Related provisions for CASS 7.15.29A
1 - 20 of 26 items.
For each internal custody record check, each physical asset reconciliation and each external custody reconciliation carried out by a firm, it must make a record including:(1) the date it carried out the relevant process;(2) the actions the firm took in carrying out the relevant process; and(3) a list of any discrepancies the firm identified and the actions the firm took to resolve those discrepancies.
Firms are reminded that they must, under SYSC 6.1.1 R, establish, implement and maintain adequate policies and procedures sufficient to ensure compliance of the firm with the rules in this chapter. This should include, for example, establishing and maintaining policies and procedures concerning: (1) the frequency and method of the checks and reconciliations the firm is required to carry out under this section; (2) the frequency with which the firm is required to review its arrangements
(1) A firm must perform an internal custody record check:(a) subject to paragraph7 (2), as regularly as is necessary but without allowing more than one month to pass between each internal custody record check; and(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the internal custody record check relates.(2) A firm that holds no safe custody assets other than physical safe custody assets must perform an internal custody record check as regularly as necessary but, in
A firm may only use the internal custody reconciliation method if: (1) it separately maintains an aggregate safe custody asset record and a client-specific safe custody asset record; and(2) its aggregate safe custody asset record and its client-specific safe custody asset record are capable of being compared.
(1) The internal system evaluation method is available to any firm, including one that is not able to use the internal custody reconciliation method because it does not meet the requirements at CASS 6.6.16R (1) and CASS 6.6.16R (2).(2) The purpose of the internal system evaluation method is to detect weaknesses in a firm's systems and controls and any recordkeeping discrepancies. However, this method is not designed to substitute a firm's other measures for ensuring compliance
(1) A physical asset reconciliation is a separate process to the internal custody record check. Firms that hold physical safe custody assets for clients are required to perform both processes. (2) The purpose of a physical asset reconciliation is to check that a firm's internal records and accounts of the physical safe custody assets kept by the firm for clients are accurate and complete, and to ensure any discrepancies are investigated and resolved.
A firm that holds physical safe custody assets must perform a physical asset reconciliation for all the physical safe custody assets it holds for clients:(1) as regularly as is necessary but without allowing more than six months to pass between each physical asset reconciliation; and(2) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates.
When performing a physical asset reconciliation a firm must:(1) count all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients as at the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates; and(2) compare the count in (1) against what the firm's internal records and accounts state as being in the firm's possession as at the same date.
If a firm completes a physical asset reconciliation in a single stage, such that the firm:(1) performs a single count under CASS 6.6.24R (1) which encompasses all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients as at the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates; and (2) compares that count against the firm's internal records and accounts in accordance with CASS 6.6.24R (2);then the firm will have used the total count method for that physical asset
If a firm completes a physical asset reconciliation in two or more stages, such that the firm: (1) performs two or more counts under CASS 6.6.24R (1) (each on a separate occasion and relating to a different stock line or group of stock lines forming part of the firm's overall holdings of physical safe custody assets) which, once all of the counts are complete, encompass all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients; and (2) compares each of those counts against
(1) The rolling stock method allows a firm to perform its physical asset reconciliation in several stages, with each stage referring to a line of stock or group of stock lines in a designated investment selected by a firm (for example, all the shares with an issuer whose name begins with the letter 'A' or all the stock lines held in connection with a particular business line). (2) Where a firm uses the rolling stock method to perform a physical asset reconciliation, all the stages
(1) If a firm wishes to use the rolling stock method to perform a physical asset reconciliation it must first establish and document in writing its reasons for concluding that the way in which it will carry out its physical asset reconciliations is adequately designed to mitigate the risk of the firm's records being manipulated or falsified.(2) A firm must retain any documents created under (1) for a period of at least five years after the date it ceases to use the rolling stock
In CASS 6.6.34 R, the third parties whose records and accounts a firm is required to reconcile its own internal records and accounts with must include:(1) the third parties with which the firm has deposited clients'safe custody assets;3(2) where the firm has not deposited a client'ssafe custody asset with a third party:3(a) the third parties responsible for the registration of legal title to that safe custody asset; or33(b) a person acting as an operator for the purposes of any
Where a firm holds clients'safe custody assets electronically with a central securities depositary which is able to provide adequate information to the firm on its holdings on a daily basis, it is best practice under CASS 6.6.37R (1) for the firm to conduct an external custody reconciliation each business day in respect of those assets.
