Related provisions for SYSC 4.7.37

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SYSC 4.6.7RRP
The third-country relevant authorised person’smanagement responsibilities map for a branch must show clearly how any responsibilities covered by that management responsibilities map are shared or divided between different persons.
SYSC 4.6.9RRP
  1. (1)

    A management responsibilities map for a branch maintained by a third-country relevant authorised person must include the matters listed in SYSC 4.5.7R, subject to the modifications in (2).

  2. (2)

    Unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms in SYSC 4.5.7R are modified as follows:

    Reference in SYSC 4.5.7R

    Modification

    firm

    treated as a reference to the branch

    governing body, management body, senior management and senior personnel

    (a) treated as a reference to the branch’sgoverning body, management body, senior management or senior personnel;

    (b) the Glossary definitions of these terms are adjusted so as to refer to the branch rather than the firm as a whole

    group

    treated as including the rest of the firm

    PRA-prescribed senior management responsibilities

    treated as a reference to PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibilities

    functions allocated under SYSC 4.7.8R (Allocation of overall responsibility for a firm’s activities, business areas and management functions)

    treated as a reference to functions allocated under SYSC 4.8.10R (Local responsibility for a branch’s activities, business areas and management functions)
SYSC 4.6.11RRP
A management responsibilities map for a branch maintained by a third-country relevant authorised person must be a single document (see SYSC 4.6.14G(1)(b) for more on this).
SYSC 4.6.13GRP
The management responsibilities map for a branch maintained by a third-country relevant authorised person should include functions that are:(1) included in a PRA controlled function under SUP 10C.9 (Minimising overlap with the PRA approved persons regime); or(2) excluded from the other local responsibility function under SUP 10C.8.1R (Exclusion for approved person with approval to perform other designated senior management functions).
SYSC 4.6.14GRP
  1. (1)

    The guidance below applies to management responsibilities maps for branches maintained by third-country relevant authorised persons, subject to the modifications in (2):

    1. (a)

      SYSC 4.5.11G to SYSC 4.5.12G (Guidance about management responsibilities maps);

    2. (b)

      SYSC 4.5.15G (Single document);

    3. (c)

      SYSC 4.5.16G to SYSC 4.5.17G (Purpose of SYSC 4 Annex 1G (The main business activities and functions of a relevant authorised person));

    4. (d)

      SYSC 4.5.18G to SYSC 4.5.20G (Contents of SYSC 4 Annex 1G (The main business activities and functions of a relevant authorised person));

    5. (e)

      SYSC 4 Annex 1G (The main business activities and functions of a relevant authorised person); and

    6. (f)

      SYSC 4.5.21G to SYSC 4.5.22G (Records).

  2. (2)

    Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms and cross-references in the guidance in (1) are modified as follows:

    Reference in guidance in (1)

    Modification

    firm

    treated as a reference to the branch

    governing body, senior management and senior personnel

    (a) treated as a reference to the branch’sgoverning body, senior management or senior personnel;

    (b) the Glossary definitions of these terms are adjusted so as to refer to the branch rather than the firm as a whole

    other overall responsibility function

    treated as a reference to the other local responsibility function

    SYSC 4.5.5R

    treated as a reference to SYSC 4.6.7R

    SYSC 4.5.7R

    subject to modification under SYSC 4.6.9R(2)

    SYSC 4.7.8R

    treated as a reference to SYSC 4.8.10R

    the reference to SYSC 4.5.13G in SYSC 4.5.15G(5)

