16. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to have effective procedures in place for the management of conflicts of interest and have a well-balanced governance structure with at least one member who is independent of the sector. |
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17. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to have a code of ethics and to ensure that its code of ethics and verification service terms and conditions do not contain any provisions that conflict with APER or COCON2. |
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Ongoing cooperation with the FCA |
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18. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to provide the FCA with such documents and information as the FCA reasonably requires, and to cooperate with the FCA in an open and transparent manner. |
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19. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to share information with the FCA (subject to any legal constraints) in relation to the professional standards of the retail investment advisers who use its service as appropriate. Examples might include conduct issues, complaints, dishonestly obtaining or falsifying qualifications or continuing professional development or a failure to complete appropriate continuing professional development. The FCA will expect an accredited body to notify the firm if issues such as these arise. |
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20. |
The FCA will expect an accredited body to submit to the FCA an annual report by a suitable independent auditor which sets out that auditor's assessment of the quality of the body's satisfaction of the criteria in paragraphs 10 to 19 in the preceding 12 months and whether, in the auditor's view, the body is capable of satisfying the criteria in the subsequent 12 months. The FCA will expect this annual report to be submitted to the FCA within three months of the anniversary of the date on which the accredited body was added to the Glossary definition of accredited body. |
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Withdrawal of accreditation |
||
21. |
If an accredited body fails or, in the FCA's view, is likely to fail to satisfy the criteria, the FCA will discuss this with the accredited body concerned. If, following a period of discussion, the accredited body has failed to take appropriate corrective action to ensure that it satisfies and will continue to satisfy the criteria, the FCA will withdraw the accredited body's accreditation by removing its name from the list of accredited bodies published in the Glossary. The FCA will expect the body to notify each retail investment adviser holding a current statement of professional standing of the FCA's decision. A statement of professional standing issued by the accredited body before the withdrawal of accreditation will continue to be valid until its expiration. |
Table: Items which are eligible to contribute to the prudential resources of a firm
Item |
Additional explanation |
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1 |
Share capital |
This must be fully paid and may include: |
||
(1) |
ordinary share capital; or |
|||
(2) |
preference share capital (excluding preference shares redeemable by shareholders within two years). |
|||
2 |
Capital other than share capital (for example, the capital of a sole trader, partnership or limited liability partnership) |
The capital of a sole trader is the net balance on the firm's capital account and current account. The capital of a partnership is the capital made up of the partners': |
||
(1) |
capital account, that is the account: |
|||
(a) |
into which capital contributed by the partners is paid; and |
|||
(b) |
from which, under the terms of the partnership agreement, an amount representing capital may be withdrawn by a partner only if: |
|||
(i) he ceases to be a partner and an equal amount is transferred to another such account by his former partners or any person replacing him as their partner; or |
||||
(ii) he ceases to be a partner and an equal amount is transferred to another such account by his former partners or any person replacing him as their partner; or |
||||
(iii) the partnership is otherwise dissolved or wound up; and |
||||
(2) |
current accounts according to the most recent financial statement. |
|||
For the purpose of the calculation of capital resources in respect of a defined benefit occupational pension scheme: |
||||
(1) |
a firm must derecognise any defined benefit asset; |
|||
(2) |
a firm may substitute for a defined benefit liability the firm'sdeficit reduction amount, provided that the election is applied consistently in respect of any one financial year. |
|||
3 |
Reserves (Note 1) |
These are, subject to Note 1, the audited accumulated profits retained by the firm (after deduction of tax, dividends and proprietors' or partners' drawings) and other reserves created by appropriations of share premiums and similar realised appropriations. Reserves also include gifts of capital, for example, from a parent undertaking. |
||
For the purposes of calculating capital resources, a firm must make the following adjustments to its reserves, where appropriate: |
||||
(1) |