Where a firm deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party or where a third party is responsible for the registration of legal title to that asset,2 in complying with the requirements of CASS 6.6.34 R, the firm should seek to ensure that the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement) as at a date specified by the firm which details the description and amounts of all the safe custody assets credited to
If a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF that is an authorised AIF deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party, under article 89(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the AIFMD level 2 regulation, the firm should seek to ensure that the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement) as at a date or dates specified by the firm which details the description and amounts
5If a firmacting as trustee or depositary of a UCITS deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party, under article 13(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the UCITS level 2 regulation, the firm should seek to ensure that: (1) the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement):(a) as at a date or dates specified by the firm; and(b) which details the description and amounts of
External custody reconciliations must be performed for each safe custody asset held by the firm for its clients, except for physical safe custody assets. A reconciliation of transactions involving safe custody assets, rather than of the safe custody assets themselves, will not satisfy the requirement under CASS 6.6.34 R.
A firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF that is an authorised AIF should perform the reconciliation under article 89(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the AIFMD level 2 regulation: (1) as regularly as is necessary having regard to the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of safe custody assets, but with no more than one month between each reconciliation; and(2) as soon as reasonably practicable
7CASS 6.6.46AR (Frequency of checks and reconciliations after failure) applies to a firm following its failure in respect of the frequency at which the firm undertakes its internal custody record checks under CASS 6.6.11R, physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.22R, and external custody reconciliations under CASS 6.6.37R.
When determining the frequency at which it will undertake its internal custody record checks under CASS 6.6.11 R, physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.22 R, and external custody reconciliations under CASS 6.6.37 R, a firm must have regard to: (1) the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of clients'safe custody assets; and(2) the risks to which clients'safe custody assets are exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity
(1) A firm must make and retain records sufficient to show and explain any decision it has taken under CASS 6.6.44 R when determining the frequency of its internal custody record checks, physical asset reconciliations and external custody reconciliations. Subject to (2), such records must be retained indefinitely.(2) If any decision under CASS 6.6.44 R is superseded by a subsequent decision under that rule then the record of that earlier decision retained in accordance with (1)
(1) Subject to (3), a firm must review the frequency at which it conducts internal custody record checks, physical asset reconciliations and external custody reconciliations at least annually to ensure that it continues to comply with CASS 6.6.11 R, CASS 6.6.22 R and CASS 6.6.37 R, respectively, and has given due consideration to the matters in CASS 6.6.44 R.(2) For each review a firm undertakes under (1), it must record the date and the actions it took in reviewing the frequency
(1) 7This rule applies to a firm following its failure. (2) A firm must perform an internal custody record check and a physical asset reconciliation that relates to the time of its failure as soon as reasonably practicable after its failure.(3) (a) A firm must perform an external custody reconciliation that relates to the time of its failure as soon as reasonably practicable after its failure.(b) If any records and accounts of the relevant third parties under CASS 6.6.35R relating
(1) 7The reference point for the internal custody record check and physical asset reconciliation under CASS 6.6.46A(2) and the external custody reconciliation under 6.6.46A(3)(a) should be the precise point in time at which the firm’s failure occurred.(2) The reference point for any further internal custody record checks and physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.46A(4) and any further external custody reconciliations under 6.6.46A(5) can be determined by the firm.
When a firm identifies a discrepancy as a result of carrying out an internal custody record check, physical asset reconciliation or external custody reconciliation, the firm must:2(1) promptly investigate the reason for the discrepancy and resolve it without undue delay; and2(2) take appropriate steps under CASS 6.6.54 R for the treatment of any shortfalls until that discrepancy is resolved.2
When a firm identifies a discrepancy outside of its processes for an internal custody record check, physical asset reconciliation or external custody reconciliation, the firm must:2(1) take all reasonable steps both to investigate the reason for the discrepancy and to resolve it; and2(2) take appropriate steps under CASS 6.6.54 R for the treatment of shortfalls until that discrepancy is resolved.2
(1) This rule applies where a firm identifies a discrepancy as a result of, or that reveals, a shortfall, which the firm has not yet resolved.(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4)7, until the discrepancy is resolved a firm must do one of the following:(a) appropriate a sufficient number of its own applicable assets to cover the value of the shortfall and hold them for the relevant clients under the custody rules in such a way that the applicable assets, or the proceeds of their
A firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay if:(1) its internal records and accounts of the safe custody assets held by the firm for clients are materially out of date, or materially inaccurate or invalid, so that the firm is no longer able to comply with the requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R; or(2) 5it is a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF and has not complied with, or is materially unable to comply with, the requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R or in
(1) This section sets out the requirements a firm must meet when keeping records and accounts of the client money it holds.(2) Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, the provisions of CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) shall be read as applying separately to the firm'sgeneral pool and each sub-pool in line with CASS 7.19.3 R and CASS 7.19.4 R.