    treated as a reference to SYSC 4.6.29G
SYSC 4.6.15RRP
An EEA relevant authorised person must, at all times, have a comprehensive and up-to-date document (the management responsibilities map) that describes the management and governance arrangements for any branch it maintains in the United Kingdom, including:(1) details of the reporting lines and the lines of responsibility; and(2) reasonable details about:(a) the SMF managers who carry out activities in relation to the branch; and(b) their responsibilities.
SYSC 4.6.16RRP
The EEA relevant authorised person’smanagement responsibilities map for a branch must show clearly how any responsibilities covered by that management responsibilities map are shared or divided between different persons.
SYSC 4.6.18RRP
A management responsibilities map for a branch maintained by an EEA relevant authorised person must include: (1) (a) the names of all the branch’s:(i) approved persons;(ii) members of its governing body and (if different) management body who are not approved persons; (iii) senior management; and(iv) senior personnel; and(b) details of the responsibilities which they hold;(2) all responsibilities described in any current statement of responsibilities; (3) matters reserved to the
SYSC 4.6.20RRP
An EEA relevant authorised person may exclude from its management responsibilities map:(1) any information contained in its requisite details;(2) any information contained in any notice of changes to its requisite details under the EEA Passport Rights Regulations; and(3) any other information that has been supplied by the firm to the FCA or the PRA (including through the firm’sHome Statecompetent authority) if:(a) that information was supplied to the FCA or the PRA as a Host Statecompetent
SYSC 4.6.22GRP
The management responsibilities map of an EEA relevant authorised person may therefore consist of information:(1) that has changed since its requisite details were supplied or were last changed; or(2) that is not covered in the firm’sHome Statecompetent authority’s passport notification.
SYSC 4.6.23GRP
The FCA expects that an EEA relevant authorised person that excludes information from its management responsibilities map under SYSC 4.6.20R will identify in its management responsibilities map the documents supplied to the FCA or the PRA where the omitted information can be found.
SYSC 4.6.24GRP
In practice an EEA relevant authorised person may find it easier to prepare its management responsibilities map without omitting any information under SYSC 4.6.20R so that all the information referred to in SYSC 4.6.15R to SYSC 4.6.19R can be found in a single integrated document.
SYSC 4.6.25RRP
A management responsibilities map for a branch maintained by an EEA relevant authorised person must be a single document (see SYSC 4.6.28G(7)(a) for more on this).
SYSC 4.6.28GRP
(1) This provision gives guidance on specific aspects of SYSC 4.6.16R and SYSC 4.6.18R.(2) A firm need only include summary details of the persons in SYSC 4.6.18R(1).(3) A branch’sSMF managers and members of its governing body or equivalent may overlap with its senior management and senior personnel. If so, the firm does not have to give the same details twice.(4) A firm should include details of individuals in addition to those in SYSC 4.6.18R(1) if they are needed to make the
SYSC 4.6.29GRP
(1) The guidance in this paragraph applies to EEA relevant authorised persons and third-country relevant authorised persons.(2) The FCA expects that the management responsibilities map of a small and non-complex branch is likely to be simple and short. It may be no more than a single sheet of paper.(3) A branch is likely to be small and non-complex if it:(a) conducts a limited number of simple business lines; and(b) does not rely on group governance arrangements or on governance
SYSC 4.8.8GRP
The FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities relate to the activities of the third-country relevant authorised person’sbranch in the United Kingdom.
SYSC 4.8.9RRP

Table: FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities for third-country relevant authorised persons.

FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility in relation to the branch

Explanation

Equivalent PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility

(1) Responsibility for the firm’s performance of its obligations under the senior management regime

The senior management regime means the requirements of the regulatory system applying to relevant authorised persons insofar as they relate to SMF managers performing designated senior management functions, including SUP 10C (FCA senior management regime for approved persons in relevant authorised persons).

This responsibility includes:

(1) compliance with conditions and time limits on approval;

(2) compliance with the requirements about the statements of responsibilities (but not the allocation of responsibilities recorded in them);

and

(3) compliance by the firm with its obligations under section 60A of the Act (Vetting of candidates by relevant authorised

persons).

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(1)

(2) Responsibility for the firm’s performance of its obligations under the employee certification regime

The employee certification regime means the requirements of sections 63E and 63F of the Act (Certification of employees) and all other requirements of the regulatory system about the matters dealt with in those sections, including SYSC 5.2 (Certification Regime) and the corresponding PRA requirements.

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(2)

(3) Responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the regulatory system about the management responsibilities map

This responsibility does not include allocating responsibilities recorded in it.

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(3)

(4) Responsibility for management of the firm’s risk management processes in the UK

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(4)

(5) Responsibility for the firm’s compliance with the UKregulatory system applicable to the firm

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(5)

(6) Responsibility for the escalation of correspondence from the PRA, FCA and other regulators4 in respect of the firm to the governing body and/or the management body of the firm or, where appropriate, of the parent undertaking or holding company of the firm’sgroup

This includes taking steps to ensure that the senior management of the firm and, where applicable, the group, are made aware of any views expressed by the regulatory bodies and any steps taken by them in relation to the branch, firm or group.