a firm must deduct any unrealised gains or, where applicable, add back in any unrealised losses on debt instruments held, or formerly held, in the available-for-sale financial assets category; |
|||
(2) |
a firm must deduct any unrealised gains or, where applicable, add back in any unrealised losses on cash flow hedges of financial instruments measured at cost or amortised cost; |
|||
(3) |
in respect of a defined benefit occupational pension scheme: |
|||
(a) |
a firm must derecognise any defined benefit asset; |
|||
(b) |
a firm may substitute for a defined benefit liability the firm'sdeficit reduction amount, provided that the election is applied consistently in respect of any one financial year. |
|||
4 |
Interim net profits (Note 1) |
If a firm seeks to include interim net profits in the calculation of its capital resources, the profits have, subject to Note 1, to be verified by the firm's external auditor, net of tax, anticipated dividends or proprietors' drawings and other appropriations. |
||
5 |
Revaluation reserves |
|||
6 |
Subordinated loans/debt |
Subordinated loans/debts must be included in capital on the basis of the provisions in this chapter that apply to subordinated loans/debts. |
||
Note: |
||||
1 |
Reserves must be audited and interim net profits, general and collective provisions must be verified by the firm's external auditor unless the firm is exempt from the provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 (section 249A (Exemptions from audit)) or, where applicable, Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 (section 477 (Small companies: Conditions for exemption from audit)) relating to the audit of accounts. |
Module |
Relevance to Credit Unions |
The Principles for Businesses (PRIN) |
The Principles for Businesses (PRIN) set out 3high-level requirements 3imposed by the FCA3. They provide a general statement of regulatory requirements. The Principles apply to all12credit unions. In applying the Principles to credit unions, the FCA3 will be mindful of proportionality. In practice, the implications are likely to vary according to the size and complexity 3of the credit union. 1212121212 |
Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls (SYSC) |
SYSC 1,3SYSC 4 to 10 and SYSC 213 apply to all credit unions in respect of the carrying on of their regulated activities and unregulated activities in a prudential context. SYSC 4.5 (Management responsibilities maps for relevant authorised persons), SYSC 4.7 (Senior management responsibilities for relevant authorised persons: allocation of responsibilities), SYSC 4.9 (Handover procedures and material), SYSC 5.2 (Certification regime) and SYSC 18 apply3 to all credit unions in respect of both their regulated activities and their unregulated activities3. |
This contains rules and guidance that are directly applicable to a credit union’sSMF managers, certification employees and (from 2017) other conduct rules staff. There is also guidance for credit unions on giving their staff training about COCON. |
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Threshold Conditions (COND) |
In order to become authorised under the Act all firms must meet the threshold conditions. The threshold conditions must be met on a continuing basis by credit unions. Failure to meet one of the conditions is sufficient grounds for the exercise by the FCA3 of its powers. 121212 |
12312 | |
The Fit and Proper test for Approved Persons (FIT) |
The purpose of FIT is to set out and describe the criteria that a firm should3 consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a person (1)3 in respect of whom an application is being made for approval to undertake a controlled function under the approved persons regime, (2)3 who has already been approved, (3) who is a certification employee or (4) whom a firm is considering appointing to be a certification employee3. It also sets out and describes criteria that the FCA will consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a candidate for a controlled function position and that it may consider when assessing the continuing fitness and propriety of approved persons.3 12312 |
General Provisions (GEN) |
GEN contains rules and guidance on general matters, including interpreting the Handbook, statutory status disclosure, the FCA's3 logo and insurance against financial penalties. 12 |
Fees manual (FEES) |
This manual sets out the fees applying to credit unions. |
3Prudential sourcebook for Mortgage and Home Finance Firms, and Insurance Intermediaries (MIPRU) |
MIPRU applies to any credit union carrying out insurance mediation activity or home finance mediation activity, or using these services. In particular, it sets out requirements for allocation of responsibility for the credit union’sinsurance mediation activity (MIPRU 2), for the use of home finance intermediaries (MIPRU 5) and for professional indemnity insurance (MIPRU 3). |
Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS) |
A credit union which acts as a CTF provider or provides a cash-deposit ISA will need to be aware of the relevant requirements in COBS. COBS 4.6 (Past, simulated past and future performance), COBS 4.7.1 R (Direct offer financial promotions), COBS 4.10 (Systems and controls and approving and communicating financial promotions), COBS 13 (Preparing product information) and COBS 14 (Providing product information to clients) apply with respect to accepting deposits as set out in those provisions, COBS 4.1 and BCOBS. |