For each internal client money reconciliation and external client money reconciliation the firm conducts, it must ensure that it records: (1) the date it carried out the relevant process;(2) the actions the firm took in carrying out the relevant process; and(3) the outcome of its calculation of its client money requirement and client money resource.
Firms are reminded that they must, under SYSC 6.1.1 R, establish, implement and maintain adequate policies and procedures sufficient to ensure compliance of the firm with the rules under this chapter. This should include, for example, establishing and maintaining policies and procedures concerning:(1) the frequency and method of the reconciliations the firm is required to carry out under this section; (2) the resolution of reconciliation discrepancies under this section; and(3)
Firms following one of the standard methods of internal client money reconciliation in CASS 7.16 are also reminded that they must, as part of their internal client money reconciliation, take into account all receipts of client money in the form of cash, cheque or other payable order that are not yet deposited in a client bank account (see CASS 7.13.32 R and CASS 7.13.33 R).
An internal client money reconciliation requires a firm to carry out a reconciliation of its internal records and accounts of the amount of client money that the firm holds for each client with its internal records and accounts of the client money the firm should hold in client bank accounts or has placed in client transaction accounts.
In carrying out an internal client money reconciliation, a firm must use the values contained in its internal records and ledgers (for example, its cash book or other internal accounting records) rather than the values contained in the records it has obtained from banks and other third parties with whom it has placed client money (for example, bank statements).
An internal client money reconciliation should:(1) be one of the steps a firm takes to arrange adequate protection for clients' assets when the firm is responsible for them (see Principle 10 (Clients' assets), as it relates to client money);(2) be one of the steps a firm takes to satisfy its obligations under CASS 7.12.2 R and CASS 7.15.3 R and, where relevant, SYSC 4.1.1R (1) and SYSC 6.1.1 R, to ensure the accuracy of the firm's records and accounts;(3) for the normal approach
(1) Subject to paragraph (4), a3firm must perform an internal client money reconciliation:(a) each business day; and (b) based on the records of the firm as at the close of business on the previous business day.(2) When performing an internal client money reconciliation, a firm must, subject to (3), follow one of the standard methods of internal client money reconciliation in CASS 7.16.(3) A firm proposing to follow a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation
(1) 3The reference point for the internal client money reconciliation under CASS 7.15.15R(4)(a) should be the precise point in time at which the primary pooling event occurred.(2) When a firm decides whether it is necessary at any particular point in time to perform an internal client money reconciliation under CASS 7.15.15R(4)(b), it should have particular regard to the need to maintain its books and accounts in order to ensure that:(a) each notional pool of client money formed
(1) A firm which has adopted the normal approach to segregating client money (see CASS 7.13.6 R) must use the internal client money reconciliation to check whether its client money resource, as at the close of business on the previous business day, was equal to its client money requirement at the close of business on that previous day.(2) A firm that adopts the alternative approach to segregating client money (see CASS 7.13.54 G) must use the internal client money reconciliation
(1) Before using a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation, a firm must:(a) establish and document in writing its reasons for concluding that the method of internal client money reconciliation it proposes to use will:(i) (for the normal approach to segregating client money) check whether the amount of client money recorded in the firm's records as being segregated in client bank accounts meets the firm's obligation to its clients under the client money rules
A firm must perform an external client money reconciliation:(1) as regularly as is necessary but without allowing more than one month to pass between each external client money reconciliation; and(2) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the external client money reconciliation relates.
When determining the frequency at which it will undertake external client money reconciliations, a firm must have regard to:(1) the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of client money; and(2) the risks to which the client money is exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity of the firm's business and where and with whom client money is held.
