Related provisions for MCOB 13.3.11
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A firm must keep such records and accounts as necessary to enable it at any time and without delay to distinguish safe custody assets held for one client from safe custody assets held for any other client, and from the firm's own applicable assets.[Note: article 2(1)(a) of the MiFID Delegated Directive6]
(1) The requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R are for a firm to keep internal records and accounts of clients'safe custody assets. Therefore any records falling under those requirements should be maintained by the firm, and should be separate to any records the firm may have obtained from any third parties, such as those with whom it may have deposited, or through whom it may have registered legal title to, clients'safe custody assets.6(2) The FCA expects that compliance
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.
(1) An internal custody record check is one of the steps a firm takes to satisfy its obligations under:(a) Principle 10 (Clients' assets);(b) CASS 6.2.2 R (Requirement to have adequate organisational arrangements);(c) CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R (Records and accounts); and(d) where relevant, SYSC 4.1.1 R (General requirements) and SYSC 6.1.1 R (Compliance).(2) An internal custody record check is a check as to whether the firm's records and accounts of the safe custody assets
(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
The internal system evaluation method requires a firm to:(1) establish a process that evaluates: (a) the completeness and accuracy of the firm's internal records and accounts of safe custody assets held by the firm for clients, in particular whether sufficient information is being completely and accurately recorded by the firm to enable it to:(i) comply with CASS 6.6.4 R; and(ii) readily determine the total of all the safe custody assets that the firm holds for its clients; and(b)
The evaluation process under CASS 6.6.19R (1) should verify that the firm's systems and controls correctly identify and resolve at least the following types or causes of discrepancies:(1) items in the firm's records and accounts that might be erroneously overstating or understating the safe custody assets held by a firm (for example, 'test' entries and 'balancing' entries);(2) negative balances;(3) processing errors;(4) journal entry errors (eg, omissions and unauthorised system
(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.
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) 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
To meet the requirement to have adequate organisational arrangements under CASS 6.2.2 R, a firm should consider performing 'spot checks' as to whether title to an appropriate sample of physical safe custody assets that it holds is registered correctly under CASS 6.2.3 R (Registration and recording of legal title).
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
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.
In this section, a discrepancy should not be considered to be resolved until it is fully investigated and corrected, and any associated shortfall is made good by way of the firm ensuring that:(1) it is holding (under the custody rules) each of the safe custody assets that the firm ought to be holding for each of its clients; and(2) its own records, and the records of any relevant other person (such as a third party with whom the firm deposited the safe custody assets) accurately
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
In accordance with CASS 11.11.1 R, a CASS debt management firm must maintain internal records and accounts of the client money it holds (for example, a cash book). These internal records are separate to any external records it has obtained from approved banks with whom it has deposited client money (for example, bank statements).
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
For a CASS small debt management firm to demonstrate it has maintained its records and accounts in a way envisaged by CASS 11.11.3 R, it should carry out checks of its internal records and accounts that are reasonable and proportionate to its business. CASS 11.11.8 R provides a rule that a CASS small debt management firm is obliged to follow to meet this obligation.
In carrying out the checks required by CASS 11.11.8 R a CASS small 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).
The checks that a CASS small debt management firm is required to undertake under CASS 11.11.8 R include checking that its internal records and accounts accurately record the balances of client money held in respect of individual clients, and that the aggregate of those individual client money balances are equal to the total client money segregated in its client bank accounts. In undertaking the comparison between the internal records of balances of client money and the client
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
Where the check of its internal records and accounts that a CASS small debt management firm is required to undertake under CASS 11.11.8 R reveals a difference between the amount of money it holds in its client bank accounts and the amount of client money that should be held and segregated under CASS 11.9, a CASS small debt management firm must:(1) ensure that any shortfall in the amount held in its client bank accounts as compared to the amount that should be held there is made
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).
The following guidance applies where a CASS debt management firm receives client money in the form of cash, a cheque or other payable order:(1) In carrying out the calculation of the client money requirement, a CASS debt management firm may initially include the amount of client money received as cash, cheques or payment orders that has not yet been deposited in a client bank account in line with CASS 11.9.5 R. If it does so, the firm should ensure, before finalising the calculation,
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.