ICOBS applies to any credit union carrying on non-investment insurance activities, such as arranging or advising on general insurance contracts to be taken out by members. But ICOBS does not apply to a credit union taking out an insurance policy for itself, such as a policy against default by members on their loans where the credit union is the beneficiary of the policy, since in this circumstance the credit union would not be acting as an insurance intermediary, but would itself be the customer. Credit unions are reminded that they are subject to the requirements of the appropriate legislation, including the Credit Unions Act 1979, relating to activities a credit union may carry on. |
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3Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business sourcebook (MCOB) |
MCOB applies to any credit union that engages in any home finance activity. MCOB rules cover advising and selling standards, responsible lending (including affordability assessment), charges, and the fair treatment of customers in payment difficulties. |
Banking: Conduct of Business sourcebook (BCOBS) |
BCOBS sets out rules and guidance for credit unions on how they should conduct their business with their customers. In particular there are rules and guidance relating to communications with banking customers3and financial promotions (BCOBS 2), distance communications (BCOBS 3), information to be communicated to banking customers3(BCOBS 4), post sale requirements (BCOBS 5), and cancellation (BCOBS 6). 3The rules in BCOBS 3.1 that relate to distance contracts may apply 3to a credit union. This is because the Distance Marketing Directive3applies where there is "an organised distance sales or service-provision scheme run by the supplier" (Article 2(a)), i.e. if the credit union routinely sells any of its services by post, telephone, fax or the internet3. |
Supervision manual (SUP) |
The following provisions of SUP are relevant to credit unions: 13SUP 1A13 (The FCA’s 3 approach to supervision), SUP 2 (Information gathering by the FCA or PRA 3 on its own initiative), SUP 3.1 to SUP 3.8 (Auditors), SUP 5 (Skilled persons), SUP 6 (Applications to vary or cancel Part 4A12permission), SUP 7 (Individual requirements), SUP 8 (Waiver and modification of rules), SUP 9 (Individual guidance), 13SUP 10C (FCA senior management regime for approved persons in relevant authorised persons),3SUP 11 (Controllers and Close links), SUP 15 (Notifications to the FCA or PRA 3) and SUP 16 (Reporting Requirements). Credit unions are reminded that they are subject to the requirements of the Act and SUP 11 on close links, and are bound to notify the FCA3 of changes. It may be unlikely, in practice, that credit unions will develop such relationships. It is possible, however, that a person may acquire close links with a 3credit union3 within the meaning of the Act by reason of holding the prescribed proportion of deferred shares in the credit union. In relation to SUP 16, credit unions are exempted from the requirement to submit annual reports of 3close links. 12121212121312121212 |
CONC contains rules that apply to firms carrying on credit-related regulated activities. PERG 2.7.19IG provides guidance on relevant exemptions. Most credit union lending is therefore outside the scope of CONC. However, subject to the constraints in the Credit Unions Act 1979 or the Credit Unions (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as relevant), credit unions may undertake credit-related regulated activities to which CONC does apply if the activity is carried out by way of business. This could include lending under a borrower-lender-supplier agreement, or debt adjusting or debt counselling where the credit union is not the lender. A credit union carrying on such activities should consider whether it requires permission to do so. Further information can be found on the FCA’s website. |
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Decision, Procedure and Penalties manual (DEPP) |
DEPP is relevant to credit unions because it sets out: (1) the FCA's12 decision-making procedure for giving statutory notices. These are warning notices, decision notices and supervisory notices (DEPP 1.2 to DEPP 5); and (2) the FCA's12 policy with respect to the imposition and amount of penalties under the Act (see DEPP 6). 1212 |
Dispute Resolution: Complaints (DISP) |
DISP sets out rules and guidance in relation to treating complainants fairly and the Financial Ombudsman Service. |
Compensation (COMP) |
COMP sets out rules relating to the scheme for compensating consumers when authorised firms are unable, or likely to be unable, to satisfy claims against them.12 |
The Enforcement Guide (EG) |
The Enforcement Guide (EG) describes the FCA's12 approach to exercising the main enforcement powers given to it by the Act and by other legislation.2 12 |
Financial crime: a guide for firms (FC) |
FC provides guidance on steps that a firm can take to reduce the risk that it might be used to further financial crime. |
Glossary of defined terms for Chapter 9
Note: If a defined term does not appear in the glossary below, the definition appearing in the HandbookGlossary applies.