(1) A firm must make and retain records sufficient to show and explain any decision it has taken under CASS 7.15.23 R when determining the frequency of its external client money reconciliation. Subject to (2), any such records must be retained indefinitely.(2) If any decision under CASS 7.15.23 R is superseded by a subsequent decision under that rule then the record of that earlier decision retained in accordance with (1) need only be retained for a further period of five years
(1) Subject to (3), a firm must review the frequency it conducts its external client money reconciliations at least annually to ensure that it continues to comply with CASS 7.15.22 R and has given due consideration to the matters in CASS 7.15.23 R.(2) For each review a firm undertakes under (1), it must record the date and the actions it took in reviewing the frequency of its external client money reconciliations. (3) A firm need not carry out a review under (1) if it is conducting
3Following a primary pooling event, and in addition to any obligations of a special administrator under regulation 10H of the IBSA Regulations:(1) a firm must perform an external client money reconciliation that relates to the time of the primary pooling event as soon as reasonably practicable after the primary pooling event, based on the next available statements or other form of confirmation after the primary pooling event from:(a) the banks with which the firm holds a client
3When determining the frequency with which it will undertake external client money reconciliations under CASS 7.15.26AR(2) after a primary pooling event, a firm must have regard to:(1) the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of client money; (2) the risks to which the client money is exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity of the firm’s business and where and with whom client money is held; and(3) the need to be able to verify
An external client money reconciliation requires a firm to:(1) compare:(a) the balance, currency by currency, on each client bank account recorded by the firm, as set out in the most recent statement or other form of confirmation issued by the bank with which those accounts are held; and(b) the balance, currency by currency, on each client transaction account as recorded by the firm, as set out in the most recent statement or other form of confirmation issued by the person with
A firm must ensure it includes the following items within its external client money reconciliation:(1) any client's approved collateral a firm holds which secures an individual negative client equity balance (see CASS 7.16.32 R); and(2) any of its own approved collateral a firm holds which is used to meet the total margin transaction requirement in CASS 7.16.33 R.
When a discrepancy arises between a firm's client money resource and its client money requirement identified by a firm's internal client money reconciliations, the firm must determine the reason for the discrepancy and, subject to CASS 7.15.29AR,3 ensure that:(1) any shortfall is paid into a client bank account by the close of business on the day that the reconciliation is performed; or(2) any excess is withdrawn from a client bank account within the same time period.
If any discrepancy is identified by an external client money reconciliation, the firm must investigate the reason for the discrepancy and take all reasonable steps to resolve1 it without undue delay, unless the discrepancy arises solely as a result of timing differences between the accounting systems of the party providing the statement or confirmation and that of the firm.
While a firm is unable to immediately resolve a discrepancy identified by an external client money reconciliation, and one record or set of records examined by the firm during its external client money reconciliation indicates that there is a need to have a greater amount of client money or, if appropriate, approved collateral than is the case, the firm must assume, until the matter is finally resolved, that that record or set of records is accurate and, subject to CASS 7.15.32AR,3
A firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay if: (1) its internal records and accounts of client money are materially out of date, inaccurate or invalid so that the firm is no longer able to comply with the requirements in CASS 7.15.2 R, CASS 7.15.3 R or CASS 7.15.5 R (1);(2) it will be unable to, or materially fails to, pay any shortfall into a client bank account or withdraw any excess from a client bank account so that the firm is unable to comply with CASS 7.15.29 R
So that a CASS debt management firm may check that it has sufficient money segregated in its client bank accounts to meet its obligations to clients for whom it is undertaking debt management activity, it is required periodically to carry out reconciliations of its internal records and accounts to check that the total amount of client money that it should have segregated in client bank accounts is equal to the total amount of client money it actually has segregated in client bank
In seeking to comply with its obligation to carry out checks on its internal records and accounts, a CASS small debt management firm may choose to follow the steps specifically required of CASS large debt management firms in undertaking a CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliation and CASS large debt management firm external client money reconciliation. A CASS small debt management firm which follows that procedure is likely to be regarded by the FCA
A CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliation requires a CASS large debt management firm to check whether its client money resource, as determined by CASS 11.11.16 R, on the previous business day, was at least equal to the client money requirement, as determined by CASS 11.11.17 R as at the close of business on that day.
In carrying out a CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliation, a CASS large debt management firm must use the values contained in its internal records and ledgers (for example, its cash book or other internal accounting records), rather than the values contained in the records it has obtained from approved banks with whom it has deposited client money (for example, bank statements).
When a CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliation reveals a difference between the client money resource and its client money requirement a CASS large debt management firm must:(1) identify the reason for the difference; (2) ensure that any shortfall in the amount of the client money resource as compared to the amount of the client money requirement is made up by a payment into the firm'sclient bank accounts by the end of the business day following the
A CASS large debt management firm should perform a CASS large debt management firm external client money reconciliation:(1) as regularly as is necessary; and(2) no less frequently than the CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliations; and(3) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the reconciliation relates;to ensure the accuracy of its internal accounts and records against those of approved banks with whom client money is deposited.
When any discrepancy is revealed by a CASS large debt management firm external client money reconciliation, a CASS large debt management firm must identify the reason for the discrepancy and correct it as soon as possible, unless the discrepancy arises solely as a result of timing differences between the accounting systems of the party providing the statement or confirmation and that of the firm.