PRA-prescribed UK branch senior management responsibility 6.2(6)

(7) Local responsibility for the firm’s policies and procedures for countering the risk that the firm might be used to further financial crime

(A) This includes the function in SYSC 6.3.8R (a firm must allocate overall responsibility to a director or senior manager within the firm for the establishment and maintenance of effective anti-money laundering systems and controls), if that rule applies to the firm.

(B) The firm may allocate this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility to the MLRO but does not have to.

(C) If the firm does not allocate this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility to the MLRO, this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility includes responsibility for supervision of the MLRO.

(D) Local responsibility is defined in SYSC 4.8.10R (Local responsibility for a branch’s activities, business areas and management functions).

None

(8) Local responsibility for the firm’s compliance with CASS

(A) This responsibility only applies to a firm to which CASS applies.

(B) A firm may include in this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility whichever of the following functions apply to the firm:

(1) CASS 1A.3.1R (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS small firm);

(2) CASS 1A.3.1AR (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS medium firm or a CASS large firm);

(3) CASS 11.3.1R (certain CASS compliance functions for certain CASS small debt management firms); or

(4) CASS 11.3.4R (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS large debt management firm); but it does not have to.

(C) If the firm does not include the functions in (B) in this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility, this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility includes responsibility for supervision of the person performing the functions in (B) that apply to the firm.

(D) Local responsibility is defined in SYSC 4.8.10R (Local responsibility for a branch’s activities, business areas and management functions).

None
SYSC 4.8.27GRP
(1) Generally, where a firm allocates responsibility under SYSC 4.8.10R to one of the firm’sSMF managers who is not based in the branch the FCA would expect:(a) that the responsibility would not be allocated to a manager whose responsibilities for the branch are limited to setting overall strategy for the branch; and(b) that, instead, the firm would allocate it to a manager who is the most senior person responsible for implementing the strategy for the branch.(2) See SUP 10C.1.5AG
SYSC 4.8.32GRP
(1) A third-country relevant authorised person should allocate responsibility to its SMF managers for every area of the activities of its branch.(2) This is required by a mixture of: (a) SYSC 4.8.6R (FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility);(b) SYSC 4.8.10R (Local responsibility for a firm’s activities, business areas and management functions);(c) the requirements for FCA-designated senior management functions; and(d) the corresponding PRA requirements.
SYSC 4.7.7RRP

Table: FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities

FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility

Explanation

Equivalent PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility

Part One (applies to all firms)

(1) Responsibility for the firm's performance of its obligations under the senior management regime

The senior management regime means the requirements of the regulatory system applying to relevant authorised persons insofar as they relate to SMF managers performing designated senior management functions, including SUP 10C (FCA senior management regime for approved persons in relevant authorised persons).

This responsibility includes:

(1) compliance with conditions and time limits on approval;

(2) compliance with the requirements about the statements of responsibilities (but not the allocation of responsibilities recorded in them);

and

(3) compliance by the firm with its obligations under section 60A of the Act (Vetting of candidates by relevant authorised

persons).

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(1)

(2) Responsibility for the firm's performance of its obligations under the employee certification regime

The employee certification regime means the requirements of sections 63E and 63F of the Act (Certification of employees) and all other requirements of the regulatory system about the matters dealt with in those sections, including SYSC 5.2 (Certification Regime) and the corresponding PRA requirements.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(2)

(3) Responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the regulatory system about the management responsibilities map

This responsibility does not include allocating responsibilities recorded in it

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(3)

(4) Overall responsibility for the firm's policies and procedures for countering the risk that the firm might be used to further financial crime

(1)2 This includes the function in SYSC 6.3.8R (firm must allocate to a director or senior manager overall responsibility within the firm for the establishment and maintenance of effective anti-money laundering systems and controls), if that rule applies to the firm.

(2)2 The firm may allocate this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility to the MLRO but does not have to.

(3)2 If the firm does not allocate this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility to the MLRO, this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility includes responsibility for supervision of the MLRO.