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 debt management firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay if:(1) its internal records and accounts of client money are materially out of date or materially inaccurate so that the firm is no longer able to comply with the requirements in CASS 11.11.1 R to CASS 11.11.4 R; or(2) it becomes aware that, at any time in the preceding 12 months, the amount of client money segregated in its client bank accounts materially differed from the total aggregate amount of client
(1) 1Under CASS 7.17.2R(2)2, a firm acts as trustee for all client money received or held by it for the benefit of the clients for whom that client money is held, according to their respective interests in it.(2) A firm that is also a clearing member of an authorised central counterparty may wish to segregate client money specifically for the benefit of a group of clients who have chosen to clear positions through a net margined omnibus client account maintained by the firm with
(1) The records maintained for a sub-pool under CASS 7.19.4 R must identify all the client beneficiaries of that sub-pool.(2) The beneficiaries of each sub-pool are those clients:(a) from whom the firm has received a signed sub-pool disclosure document in accordance with CASS 7.19.11 R;(b) for whom the firm maintains, previously maintained or is in the process of establishing a margined transaction(s) in the relevant net margined omnibus client account at the authorised central
(1) For each sub-pool that the firm establishes, it must maintain a record of:(a) the name of the sub-pool;(b) the particular net margined omnibus client account at an authorised central counterparty to which the sub-pool relates;(c) each client bank account and each client transaction account (other than the net margined omnibus client account) maintained for the sub-pool, including the unique identifying reference or descriptor under CASS 7.19.13 R (2); and(d) the applicable
(1) A firm wishing to establish a sub-pool must prepare a sub-pool disclosure document for each sub-pool.(2) The sub-pool disclosure document for each sub-pool must:(a) identify the sub-pool by name, as stated in its records under CASS 7.19.7 R, the net margined omnibus client account and the authorised central counterparty to which the sub-pool disclosure document relates;(b) contain a statement that the client consents to the firm receiving and holding the client'sclient money
(1) Before receiving or holding client money for a client for a sub-pool, a firm must:(a) provide to the client a copy of the sub-pool disclosure document applicable to that sub-pool; and(b) obtain a signed copy of that sub-pool disclosure document from the client.(2) A firm must provide the beneficiary of a sub-pool with a copy of its signed sub-pool disclosure document applicable to that sub-pool upon the beneficiary's request.
(1) A firm must not hold client money for a sub-pool in a client bank account or a client transaction account used for holding client money for any other sub-pool or the general pool.(2) A firm that establishes a sub-pool must ensure that the name of each client bank account and each client transaction account (other than the net margined omnibus client account) maintained for that sub-pool includes a unique identifying reference or descriptor that enables the account to be identified
A firm should keep in mind its obligations under CASS 7.19.11 R (1)(b) (before receiving or holding client money for a client in a sub-pool, a firm must obtain a signed copy of the sub-pool disclosure document from the client) when making a material change to a sub-pool. A firm is also reminded of the conditions under CASS 7.19.13 R (5)(b) (when a client of the firm who is a beneficiary of a sub-pool ceases to be a beneficiary of that sub-pool) if a material change proposed to
The records maintained under this section, including the sub-pool disclosure documents, are a record of the firm that must be kept in a durable medium for at least five years following the date on which client money was last held by the firm for a sub-pool to which those records or the sub-pool disclosure document applied.
(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.
(1) The requirements in CASS 7.15.2R to CASS 7.15.3R are for a firm to keep internal records and accounts of client money. Therefore, any records falling under those requirements should be maintained by the firm and should be separate to any records the firm may have obtained from any third parties, such as those with or through whom it may have deposited, or otherwise allowed to hold, client money. 2(2) Where a firm complies with CASS 7.15 as a whole (to the extent applicable
(1) A firm must maintain records so that it is able to promptly determine the total amount of client money it should be holding for each of its clients.(2) A firm must ensure that its records are sufficient to show and explain its transactions and commitments for its client money.(3) Unless otherwise stated, a firm must ensure that any record made under the this chapter is retained for a period of five years starting from the later of:(a) the date it was created; and(b) (if it
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.