While a CASS large debt management firm is unable to resolve a discrepancy arising from the CASS large debt management firm external client money reconciliation, and one record or a set of records examined by the firm during the reconciliation process indicates that there is a need to have greater amount of client money than is in fact the case, the firm must assume, until the matter is finally resolved, that the record or set of records is accurate and pay its own money into
A CASS large debt management firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay if:(1) after having carried out a CASS large debt management firm internal client money reconciliation in accordance with CASS 11.11.13 R it will be unable to, or materially fails to, pay any shortfall into (or withdraw any excess from) a client bank account so that the firm is unable to comply with CASS 11.11.23 R;(2) after having carried out a CASS large debt management firm external client money
(1) Firms are required to carry out an internal client money reconciliation each business day (CASS 7.15.12 R and CASS 7.15.15R(1)) or as required by CASS 7.15.15R(4) after a primary pooling event3. This section sets out methods of reconciliation that are appropriate for these purposes (the standard methods of internal client money reconciliation).(2) Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, the provisions of CASS 7.16 (The standard methods of internal client money reconciliation)
(1) A non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation is a method of internal client money reconciliation which does not meet the requirements of this section. (2) Where a firm uses a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation it is reminded that it must comply with the requirements in CASS 7.15.18 R.
Regardless of whether a firm is following one of the standard methods of internal client money reconciliation or a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation, it is reminded that it must maintain its records so that it is able to promptly calculate the total amount of client money it should be holding for each client (see CASS 7.15.15 R (1)).
(1) A firm should ensure that the amount it reflects in its internal client money reconciliation as its client money resource is equal to the aggregate balance on its client bank accounts. For example, if:(a) a firm holds client money received as cash, cheques or payment orders but not yet deposited in a client bank account (in accordance with CASS 7.13.32 R); and(b) that firm records all receipts from clients, whether or not yet deposited with a bank, in its cashbook (see CASS
(1) The client money requirement should represent the total amount of client money a firm is required to have segregated in client bank accounts under the client money rules.(2) CASS 7.16.11 R does not prevent a firm from adopting a net negative add-back method as part of a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation.(3) CASS 7.16.12 R does not prevent a CASS loan-based crowdfunding firm from adopting the individual client balance method as part of a non-standard
CASS 7A.3.6 R to CASS 7A.3.12AR3 do not apply if, on the failure of the relevant person:3(1) there is no secondary pooling shortfall; or3(2) where there is a secondary pooling shortfall, the firm pays an amount equal to the amount of client money which would have been held at that person if a secondary pooling shortfall had not occurred either:3(a) to its clients in the appropriate amounts such that they are compensated by the amount of the secondary pooling shortfall that they
When a person to which client money held by the firm has been transferred under CASS 7.13.3R(1) to CASS 7.13.3R(3) (Depositing client money) or CASS 7.14.2R (Client money held by a third party) fails,3 and the firm decides not to make good any secondary pooling shortfall3 in the amount of client money held at that person (see CASS 7A.3.2R(2))3, a secondary pooling event will occur3. The firm should3 reflect the secondary pooling shortfall3 that arises3 in the general pool (where
Money Subject to CASS 7A.3.8AR, if a secondary pooling event occurs as a result of the failure of a bank, intermediate broker, settlement agent, OTC counterparty, exchange or clearing house, money3 held in each general client bank account and client transaction account of the firm for the general pool or a sub-pool2must be treated as pooled and:(1) any secondary pooling shortfall3 in client money held, or which should have been held, in general client bank accounts and client
3If a secondary pooling event occurs as a result of the failure of an authorised central counterparty: (1) any money held in a client transaction account that is an individual client account at the failedauthorised central counterparty is not pooled by the firm with any of its other client money;(2) any money held in a client transaction account that is an omnibus client account at the failedauthorised central counterparty is not pooled by the firm with any of its other client
For each client with a designated client bank account maintained by the firm for the general pool or a particular sub-pool and2 held at the failed bank:(1) any secondary pooling shortfall3 in client money held, or which should have been held, in designated client bank accounts that has arisen as a result of the failure, must be borne by all the clients of the relevant pool2 whose client money is held in a designated client bank account of the firm at the failed bank, rateably
Money held by the firm2 in each designated client fund account for the general pool or a particular sub-pool with the failedbank must be treated as pooled with any other designated client fund accounts for the general pool or a particular sub-pool as the case may be2 which contain part of the same designated fund and:2(1) any secondary pooling shortfall3 in client money held, or which should have been held, in designated client fund accounts that has arisen as a result of the
Where a firm receives client money in the form of cash, a cheque or other payable order, it must:(1) pay the money in accordance with CASS 7.13.6 R, promptly, and no later than on the business day after it receives the money into a client bank account, unless either:(a) the money is received by a business line for which the firm uses the alternative approach, in which case the money must be paid into the firm's own bank account promptly, and no later than on the business day after
Where a firm receives client money in the form of a cheque that is dated with a future date, unless the firm returns the cheque it must:(1) pay the money in accordance with CASS 7.13.6 R, promptly, and no later than the date on the cheque if the date is a business day or the next business day after the date on the cheque; (2) in the meantime, hold it in a secure location in accordance with Principle 10; and(3) record the receipt of the money in the firm's books and records in
Firms are reminded that payments and records made in accordance with CASS 7.13.51 R should not be used as a substitute for a firm keeping accurate and timely records in accordance with CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) and requirements under SYSC 4.1.1 R (General requirements) and SYSC 6.1.1 R (Compliance).