None

2(4A) Acting as the firm’swhistleblowers’ champion

The whistleblowers’ champion’s allocated responsibilities are set out in SYSC 18.4.4R

Part Two (applies to all firms except for small CRR firms and credit unions)

(5) Responsibility for:

(a) leading the development of; and

(b) monitoring the effective implementation of;

policies and procedures for the induction, training and professional development of all members of the firm'sgoverning body.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(13)

(6) Responsibility for monitoring the effective implementation of policies and procedures for the induction, training and professional development of all persons performing designated senior management functions on behalf of the firm other than members of the governing body.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(5)

(7) Responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

the internal audit function, in accordance with SYSC 6.2 (Internal Audit)

This responsibility includes responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

a person approved to perform the PRA's Head of Internal Audit designated senior management function for the firm.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(15)

(8) Responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

the compliance function in accordance with SYSC 6.1 (Compliance

).

This responsibility includes responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

the person performing the compliance oversight function for the firm.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(16)

(9) Responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

the risk function, in accordance with SYSC 7.1.21R and SYSC 7.1.22R (Risk control).

This responsibility includes responsibility for:

(a) safeguarding the independence of; and

(b) oversight of the performance of;

a person approved to perform the PRA's Chief Risk designated senior management function for the firm.

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(17)

(10) Responsibility for overseeing the development of and implementation of the firm's remuneration policies and practices in accordance with SYSC 19D (Remuneration Code)

PRA-prescribed senior management responsibility 4.1(18)

Part Three (applies in specified circumstances)

(11) Overall responsibility for the firm's compliance with CASS

(A) This responsibility only applies to a firm to which CASS applies.

(B) A firm may include in this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility whichever of the following functions apply to the firm:

(a) CASS 1A.3.1R (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS small firm);

(b) CASS 1A.3.1AR (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS medium firm or a CASS large firm);

(c) CASS 11.3.1R (certain CASS compliance functions for certain CASS small debt management firms); or

(d) CASS 11.3.4R (certain CASS compliance functions for a CASS large debt management firm);

but it does not have to.

(C) If the firm does not include the functions in (B) in this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility, this FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility includes responsibility for supervision of the person performing the functions in (B) that apply to the firm.

None

Allocation of overall responsibility for a firm’s activities, business areas and management functions

SYSC 4.7.31GRP
(1) SYSC 4.7.8R (Allocation of overall responsibility for a firm’s activities, business areas and management functions) requires overall responsibility for various aspects of a firm's affairs to be allocated to an SMF manager.(2) This requirement does not prevent a firm from relying on an employee of a company in the same group to perform the function.(3) A firm has two main choices about how to fit such arrangements into the senior management regime for relevant authorised persons.(a)
SYSC 4.7.38GRP
SYSC 4.7.26G (a firm should normally allocate responsibility for particular areas to a single SMF manager) does not mean that the FCA expects there to be a separate person with overall responsibility for each individual business area in SYSC 4 Annex 1G (The main business activities and functions of a relevant authorised person).
CREDS 2.2.66GRP
(1) 5SYSC 4.5 says that a relevant authorised person, including a credit union, should, at all times, have a comprehensive and up-to-date document that describes its management and governance arrangements. This is called the management responsibilities map.(2) SYSC 4.5.13G has guidance on management responsibilities maps for small firms, which is likely to be of particular relevance to credit unions.
CREDS 2.2.67GRP
5SYSC 4.7 says that a relevant authorised person, including a credit union, should:(1) allocate a number of specified management responsibilities (called FCA-prescribed senior management responsibilities) to one or more of its SMF managers; and(2) ensure that, at all times, one or more of its SMF managers have overall responsibility for each of the activities, business areas and management functions of the firm.
CASS 11.3.1RRP
(1) A CASS small debt management firm, other than a not-for-profit debt advice body, must allocate to a director or senior manager1 responsibility for:1(a) oversight of the firm's operational compliance with CASS 11;1(b) reporting to the firm'sgoverning body in respect of that oversight; and1(c) completing and submitting a CCR005 return in accordance with SUP 16.12.29CR.1(2) A firm that is not a relevant authorised person must make the allocation in (1) to a director or senior
CASS 11.3.3GRP
(1) CASS 11.3.4R describes the FCA controlled function known as the CASS operational oversight function (CF10a) in relation to CASS large debt management firms, including not-for-profit debt advice bodies.1(2) As a consequence of CASS 11.3.4R (in conjunction with SUP 10A.4.1R and SUP 10A.7.10R), in a CASS large debt management firm (including a not-for-profit debt advice body fitting into that category) the function described in CASS 11.3.4R is required to be discharged by a director
CASS 1A.3.1BGRP
(1) (a) CASS 1A.3.1AR describes the FCA controlled function known as the CASS operational oversight function (CF10a). The table of FCA controlled functions3 in SUP 10A.4.4R3 together with SUP 10A.7.9R3 specify the CASS operational oversight function as an FCA required function4 for a firm to which CASS 1A.3.1AR applies.3(b) The CASS operational oversight function does not apply to a relevant authorised person.3(2) (a) For a firm that is a UK relevant authorised person5, the function
SYSC 18.4.1GRP
(1) A UK relevant authorised person2 is required under SYSC 4.7.5R(1)2 to allocate the FCA-prescribed senior management responsibility for acting as the firm’swhistleblowers’ champion. (2) SYSC 18.4.2R requires the appointment by an insurer of a director or senior manager as its whistleblowers’ champion. (3) This section sets out the role of the whistleblowers’ champion.(4) The FCA expects that a firm will appoint a non-executive director as its whistleblowers’ champion. A firm
SUP 10C.2.2GRP
SUP 10C does not deal with the PRA's senior management regime for relevant authorised persons. The key parts of its regime can be found in the parts of the PRA's rulebook called ‘Senior Management Functions’ and ‘Allocation of Responsibilities’.
SYSC 4.4.6GRP

