Related provisions for SUP 16.11.7
1 - 20 of 67 items.
1A firm’s report – produced internally or by an external third party – can clearly assist the firm, but may also be useful to the FCA where there is an issue of regulatory concern. Sharing the outcome of an investigation can potentially save time and resources for both parties, particularly where there is a possibility of the FCA taking enforcement action in relation to a firm’s perceived misconduct or failing. This does not mean that firms are under any obligation to share the
1Work done or commissioned by the firm does not fetter the FCA's ability to use its statutory powers, for example to require a skilled person’s report under section 166 of the Act or to carry out a formal enforcement investigation; nor can a report commissioned by the firm be a substitute for formal regulatory action where this is needed or appropriate. But even if formal action is needed, it may be that a report could be used to help the FCA decide on the appropriate action to
1The FCA invites firms to consider, in particular, whether to discuss the commissioning and scope of a report with FCA staff where: (1) firms have informed the FCA of an issue of potential regulatory concern, as required by SUP 15; or (2) the FCA has indicated that an issue or concern has or may result in a referral to Enforcement.
1The FCA's approach in commenting on the proposed scope and purpose of the report will vary according to the circumstances in which the report is commissioned; it does not follow that the FCA will want to be involved in discussing the scope of a report in every situation. But if the firm anticipates that it will proactively disclose a report to the FCA in the context of an ongoing or prospective enforcement investigation, then the potential use and benefit to be derived from the
1In certain circumstances the FCA may prefer that a firm does not commission its own investigation (whether an internal audit report or a report by external advisers) because action by the firm could itself be damaging to an FCA investigation. This is true in particular of criminal investigations, where alerting the suspects could have adverse consequences. For example, where the FCA suspects that individuals are abusing positions of trust within financial institutions and that
1How the results of an investigation are presented to the FCA may differ from case to case; the FCA acknowledges that different circumstances may call for different approaches. In this sense, one size does not fit all. The FCA will take a pragmatic and flexible approach when deciding how to receive the results of an investigation. However, if the FCA is to rely on a report as the basis for taking action, or not taking action, then it is important that the firm should be prepared
1The FCA is not able to require the production of “protected items”, as defined in the Act, but it is not uncommon for there to be disagreement with firms about the scope of this protection. Arguments about whether certain documents attract privilege tend to be time- consuming and delay the progress of an investigation. If a firm decides to give a report to the FCA, then the FCA considers that the greatest mutual benefit is most likely to flow from disclosure of the report itself
1For reasons that the FCA can understand, firms may seek to restrict the use to which a report can be put, or assert that any legal privilege is waived only on a limited basis and that the firm retains its right to assert legal privilege as the basis for non-disclosure in civil proceedings against a private litigant.
1The FCA understands that the concept of a limited waiver of legal privilege is not one which is recognised in all jurisdictions; the FCA considers that English law does permit such “limited waiver” and that legal privilege could still be asserted against third parties notwithstanding disclosure of a report to the FCA. However, the FCA cannot accept any condition or stipulation which would purport to restrict its ability to use the information in the exercise of the FCA's statutory
1This does not mean that information provided to the FCA is unprotected. The FCA is subject to strict statutory restrictions on the disclosure of confidential information (as defined in section 348 of the Act), breach of which is a criminal offence (under section 352 of the Act). Reports and underlying materials provided voluntarily to the FCA by a firm, whether covered by legal privilege or not, are confidential for these purposes and benefit from the statutory protections.