(1) In certain circumstances, use of the normal approach for a particular business line of a firm could lead to significant operational risks to client money protection. These may include a business line under which clients' transactions are complex, numerous, closely related to the firm's proprietary business and/or involve a number of currencies and time zones. In such circumstances, subject to meeting the relevant criteria and fulfilling the relevant notification and audit
A firm that uses the alternative approach for a particular business line must, on each business day ('T0'):(1) receive any money from and pay any money to (or, in either case, on behalf of) clients into and out of its own bank accounts; (2) perform the necessary reconciliations of records and accounts required under CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations);(3) adjust the balances held in its client bank account (by effecting transfers between its own bank account and
During the period between the adjustment in CASS 7.13.62 R (3) and the completion of the next reconciliations in CASS 7.13.62 R (2), a firm that uses the alternative approach for a particular business line may:(1) increase the balance held in its client bank account by making intra-day transfers (during T0) from its own bank account to its client bank account before the completion of the internal client money reconciliation under CASS 7.13.62 R (2) (that is expected sometime later
9When a firm notifies a client under CASS 6.1.8AR (3)(a) of when the termination of an arrangement relating to the transfer of full ownership of the safe custody asset to a firm is to take effect, it should take into account:(1) any relevant terms relating to such a termination that have been agreed with the client; and(2) the period of time it reasonably requires to return the safe custody asset to the client or to update the registration under (Holding of client assets) CASS
(1) 9Following the termination of an arrangement relating to the transfer of full ownership of safe custody assets to a firm for the purposes set out in CASS 6.1.6R (1) and CASS 6.1.6AR (1), where a firm does not immediately return the safe custody assets to the client the firm should consider whether the custody rules apply in respect of the safe custody assets pursuant to CASS 6.1.1R (1A) to CASS 6.1.1R (1C).(2) Where the custody rules apply to a firm for safe custody assets
(1) Subject to (2) and CASS 6.1.12B R and with the written agreement of the relevant client, a9firm need not treat this chapter as applying in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction through a commercial settlement system if:9929(a) in respect of a client's purchase, the firm intends for the asset in question to be due to the client within one business day following the client's fulfilment of its payment obligation to the firm;9 or9(b) in respect of a client's sale, the
2When a trustee firm or depositary acts as a custodian for a trust or collective investment scheme, (except for a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF and a firmacting as trustee or depositary of a UCITS12), and:
7- (1)
the trust or scheme is established by written instrument; and
- (2)
the trustee firm or depositary has taken reasonable steps to determine that the relevant law and provisions of the trust instrument or scheme constitution will provide protections at least equivalent to the custody rules for the trust property or scheme property;
the trustee firm or depositary need comply only with the custody rules listed in the table below.