approved exchange |
means an investment exchange listed as such in Appendix 33 to IPRU-INV 3. |
exchange |
means a recognised investment exchange or designated investment exchange. |
initial capital |
means the initial capital of a firm calculated in accordance with section 9.3. |
intangible assets |
the full balance sheet value of a firm's intangible assets including goodwill, capitalised development costs, licences, trademark and similar rights etc. |
intermediate broker |
in relation to a margined transaction, means any person through whom the firm undertakes that transaction. |
material current year losses |
means losses of an amount equal to 10% or more of initial capital minus B (with B calculated in accordance with Table 9.5.2R). |
material holding |
means a firm's holdings of shares and any other interest in the capital of a credit institution or financial institution: (a) which exceeds 10% of the capital of the issuer, and, where this is the case, any holdings of subordinated debt of the same issuer, the full amount is a material holding; or (b) holdings not deducted under (a) if the total amount of such holdings exceeds 10% of that firm'sown funds, in which case only the excess amount is a material holding. |
material insurance holdings |
(a) means the holdings of an exempt CAD firm of items of the type set out in (b) in any: (i) insurance undertaking; or (ii) insurance holding company that fulfils one of the following conditions: (iii) it is a subsidiary undertaking of that firm; or (iv) that firm holds a participation in it. (b) An item falls into this provision for the purpose of (a) if it is: (i) an ownership share; or (ii) subordinated debt or another item of capital that forms part of the tier two capital resources that1 falls into GENPRU 2 or, as the case may be, INSPRU 7, or is an item of “basic own funds” defined in the PRA Rulebook: Glossary. |
own funds |
means the own funds of a firm calculated in accordance with 9.2.9R(2) and The Interim Prudential Sourcebook for Investment Businesses Chapter 9: Financial resources requirements for an exempt CAD firm Page 2 of 2 Version: November 2007 9.2.8R(b). |
own funds requirement |
means the requirement set out in 9.2.9R(1) and 9.2.8R(b). |
verified |
means checked by an external auditor who has undertaken at least to: (a) satisfy himself that the figures forming the basis of the interim profits have been properly extracted from the underlying accounting records; (b) review the accounting policies used in calculating the interim profits so as to obtain comfort that they are consistent with those normally adopted by the firm in drawing up its annual financial statements and are in accordance with the relevant accounting principles; (c) perform analytical procedures on the result to date, including comparisons of actual performance to date with budget and with the results of prior period(s); (d) discuss with management the overall performance and financial position of the firm; (e) obtain adequate comfort that the implications of current and prospective litigation, all known claims and commitments, changes in business activities and provisioning for bad and doubtful debts have been properly taken into account in arriving at the interim profits; and (f) follow up problem areas of which he is already aware in the course of auditing the firm's financial statements. |
Table: Disapplied or modified modules or provisions of the Handbook
Module |
Disapplication or modification |
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Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Control sourcebook (SYSC) [FCA] |
SYSC 6.1.4C R (requirement of debt management firm or credit repair firm to appoint a compliance officer) does not apply to a firm with an interim permission. SYSC 6.3.8 R (responsibility for anti-money laundering systems and controls) does not apply to a firm with only an interim permission. SYSC 6.3.9 R (requirement to appoint a money laundering reporting officer) does not apply to a firm with only an interim permission. |
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Fees manual (FEES) [FCA] |
The Fees manual does not apply in respect of the fee provided for in FEES 8.1.1R (1), except for the rules and guidance in FEES 2.3 and FEES 8.1. |
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Guidance applies with necessary modifications to reflect Chapter 4 of Part 8 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2013 (see Note 1). |
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Note 1 |
A firm is treated as having an interim permission on and after 1 April 2014 to carry on credit-related regulated activity4 or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No.2) Order 2013 if it met the conditions set out in Chapter 4 of Part 8 of that Order. Section 55B(3) of the Act (satisfaction of threshold conditions) does not require the FCA or PRA to ensure that the firm will satisfy, and continue to satisfy, in relation to the credit-related regulated activities4 or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 for which it has an interim permission, the threshold conditions for which that regulator is responsible. The FCA or PRA can, however, exercise its power under section 55J of the Act (variation or cancellation on initiative of regulator) or under section 55L of the Act (in the case of the FCA) or section 55M of the Act (in the case of the PRA) (imposition of requirements by the regulator) in relation to a firm if, among other things, it appears to the FCA or PRA that the firm is failing, or is likely to fail, to satisfy the threshold conditions in relation to the credit-related regulated activities4 or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 for which it has an interim permission for which the regulator is responsible. The guidance4 in COND should be read accordingly. 4444 |
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CASS does not apply with respect to credit-related regulated activity to a firm with7: (1) only an interim permission; or (2) an interim permission that is treated as a variation of permission; if the firm acts in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 3.42 and 3.43 of the Debt management (and credit repair services) guidance (OFT366rev) previously issued by the Office of Fair Trading, as they were in effect immediately before 1 April 2014. 77577 |