Frequently asked questions about allocation of functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R

Question

Answer

1

Does an individual to whom a function is allocated under SYSC 4.4.5 R need to be an approved person or a certification employee8?

An individual to whom a function is allocated under SYSC 4.4.5 R will be performing the apportionment and oversight function (CF 8, see SUP 10A.7.1 R17) and an application must be made under section 59 of the Act for approval of the individual before the function is performed. There are exceptions from this in SUP 10A.117 (Approved persons - Application).

The apportionment and oversight function does not apply to a relevant authorised person. However, a person performing the role in SYSC 4.4.5R will fall into the certification regime in SYSC 5.2 (Certification Regime), unless the person performing it is an approved person. A person performing the role in SYSC 4.4.5R may be an approved person because of another role that they perform (such as being an executive director).8

1717

2

If the allocation is to more than one individual, can they perform the functions, or aspects of the functions, separately?

If the functions are allocated to joint chief executives under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2, they are expected to act jointly. If the functions are allocated to an individual under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2, in addition to individuals under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3, the former may normally be expected to perform a leading role in relation to the functions that reflects his position. Otherwise, yes.

3

What is meant by "appropriately allocate" in this context?

The allocation of functions should be compatible with delivering compliance with Principle 3, SYSC 4.4.3 R and SYSC 4.1.1 R. The appropriate regulator considers that allocation to one or two individuals is likely to be appropriate for most firms.

4

If a committee of management governs a firm or group, can the functions be allocated to every member of that committee?

Yes, as long as the allocation remains appropriate (see Question 3). If the firm also has an individual as chief executive, then the functions must be allocated to that individual as well under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2 (see Question 7).

5

Does the definition of chief executive include the possessor of equivalent responsibilities with another title, such as a managing director or managing partner?

Yes.

6

Is it possible for a firm to have more than one individual as its chief executive?

Although unusual, some firms may wish the responsibility of a chief executive to be held jointly by more than one individual. In that case, each of them will be a chief executive and the functions must be allocated to all of them under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2 (see also Questions 2 and 7).

7

If a firm has an individual as chief executive, must the functions be allocated to that individual?

Normally, yes, under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2.

But if the firm is a body corporate and a member of a group, the functions may, instead of being allocated to the firm'schief executive, be allocated to a director or senior manager from the group responsible for the overall management of the group or of a relevant group division, so long as this is appropriate (see Question 3). Such individuals may nevertheless require approval under section 59 (see Question 1).

If the firm chooses to allocate the functions to a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of a relevant group division, the FSA would expect that individual to be of a seniority equivalent to or greater than a chief executive of the firm for the allocation to be appropriate.