Reference |
Rule |
CASS 6.1.1 R to CASS 6.1.9 G and CASS 6.1.15 G to CASS 6.1.16C R |
Application |
Trustees and depositaries |
|
General purpose |
|
Protection of clients' safe custody assets |
|
CASS 6.2.3 R and CASS 6.2.3B G9 9 |
Registration and recording of legal title9 |
Holding9 |
|
9CASS 6.3.1 R to CASS 6.3.4B G9 9 |
Depositing safe custody assets with third parties |
Use of safe custody assets |
|
| 9 | Records, accounts and reconciliations |
- (1)
7Subject to (2), when a firm is acting as trustee or depositary of an AIF the firm need comply only with the custody rules in the table below:
Reference
Rule
CASS 6.1.1 R, CASS 6.1.9 G, CASS 6.1.9A G and CASS 6.1.16IB G
Application
General purpose
CASS 6.2.3 R and CASS 6.2.3B G9 to CASS 6.2.6 G
9Registration and recording of legal title9
Holding
CASS 6.6.2 R, CASS 6.6.4 R, CASS 6.6.6 R, CASS 6.6.7 R, CASS 6.6.57R (2) and CASS 6.6.58 G9
9Records, accounts and reconciliations
- (2)
When a firm is acting as trustee or depositary of an AIF that is an authorised AIF the firm must, in addition to the custody rules in (1), also comply with the custody rules in the table below:
Reference
Rule
10 Application
CASS 6.6.8 R, CASS 6.6.11 R to CASS 6.6.32 G, CASS 6.6.41 G, CASS 6.6.43 G and CASS 6.6.47 G.9
9Records, accounts and reconciliations
12When a firm is acting as trustee or depositary of a UCITS, the firm need comply only with the custody rules in the table below:
Reference |
Rule |
Application |
|
General purpose |
|
Holding of client assets |
|
13CASS 6.6.2R, CASS 6.6.4R, CASS 6.6.7R, CASS 6.6.41AG, CASS 6.6.57R(2A), CASS 6.6.58G |
Records, accounts and reconciliations |
(1) A firm must reconcile all balances and positions with: (a) banks and building societies (other than a client
bank
account subject to the client
money
rules), exchanges, approved exchanges, clearing houses and intermediate brokers; and (b) eligible counterparties which are members of an exchange or approved exchange as recorded by the firm to the balance or position on a statement
(1) A firm must, on a regular basis, and at reasonable
intervals, ensure that it holds in its client
bank account an amount which (in addition to any other amount
which it is required by these rules to
hold) is not less than the amount which it reasonably estimates to be the
aggregate of the amounts held at any time by its appointed
representatives, field representatives,
and other agents.(2) A firm must, not later than ten business days following the expiry of each
period in
(1) CASS 5.5.23 R allows a firm with appointed representatives, field representatives and other agents to
avoid the need for the representative to
forward client money on a daily
basis but instead requires a firm to
segregate into its client money bank account amounts
which it reasonably estimates to be sufficient to cover the amount of client money which the firm expects
its representatives or agents
to receive and hold over a given period. At the expiry of each such period,
the
(1) A firm must, as often as is necessary to ensure
the accuracy of its records and at least at intervals of not more than 25 business days:2(a) check whether its client money resource, as determined by CASS 5.5.65 R on the previous business day,
was at least equal to the client money requirement,
as determined by CASS 5.5.66 R or CASS 5.5.68 R, as at the close of
business on that day; and2(b) ensure that:2(i) any shortfall is
paid into a client bank account by
the close of business
(1) The rules in this chapter specify the types of documents and records that must be maintained in a firm'sCASS resolution pack and the retrieval period for the pack. The firm should maintain the component documents of the CASS resolution pack in order for them to be retrieved in accordance with CASS 10.1.7 R, and should not use the retrieval period to start producing these documents.(2) The contents of the documents that constitute the CASS resolution pack will change from time
(1) For the purpose of CASS 10.1.7 R, the following documents and records should be retrievable immediately:(a) the document identifying the institutions referred to in CASS 10.2.1R (2);(b) the document identifying individuals pursuant to CASS 10.2.1R (4);(c) any written notification or acknowledgement letters3 referred to in CASS 10.2.1R (5);3(d) the most recent internal custody records checks3 referred to in CASS 10.3.1R (3);3(e) the most recent external custody reconciliations3
(1) 7If a special administrator has been appointed to the firm under the IBSA Regulations then they will be required to carry out a reconciliation under regulation 10H of the IBSA Regulations. (2) Notwithstanding regulation 10H of the IBSA Regulations, CASS 7.15 has application to a firm after a primary pooling event, meaning, for example, that ongoing compliant record-keeping is required (see CASS 7.15.15R(4) (Internal client money reconciliations) and CASS 7.15.26AR (Frequency
If a primary pooling event occurs, then4:(1) (a) in respect of a sub-pool,4 the following is treated as a single notional pool of client money for the beneficiaries of that pool:45(i) any client money held in a client bank account of the firm relating to that sub-pool; and5(ii) any client money held in a client transaction account of the firm relating to that sub-pool, except for client money held in a client transaction account at an authorised central counterparty3 or a clearing
(-2) (a) Subject to paragraph (-2)(b), each client’s entitlement to client money in a notional pool is calculated with reference to the client money requirement as shown by an internal client money reconciliation carried out in accordance with CASS 7.15.15R(4)(a) (Internal client money reconciliations) as at the primary pooling event.7(b) If, as at the primary pooling event, the firm had entered in to one or more cleared margined transactions through the use of a client transaction