1Even in circumstances where disclosure of information would be permitted under the “gateways” set out in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Disclosure of Confidential Information) Regulations, the FCA will consider carefully whether it would be appropriate to disclose a report provided voluntarily by a firm. The FCA appreciates that firms feel strongly about the importance of maintaining confidentiality, and that firms are more likely to volunteer information to the
The suitability of a person to act as an independent expert depends on the nature of the scheme and the firms concerned. On the basis of the preliminary information supplied by the scheme promoters (and any other knowledge it has of the circumstances and the firms), the appropriate regulator8 will consider what skills are needed to make a proper report on the scheme and what criteria should therefore be applied to the choice of independent expert. The appropriate regulator8 will
The scheme report should comply with the applicable rules on expert evidence and contain the following information:(1) who appointed the independent expert and who is bearing the costs of that appointment;(2) confirmation that the independent expert has been approved or nominated by the appropriate regulator8;8(3) a statement of the8independent expert's professional qualifications and (where appropriate) descriptions of the experience that fits him for the role;(4) whether the
The purpose of the scheme report is to inform the court and the independent expert, therefore, 8has a duty to the court. However reliance will also be placed on it by policyholders, by reinsurers,8 by others affected by the scheme and by the regulators8. The amount of detail that it is appropriate to include will depend on the complexity of the scheme, the materiality of the details themselves and the circumstances.88
For any mutual company involved in the scheme, the report should:(1) describe the effect of the scheme on the proprietary rights of members of the company, including the significance of any loss or dilution of the rights of those members to secure or prevent further changes which could affect their entitlements as policyholders;(2) state whether, and to what extent, members will receive compensation under the scheme for any diminution of proprietary rights; and(3) comment on the
A transfer may provide for benefits to be reduced for some or all of the policies being transferred. This might happen if the transferor is in financial difficulties. If there is such a proposal, the independent expert should report on what reductions he considers ought to be made, unless either:(1) the information required is not available and will not become available in time for his report, for instance it might depend on future events; or(2) otherwise, he is unable to report
It would normally be appropriate to include with the notice referred to in SUP 18.2.42 G a statement setting out the terms of the scheme and containing a summary of the scheme report. Ideally every recipient should understand in broad terms from the summary how the scheme is likely to affect him. This objective will be most nearly achieved if the summary is clear and concise while containing sufficient detail for the purpose. A lengthy summary or one that was hard to understand
8The provision of reports from one or other (or both) regulators to assist the court is common practice. In most cases, a first report will be provided to the court in advance of the directions hearing and a second report will be provided to the court in advance of the final hearing. Where additional information needs to be given to the court by either regulator, this will be provided using the most appropriate format for the circumstances in each case, and may include the provision
8In relation to the matters at SUP 18.2.57A G to SUP 18.2.57C G above and to facilitate the provision to the court of a first report in advance of a directions hearing, near final versions of relevant documents will need to be made available to each of the regulators as soon as practicable. Scheme promoters should be aware that where such documents are produced less than six weeks before the date set for the hearing the regulators will be less likely to be in a position to complete
8Relevant documents in SUP 18.2.57D G above will usually include:(1) the scheme report;(2) if the business to be transferred includes long-term insurance business, copies of reports on the transfer by the actuarial function holder and (if the insurance business includes with-profits business) the with-profits actuary of both firms;(3) draft notices under article 3 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Control of Business Transfers)(Requirements on Applicants) Regulations
8In relation to the matters at SUP 18.2.57A G to SUP 18.2.57C G and to facilitate the provision to the court of a second or final report in advance of the final hearing, near-final versions of relevant documents will need to be made available to each of the regulators as soon as practicable. Scheme promoters should be aware that where such documents are produced less than six weeks before the date set for that hearing, the regulators will be less likely to be in a position to
8Relevant documents in SUP 18.2.57H G will usually include:(1) any witness statements or other evidence which the parties to the proposed transfer intend to submit to the court for the final hearing;(2) the notice or notices published and sent in accordance with the order of the court at SUP 18.2.57G G;(3) proof of publication of the notice or notices at (2);(4) any final and/or additional reports of the independent expert;(5) any objections or other representations received from
8Provided that any necessary consents have been obtained in respect of confidential information, where either regulator has made a report it will give a copy of its report to the court and will give a copy of its report as filed with the court to each of the parties to the proposed transfer as soon as practicable after such filing.