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SUP 3 (Auditors), SUP 10A (FCA Approved persons), SUP 10C (FCA senior management regime for approved persons in relevant authorised persons) 8 and SUP 12 (Appointed representatives) (see Note 2) do not apply: (1) to a firm with only an interim permission; or (2) with respect to a credit-related regulated activity or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 for which a firm has an interim permission that is treated as a variation of permission,7 except that SUP 3.10 and SUP 3.11 apply to a firm in relation to its designated investment business that comprises operating an electronic system in relation to lending.7 7 |
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Note 2 |
A firm may not be a principal in relation to a regulated activity for which it has interim permission. A firm with interim permission may, however, be an appointed representative in relation to a regulated activity which it does not have interim permission to carry on (article 59 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2013). |
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SUP 6 (Applications to vary and cancel Part 4A permission and to impose, vary or cancel requirements) applies: (1) with necessary modifications to reflect Chapter 4 of Part 8 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2013 (see Note 3); (2) with the modifications to SUP 6.3.15D9 and SUP 6.4.5D9 set out in paragraph 1.2 of this Schedule. |
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Note 3 |
If a firm with interim permission applies to the appropriate regulator under section 55A of the Act for Part 4A permission to carry on a regulated activity or under section 55H or 55I of the Act to vary a Part 4A permission that the firm has otherwise than by virtue of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2013 by adding a regulated activity to those to which the permission relates, the application may be treated by the appropriate regulator as relating also to some or all of the regulated activities for which the firm has interim permission. |
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SUP 11 (Controllers and close links) does not apply to a firm with only an interim permission (see Note 4). |
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Note 4 |
A firm is not to be regarded as an authorised person for the purposes of Part 12 of the Act (control over authorised person) if it has only an interim permission (see article 59 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No 2) Order 2013). |
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For a firm with only an interim permission (1) SUP 15.5.1 R, SUP 15.5.2 G, SUP 15.5.4 R, SUP 15.5.5 R are modified so that the words "reasonable advance", "and the date on which the firm intends to implement the change of name" and "and the date of the change" are omitted; and (2) SUP 15.7.1 R, SUP 15.7.4 R and SUP 15.7.5A R are modified so that a notification of a change in name, address or telephone number must be made using the online Consumer Credit Interim Permissions system available on the FCA's website. (3) If in a notification to the FCA the firm is required to enter its FRN number it must include it interim permission number. |
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SUP 16 (Reporting requirements) does not apply to a firm with only an interim permission except:7 |
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SUP 16.11 and SUP 16.12 apply to a firm, which was an authorised person immediately before 1 April 2014, with an interim permission that is treated as a variation of permission with respect to credit-related regulated activity or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 as if the changes to SUP 16.11 and SUP 16.12 effected by the Consumer Credit (Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) Instrument 2014 had not been made, except in so far as those changes relate to data item CCR008.6 |
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DISP 1.10 (Complaints reporting rules) and DISP 1.10A (Complaints data publication rules) do not apply to a person with only an interim permission. |
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DISP 1.10 (Complaints reporting rules) and DISP 1.10A (Complaints data publication rules) apply to a firm, which was an authorised person immediately before 1 April 2014, with an interim permission that is treated as a variation of permission with respect to credit-related regulated activity or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 as if the changes to DISP 1.10 and DISP 1.10A effected by the Consumer Credit (Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) Instrument 2014 had not been made. |
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CONC 10 (Prudential requirements for debt management firms) does not apply: (1) to a firm with only an interim permission; or (2) with respect to credit-related regulated activity or operating an electronic system in relation to lending5 for which a firm has an interim permission that is treated as a variation of permission. |
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For a firm only with an interim permission, PERG 5.11.13 G is modified so that following the words "which does not otherwise consist of carrying on regulated activities" is added "(other than a regulated activity carried on by a firm only with an interim permission listed in article 59A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities)(Amendment)(No.2) Order 2013 (SI 2013/1881) which is to be disregarded for this purpose)". Article 59A enables a firm with only an interim permission which would be able to benefit from article 72B of the Regulated Activities Order, but for carrying on the new consumer credit regulated activities to continue to do so. |