(1) A trustee firm to which CASS 7.10.34 R applies may, in addition to the client money rules set out at CASS 7.10.34 R, also elect to comply with:(a) all the client money rules in CASS 7.13 (Segregation of client money); (b) CASS 7.14 (Client money held by a third party);(c) all the client money rules in CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations); or(d) CASS 7.18 (Acknowledgement letters).(2) A trustee firm must make a written record of any election it makes under this
(1) A trustee firm to which CASS 7.10.34 R applies may elect that: (a) the applicable provisions of CASS 7.13 (Segregation of client money) and CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) under CASS 7.10.34 R; and(b) 2any further provisions it elects to comply with under CASS 7.10.35 R (1);will apply separately and concurrently for each distinct trust that the trustee firm acts for.(2) A trustee firm must make a written record of any election it makes under this rule, including
A trustee firm may wish to make an election under CASS 7.10.38 R if, for example, it acts for a number of distinct trusts which it wishes, or is required, to keep operationally separate. If a firm makes such an election then it should:(1) establish and maintain adequate internal systems and controls to effectively segregate client money held for one trust from client money held for another trust; and(2) conduct internal client money reconciliations as set out in CASS 7.16 and
When a firm notifies a client under CASS 7.11.9 R (3)(a) of when the termination of an arrangement relating to the transfer of full ownership of the client's money to the firm is to take effect, it should take into account:(1) any relevant terms relating to such a termination that have been agreed with the client; and(2) the period of time it reasonably requires to return the money to the client, or to update its records under CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations)
A firm to which CASS 7.11.12 R applies should, for example, update its records under CASS 7.15 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) and segregate the money as client money under CASS 7.13 (Segregation of client money), from the relevant time at which the firm is required to treat the money as client money.
Firms are reminded that, notwithstanding that money may be due and payable to them, they have a continuing obligation to segregate client money in accordance with the client money rules. In particular, in accordance with CASS 7.15.2 R, firms must ensure the accuracy of their records and accounts and are reminded of the requirement to carry out internal client money reconciliations either in accordance with the standard methods of internal client money reconciliation or the requirements
A firm must include, as applicable, within its CASS resolution pack the records required under:(1) CASS 6.3.2A R1 (safe custody assets: appropriateness of the firm’s selection of a third party);1(2) CASS 6.4.3 R (firm’s use of safe custody assets);(3) CASS 6.6.2 R and CASS 6.6.3 R (safe custody assets held for each client);11(4) CASS 6.6.6 R1 (client agreements: firm’s right to use);1(4A) CASS 6.6.8 R (internal custody record checks, physical asset reconciliations and external
In determining whether a UK recognised body has made satisfactory arrangements for the safeguarding and administration of assets belonging to the users of its facilities, the FCA3 may have regard to: 3(1) the level of protection which the arrangements provide against the risk of theft or other types or causes of loss;(2) whether the arrangements ensure that assets are only used or transferred in accordance with the instructions of the owner of those assets or in accordance with
On each occasion that a CASS debt management firm receives client money from a client in relation to a debt management plan, or for the purpose of distribution to the client's creditors, and it is proposed not to make a client's payment to creditors within five business days of receipt of the client money in the circumstances described in CASS 11.10.3 R (1), it must: (1) as soon as reasonably practicable and within the five business day period, inform the client's creditors of
Subject to CASS 11.1.6 R, only the rules and guidance in the debt management client money chapter listed in the table below apply to CASS small debt management firms.
Reference |
Rule |
Application |
|
Firm classification |
|
Responsibility for CASS operational oversight |
|
Definition of client money and discharge of fiduciary duty |
|
Organisational requirements |
|
Statutory trust |
|
Selecting an approved bank at which to hold client money |
|
Client bank account acknowledgement letters |
|
Segregation and the operation of client money accounts |
|
Payments to creditors |
|
CASS 11.11.1 R to CASS 11.11.12 R , CASS 11.11.30 R and CASS 11.11.32 G |
Records, accounts and reconciliations |
CASS 11 resolution pack |
|
Client money distribution in the event of a failure of a firm or approved bank |
Where a CASS debt management firm receives client money in the form of cash, a cheque or other payable order, it must:(1) pay the money into a client bank account in accordance with CASS 11.9.1 R promptly and no later than on the business day after it receives the money;(2) if the firm holds the money overnight, hold it in a secure location in line with Principle 10; and(3) record the receipt of the money in the firm's books and records under the applicable requirements of CASS