(1) 2The issuer must file the report on payments to governments with the FCA.(2) The report in (1) must be filed by uploading it to the system identified by the FCA on its website as the national storage mechanism for regulatory announcements and certain documents published by issuers.(3) A report filed under (2) must be in XML (extensible markup language) format and must use the XML data schema developed for the purposes of facilitating software filing to be used for the purpose
The FCA1 will give written notification to the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G2 of the purpose of the report or collection or updating of information,2 its scope, the timetable for completion and any other relevant matters. The FCA1 will state the matters which the report is to contain, or the information which is to be collected or updated,2 as well as any requirements as to the report's format. For example, a report on controls may be required to address key risks, key
A skilled person must appear to the FCA1 to have the skills necessary to make a report on the matter concerned or collect or update the relevant information.2 A skilled person may be an accountant, lawyer, compliance consultant,2actuary or person with relevant business, technical or technological skills.22
When considering whether to nominate, approve or appoint a skilled person to make a report or collect or update information, the FCA1 will have regard to the circumstances of the case, including whether the proposed skilled person appears to have:22(1) the skills necessary to make a report on the matter concerned or collect or update the relevant information;2(2) the ability to complete the report or collect or update the information within the time expected by the FCA1; 22(3)
In appropriate circumstances, it may be cost effective for the FCA1 to nominate or approve the appointment of, or appoint itself,2 a skilled person who has previously acted for, or advised, the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G.2 For example, the FCA1 may nominate or approve the appointment of, or appoint,2 the auditor of a person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G2 to prepare a report or collect or update the information2 taking into account, where relevant, the considerations
Where the skilled person is appointed by the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G, the FCA1 will normally require the skilled person to be appointed to report to the FCA1 through that person. In the normal course of events the FCA1 expects that the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G2 will be given the opportunity to provide written comments on the report or the collection of the relevant information prior to its submission to the FCA1. 222222222
The FCA1 may enter into a dialogue with the skilled person, and is ready to discuss matters relevant to the report or the collection or updating of the relevant information2 with that person1, during the preparation of the report or the collection or updating of the relevant information.2 Such discussions may2 involve or be through the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G.2222
The FCA1 will normally specify a time limit within which it expects the skilled person to deliver the report or collect or update the relevant information. Where the skilled person is appointed by the person in SUP 5.2.1 G or SUP 5.2.2 G, the2skilled person should, in complying with its contractual duty under SUP 5.5.1 R, take reasonable steps to achieve delivery by that time. If the skilled person becomes aware that the report may not be delivered, or collection or updating
An issuer to which this section applies must include a corporate governance statement in its directors’ report. That statement must be included as a specific section of the directors’ report and must contain at least the information set out in DTR 7.2.2 R to DTR 7.2.7 R and, where applicable, DTR 7.2.10 R.
(1) An issuer which is complying with DTR 7.2.2 R (1) or DTR 7.2.2 R (2) must:(a) state in its directors’ report where the relevant corporate governance code is publicly available; and(b) where 4it departs from that corporate governance code, explain which parts of the corporate governance code it departs from and the reasons for doing so.(2) Where DTR 7.2.2 R (3) applies, the issuer must make details of 4its corporate governance practices publicly available and state in its directors’
An issuer may elect that, instead of including its corporate governance statement in its directors’ report, the information required by DTR 7.2.1 R to DTR 7.2.7 R may be set out in4: (1) 4a separate report published together with and in the same manner as its annual report4; or(2) a4 document publicly available on the issuer's website to which reference is made in the directors’ report4. 44Under (1) or (2), the corporate governance statement must contain the information required
Subject to DTR 7.2.11 R, an issuer which is required to prepare a group directors’ report within the meaning of section 415(2) of the Companies Act 2006 must include in that report a description of the main features of the group’s internal control and risk management systems in relation to the financial reporting process for the undertakings included in the consolidation, taken as a whole4. In the event that the issuer presents its own annual report and its consolidated annual
(1) 4An issuer that elects to include its corporate governance statement in a separate report as permitted by DTR 7.2.9R(1) must provide the information required by DTR 7.2.10R in that report.(2) 4An issuer that elects to include its corporate governance statement in a document publicly available on the issuer's website to which reference is made in the directors’ report as permitted by DTR 7.2.9R(2) must provide the information required by DTR 7.2.10R in that document.