See also Question 14.

8

If a firm has a chief executive, can the functions be allocated to other individuals in addition to the chief executive?

Yes. SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3, permits a firm to allocate the functions, additionally, to the firm's (or where applicable the group's) directors and senior managers as long as this is appropriate (see Question 3).

9

What if a firm does not have a chief executive?

Normally, the functions must be allocated to one or more individuals selected from the firm's (or where applicable the group's) directors and senior managers under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3.

But if the firm:

(1) is a body corporate and a member of a group; and

(2) the group has a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of the group or of a relevant group division;

then the functions must be allocated to that individual (together, optionally, with individuals from column 3 if appropriate) under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2.

10

What do you mean by "group division within which some or all of the firm's regulated activities fall"?

A "division" in this context should be interpreted by reference to geographical operations, product lines or any other method by which the group's business is divided.

If the firm's regulated activities fall within more than one division and the firm does not wish to allocate the functions to its chief executive, the allocation must, under SYSC 4.4.5 R, be to:

(1) a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of the group; or (2) a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of one of those divisions;

together, optionally, with individuals from column 3 if appropriate. (See also Questions 7 and 9.)

11

How does the requirement to allocate the functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R apply to an overseas firm which is not an incoming EEA firm, incoming Treaty firm or UCITS qualifier?

The firm must appropriately allocate those functions to one or more individuals, in accordance with SYSC 4.4.5 R, but:

(1) The responsibilities that must be apportioned and the systems and controls that must be overseen are those relating to activities carried on from a UK establishment with certain exceptions (see

SYSC 1 Annex 1.1.8R). Note that SYSC 1 Annex 1.1.10R does not extend the territorial scope of SYSC 4.4 for an overseas firm.

(2) The chief executive of an overseas firm is the person responsible for the conduct of the firm's business within the United Kingdom (see the definition of "chief executive"). This might, for example, be the manager of the firm'sUK establishment, or it might be the chief executive of the firm as a whole, if he has that responsibility.

The apportionment and oversight function applies to such a firm, unless it falls within a particular exception from the approved persons regime (see Question 1).

12

How does the requirement to allocate the functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R apply to an incoming EEA firm or incoming Treaty firm?

SYSC 1 Annex 1.1.1R(2) and SYSC 1 Annex 1.1.8R restrict the application of SYSC 4.4.5 R for such a firm. Accordingly:

(1) Such a firm is not required to allocate the function of dealing with apportionment in SYSC 4.4.5R (1).

(2) Such a firm is required to allocate the function of oversight in SYSC 4.4.5R (2). However, the systems and controls that must be overseen are those relating to matters which the appropriate regulator, as Host State regulator, is entitled to regulate (there is guidance on this in SUP 13A Annex 2). Those are primarily, but not exclusively, the systems and controls relating to the conduct of the firm's activities carried on from its UK branch.

(3) Such a firm need not allocate the function of oversight to its chief executive; it must allocate it to one or more directors and senior managers of the firm or the firm'sgroup under SYSC 4.4.5 R, row (2).

(4) An incoming EEA firm which has provision only for cross border services is not required to allocate either function if it does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom; for example if they fall within the overseas persons exclusions in article 72 of the Regulated Activities Order.

See also Questions 1 and 15.

13

What about a firm that is a partnership or a limited liability partnership?

The appropriate regulator envisages that most if not all partners or members will be either directors or senior managers, but this will depend on the constitution of the partnership (particularly in the case of a limited partnership) or limited liability partnership. A partnership or limited liability partnership may also have a chief executive (see Question 5). A limited liability partnership is a body corporate and, if a member of a group, will fall within SYSC 4.4.5 R, row (1) or (2).

14

What if generally accepted principles of good corporate governance recommend that the chief executive should not be involved in an aspect of corporate governance?

The Note to SYSC 4.4.5 R provides that the chief executive or other executive director or senior manager need not be involved in such circumstances. For example, the UK Corporate Governance Code5 recommends that the board of a listed company should establish an audit committee of independent,9 non-executive directors to be responsible (among other things) for overseeing the effectiveness9 of the audit process and the objectivity and independence of the external auditor9. That aspect of the oversight function may therefore be allocated to the members of such a committee without involving the chief executive. Such individuals may require approval under section 59 in relation to that function (see Question 1).