An ROIE1 is required to notify the FCA1 of certain events and give information to it on a regular basis and when certain specified events occur. Section 295 of the Act (Notification: overseas investment exchanges and overseas clearing houses) requires each ROIE1 to provide the FCA1 with a report (at least once a year) which contains:111(1) a statement as to whether any events have occurred which are likely to affect the FCA's assessment of whether it is satisfied that the ROIE
The period covered by a report submitted under section 295(1) of the Act starts on the day after the period covered by its last report or, if there is no such report, after the making of the recognition order recognising theROIE1 as such, and ends on the date specified in the report or, if no date is specified, on the date of the report. 1
A class 1 circular must also include the following information:(1) the information given in the notification (see LR 10.4.1R);(2) the information required by LR 13 Annex 1;(3) the information required by LR 13.5 (if applicable); and(4) a declaration by the issuer and2 its directors in the following form (with appropriate modifications):"The [issuer] and the2 directors of [the issuer2], whose names appear on page [ ], accept responsibility for the information contained in this
If a class 1 circular contains a modified report3, as described in LR 13.5.25 R, the class 1 circular must set out:3(1) whether the modification or emphasis-of-matter paragraph3 is significant to shareholders;(2) if the modification or emphasis-of-matter paragraph3 is significant to shareholders, the reason for its significance; and(3) a statement from the directors explaining why they are able to recommend the proposal set out in the class 1 circular notwithstanding the modified
A firm must produce an annual report to its with-profits policyholders, which must:(1) state whether, throughout the financial year to which the report relates, the firm believes it has complied with its obligations relating to its PPFM and setting out its reasons for that belief;(2) address all significant relevant issues, including the way in which the firm has:(a) exercised, or failed to exercise, any discretion that it has in the conduct of its with-profits business; and(b)
The following documents should be annexed to the annual report in this section:(1) the report to with-profits policyholders made by a with-profits actuary in respect of each financial year (see SUP 4.3.16AR(4)); and(2) any statement or report provided by the person or committee who provides the independent judgement under the firm's governance arrangements for its with-profits business.
Where an ROIE1 includes in its report made under section 295(1) of the Act (Notification: overseas investment exchanges and overseas clearing houses) a statement in compliance with section 295(2)(a) of the Act that an event has occurred in the period covered by that report which is likely to affect the FCA's1 assessment of whether it is satisfied as to the requirements set out in section 292(3) (Overseas investment exchanges and overseas clearing houses), it must include particulars
An ROIE1 must include in its report submitted in compliance with section 295(1) of the Act:1(1) particulars of any changes to: (a) its memorandum and articles of association or any similar or analogous documents; (b) its regulatory provisions; (c) its chairman or president, or chief executive (or equivalent);(2) particulars of any disciplinary action (or any similar or analogous action) taken against it by any supervisory authority in its home territory, whether or not that action
An ROIE1 must include in the first report submitted under section 295(1) of the Act after the recognition order in relation to that ROIE1 is made: 11(1) particulars of any events of the kind described in section 295(2) of the Act which occurred; (2) particulars of any change specified in REC 6.7.4 R (1) or disciplinary action specified in REC 6.7.4 R (2) which occurred; and(3) any annual report and accounts which covered a period ending; after the application for recognition
In the case of a listed company incorporated in the United Kingdom, the following additional items must be included in its annual financial report1:1(1) a statement setting out all the interests (in respect of which transactions are notifiable to the company under article 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation16) 4of each person who is4 a3director of the listed company as at the end of4 the period under review including:44334(a) all changes in the interests of each director that have
The report to the shareholders by the Board required by LR 9.8.6R (7) must contain details of the unexpired term of any director’s service contract of a director proposed for election or re-election at the forthcoming annual general meeting, and, if any director proposed for election or re-election does not have a directors' service contract, a statement to that effect.1212
Any strategic report with supplementary information provided to shareholders12 by a listed company as permitted under section 426 of 12the Companies Act 20066, must disclose:123346(1) earnings per share; and(2) the information required for a strategic report 12 set out in or under6 the Companies Act 20066 and the supplementary material required under section 426A of the Companies Act 200612.123346
1In addition to requiring the asset pool monitor to prepare an annual report, Regulation 17A of the RCB Regulations requires that the asset pool monitor must inspect the compliance of the issuer or owner (as the case may be) with the requirements in Regulations 16, 17 or 24 of the RCB Regulations once every 12 months.