5

15

What about incoming electronic commerce activities carried on from an establishment in another EEA State with or for a person in the United Kingdom?

SYSC does not apply to an incoming ECA provider acting as such.
CREDS 8.3.9GRP
2As well as listing the FCA’sdesignated senior management functions for credit unions and other relevant authorised persons, SUP 10C has other requirements about SMF managers:(1) SUP 10C sets out the procedures for applying for, granting, removing and varying approval as an SMF manager.(2) SUP 10C requires firms to give various types of reports to the FCA about their SMF managers.(3) SUP 10C explains that each firm must prepare a statement of responsibilities for each of its SMF
DEPP 6.2.9AGRP
3In addition to the general factors outlined in DEPP 6.2.1 G, there are some additional considerations that the FCA4 will have regard to when deciding whether to take action against a person that performs a controlled function without approval contrary to section 63A of the Act.4(1) The conduct of the person. The FCA4 will take into consideration whether, while performing controlled functions without approval, the person committed misconduct in respect of which, if he had been
SUP 10C.8.3GRP

Table: Examples of how the other local responsibility function applies

Example

Comments

(1) ‘A’ is allocated local responsibility for one of a branch’s main business lines. A is also appointed to perform a PRA-designated senior management function for the same branch.

A only needs approval to perform the PRA-designated senior management function.

(2) ‘A’ is outside the branch’s management structure and A’s responsibilities for the branch are limited to setting overall strategy for the branch. A does not have responsibility for implementing that strategy.

A is not performing the other local responsibility function. The reason for this is explained in SYSC 4.8.27G. SUP 10C.8.1R(2) is irrelevant to this example.

(3) A small branch undertakes two business lines (wholesale lending and corporate investments). ‘A’ is head of wholesale lending and is also an executive director of the branch. ‘B’ is head of corporate investments and does not sit on the branch management committee but reports to it on corporate investments. The branch allocates local responsibility for these functions to A and B. Neither A nor B performs any other PRA or FCA-designated senior management functions.

A only needs approval to perform the executive director function3. B needs approval to perform the other local responsibility function.

(4) A branch does not have a Head of Internal Audit. ‘P’ is allocated local responsibility for internal audit in relation to that branch.

P needs approval to perform the other local responsibility function. However, if P has already been approved to perform another PRA or FCA designated senior management function, then P will not be performing the other local responsibility function.

(5) ‘A’ is appointed to perform the executive3director function. The same branch also allocates local responsibility for some branch functions to A.

A only needs approval to perform the executive3director function.

(6) ‘A’ is approved to perform the other local responsibility function. Later, A is appointed to perform the executive3director function for the same firm.

A requires approval for the other local responsibility function when A is first appointed. When A is later approved to perform the executive3director function, A stops performing the other local responsibility function. The firm should use Form E to apply for approval for A to perform the executive3director function.

(7) ‘A’ is appointed to perform:

(a) the compliance oversight function for one firm (Firm X) in a group (which may or may not be a relevant authorised person); and

(b) a function coming within the scope of the other local responsibility function for another firm (which is a third-country relevant authorised person) in the same group (Firm Y).

A needs approval to perform the compliance oversight function for Firm X and the other local responsibility function for Firm Y.

(8) ‘A’ is appointed to take on some functions that come within the other local responsibility function. Later, A is appointed as chief risk officer.

On A’s first appointment, A will need to be approved to perform the other local responsibility function.

On being approved as chief risk officer, A stops performing the other local responsibility function as being chief risk officer is a PRA designated senior management function.

(9) ‘A’ is appointed as an executive director. A then resigns and takes up a job with the same firm coming within the other overall responsibility function.

On A’s first appointment, A will need to be approved to perform the executive3director function. A will need to get approval to perform the other overall responsibility function before A gives up being a director.

Note: Local responsibility is explained in SYSC 4.8.10R (Third-country relevant authorised persons: Allocation of responsibilities)
CREDS 10.1.3GRP

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.

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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.

3Code of Conduct (COCON)

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.

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.

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3

3

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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

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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.

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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.

3Insurance: Conduct of Business sourcebook (ICOBS)

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.

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.

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3Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC)

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.

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).

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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

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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.