In complying with the contractual duty in SUP 5.5.1 R (1) the FCA3 expects that a skilled person appointed by a firm4 under section 166 (Reports by skilled persons) or section 166A (Appointment of skilled person to collect and update information) of the Act4 will cooperate with the FCA3 by, amongst other things, providing information or documentation about the planning and progress of the report and its findings and conclusions, if requested to do so. A firm should therefore
In implementing a relationship management framework, and drafting the service level agreement with the service provider, a firm should have regard to:(1) the identification of qualitative and quantitative performance targets to assess the adequacy of service provision, to both the firm and its clients, where appropriate;(2) the evaluation of performance through service delivery reports and periodic self certification or independent review by internal or external auditors; and(3)
In some circumstances, a firm may find it beneficial to use externally validated reports commissioned by the service provider, to seek comfort as to the adequacy and effectiveness of its systems and controls. The use of such reports does not absolve the firm of responsibility to maintain other oversight. In addition, the firm should not normally have to forfeit its right to access, for itself or its agents, to the service provider's premises.
The relevant regulator24 may require additional information, including professional advice, to supplement or support the report in SUP 6.4.9 G where it considers this appropriate. Examples of reports that may be requested by the relevant regulator24 include, but are not limited to those detailed in SUP 6.4.16 G.2424
Types of reports. See SUP 6.4.15 G
Category of firm |
Type of report |
a bank or building society |
• an audited balance sheet which confirms that, in the auditor's opinion, the firm has no remaining deposit liabilities to customers; • a report from auditors or reporting accountants; |
• a report from auditors or reporting accountants |
|
an insurer |
• an audited closing balance sheet which demonstrates that the firm has no insurance liabilities to policyholders; • a report from the auditors or reporting accountants; and • in some cases, an actuarial opinion as to the likelihood of any remaining liabilities to policyholders. |
A common platform firm1(with the exception of a sole trader who does not employ any person who is required to be approved under section 59 of the Act (Approval for particular arrangements))2 and a management company,4 must ensure that:21(1) its senior personnel receive on a frequent basis, and at least annually, written reports on the matters covered by SYSC 6.1.2 R to SYSC 6.1.5 R, SYSC 6.2.1 R and SYSC 7.1.2 R, SYSC 7.1.3 R and SYSC 7.1.5 R to SYSC 7.1.7 R, indicating in particular
The FCA5 will have regard to legal and procedural considerations including:66(1) statutory powers: whether one of the other available statutory powers is more appropriate for the purpose than the power in section 166 (Reports by skilled persons) or section 166A (Appointment of skilled person to collect and update information) of the Act;66(2) subsequent proceedings: whether it is desirable to obtain an authoritative and independent report for use in any subsequent proceedings;
The FCA5 will have regard to FCA5-related considerations including:6666(1) FCA5 expertise: whether the FCA5 has the necessary expertise; and6666(2) FCA5 resources: whether the resources required to produce a report or to make enquiries or to appoint a skilled person itself6 are available within the FCA5, or whether the exercise will be the best use of the FCA's5 resources at the time.666666
1Paragraphs 13.12.2 to 13.13.1 contain information for insolvency practitioners and others about sending copies of petitions, notices and other documents to the FCA, and about making reports to the FCA. Insolvency practitioners and others have duties to give that information and those documents to the FCA under various sections in Part XXIV of the Act (Insolvency). Paragraphs 13.12.2 identifies the relevant sections of the Act that explain some of the duties.
3The FCA's statement of policy on1 the imposition of financial penalties is set out in DEPP 6.2 (Deciding whether to take action)2 and DEPP 6.4 (Financial penalty or public censure). The FCA's statement of policy on1 the amount of a financial penalty is set out in DEPP 6.5 to DEPP 6.5D. The FCA's statement of policy on1 financial penalties for late submission of reports is set out in DEPP 6.6. The FCA’s statement of policy on1 the imposition of suspensions,2 restrictions,
The FCA1 has similar powers to supervise ROIEs1 to those it has to supervise UK RIEs1. It may (in addition to any other powers it might exercise):111(1) give directions to an ROIE1 under section 296 of the Act (Authority's power to give directions) if it has failed, or is likely to fail, to satisfy the recognition requirements or if it has failed to comply with any other obligation imposed by or under the Act; or1(2) revoke a recognition order under section 297 of the Act (Revoking