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) 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
(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
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
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
(1) A firm must make a record of the grounds upon which it satisfies itself as to the appropriateness of its selection and appointment of a bank or a qualifying money market fund under CASS 7.13.8 R. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the selection or appointment and must keep it from that date until five years after the firm ceases to use that particular person for the purposes of depositing client money under CASS 7.13.3 R.(2) A firm must make a record of each
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
(1) A firm must allocate any client money it receives to an individual client promptly and, in any case, no later than ten business days following the receipt (or where subsequent to the receipt of money it has identified that the money, or part of it, is client money under CASS 7.13.37 R, no later than ten business days following that identification). (2) Pending a firm's allocation of a client money receipt to an individual client under (1), it must record the received client
If a firm receives money (either in a client bank account or an account of its own) which it is unable to immediately identify as client money or its own money, it must:(1) take all necessary steps to identify the money as either client money or its own money;(2) if it considers it reasonably prudent to do so, given the risk that client money may not be adequately protected if it is not treated as such, treat the entire balance of money as client money and record the money in
If a firm intends to pays its own money into a client bank account under CASS 7.13.41 R it must establish a written policy that is approved by its governing body (and retain such policy for a period of at least five years after the date it ceases to retain such money in a client bank account under CASS 7.13.41 R) detailing:(1) the specific anticipated risks in relation to which it would be prudent for the firm to make such payments into a client bank account;(2) why the firm considers
(1) 7Subject to paragraph (2), CASS 7.13.50R to CASS 7.13.52G do not apply to a firm following a primary pooling event.(2) Where a firm holds a prudent segregation record under CASS 7.13.53R following a primary pooling event, the prudent segregation record must continue to satisfy the requirements set out in CASS 7.13.51R.
A firm must create and keep up-to-date records so that the amount of money paid into client bank accounts and retained as client money pursuant to CASS 7.13.41 R or withdrawn pursuant to CASS 7.13.49 R, and the reasons for such payment, retention and withdrawal can be easily ascertained (the prudent segregation record).
The prudent segregation record must record:(1) the outcome of the firm's calculation of its prudent segregation;(2) the amounts paid into or withdrawn from a client bank account pursuant to CASS 7.13.41 R or CASS 7.13.49 R;(3) why each payment or withdrawal is made;(4) in respect of the firm's written policy required by CASS 7.13.43 R the firm must record, as applicable, either:(a) that the payment or withdrawal is made in accordance with that policy; or(b) that the policy will
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) 7Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), CASS 7.13.59R, CASS 7.13.62R(3), CASS 7.13.62R(4) and CASS 7.13.63R to CASS 7.13.67R do not apply to a firm following its failure.(2) If, at the time of a primary pooling event, a firm has retained money in a client bank account for the purposes of alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation under CASS 7.13.65R, that money remains client money for the purposes of the client money rules and the client money distribution and transfer
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
(1) A firm that uses the alternative approach must, in addition to CASS 7.13.62 R, pay an amount (determined in accordance with this rule) of its own money into its client bank account and subsequently retain that money in its client bank account (alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation). The amount segregated by a firm in its client bank account under this rule is client money for the purposes of the client money rules and the client money distribution and transfer
A firm must create and keep up-to-date records so that any amount of money that is, pursuant to CASS 7.13.65 R:(1) paid into a client bank account and retained as client money; or(2) withdrawn from a client bank account;can be easily ascertained (the alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record).
The alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record under CASS 7.13.66 R must record:(1) the date of the first determination under CASS 7.13.65 R (2) and each subsequent review undertaken under CASS 7.13.65 R (4), and the total amount that the firm determined was required to be segregated under CASS 7.13.65 R (2) as at that date;(2) the date of any payment of the firm's own money into a client bank account, or withdrawal of any excess from a client bank account under
(1) 7Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), CASS 7.13.73R to CASS 7.13.75R do not apply to a firm following a primary pooling event.(2) If, at the time of a primary pooling event, a firm has retained money in a client bank account for the purposes of clearing arrangement mandatory prudent segregation under CASS 7.13.73R, that money remains client money for the purposes of the client money rules and the client money distribution and transfer rules.(3) Where a firm holds a clearing
(1) Where the circumstances described in CASS 7.13.72 R (1)(a) apply to a firm it must pay an amount (determined in accordance with this rule) of its own money into its client bank account and retain that money in its client bank account (clearing arrangement mandatory prudent segregation). The amount segregated by a firm in its client bank account under this rule will be client money for the purposes of the client money rules and the client money distribution and transfer rules7.
A firm must create and keep up-to-date records so that any amount of money that is, pursuant to CASS 7.13.73 R: (1) paid into a client bank account and retained as client money; or(2) withdrawn from a client bank account;can be easily ascertained (the clearing arrangement mandatory prudent segregation record).
The clearing arrangement mandatory prudent segregation record under CASS 7.13.74 R must record:(1) the date of the first determination under CASS 7.13.73 R (2) and each subsequent review undertaken under CASS 7.13.73 R (4), and the total amount that the firm determined was required to be segregated under CASS 7.13.73 R (2) as at that date;(2) the date of any payment of the firm's own money into a client bank account, or withdrawal of any excess from a client bank account under
11For complaints related to collective portfolio management services of a UK UCITS management company for a UCITS scheme or an EEA UCITS scheme, DISP 1.1.3R (1) applies, except where modified as follows:(1) the consumer awareness rules, complaints handling rules and complaints record rule apply in respect of complaints from Unitholders rather than from eligible complainants; and(2) the consumer awareness rules, the complaints handling rules and the complaints record rule, as modified
For complaints related to collective portfolio management services of an EEA UCITS management company for a UCITS scheme, DISP 1.1.3R (1) applies, except where modified as follows:(1) where the services are provided from a branch in the United Kingdom, the consumer awareness rules, complaints handling rules and complaints record rule apply in respect of complaints from Unitholders rather than from eligible complainants; and(2) this chapter, except the consumer awareness rules,
(1) In this sourcebook, the term CBTL firm does not include a firm. A firm carrying on CBTL business is covered by this sourcebook as a firm.(2) CBTL firms are reminded of their obligation to retain information relevant to demonstrating the firm’s compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of Schedule 2 to the MCD Order.18
20This chapter (except the complaints record rule, the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules) applies to a designated credit reference agency in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its agent in the United Kingdom.
20Although designated credit reference agencies are not required to comply with the complaints record rule, they must retain records in accordance with regulation 24 of the Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations and these can be used to assist the Financial Ombudsman Service should this be necessary.
22This chapter (except the complaints record rule, the complaints reporting rules, and the complaints data publication rules) applies to a designated finance platform in respect of complaints from eligible complainants concerning activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it or its agent in the United Kingdom.
22Although designated finance platforms are not required to comply with the complaints record rule, they must retain records in accordance with regulation 21 of the Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations and these can be used to assist the Financial Ombudsman Service should this be necessary.
Where the subject matter of a complaint is subject to a review directly or indirectly under the terms of the policy statement for the review of specific categories of FSAVC business issued by the FSA on 28 February 2000, the complaints resolution rules, the complaints time limit rules, the complaints record rule,9 the complaints reporting rules and the complaints data publication rules9 will apply only if the complaint is about the outcome of the review.9
(1) A firm, payment service provider20, electronic money issuer, 22designated credit reference agency20 or designated finance platform22 falling within the Compulsory Jurisdiction which does not conduct business with eligible complainants and has no reasonable likelihood of doing so, can, by written notification to the
FCA
, claim exemption from the rules relating to the funding of the Financial Ombudsman Service, and from the remainder of this chapter.134081340(2) Notwithstanding
A firm must, at all times, have a comprehensive and up-to-date document (the management responsibilities map) that describes its management and governance arrangements, including: (1) details of the reporting lines and the lines of responsibility; and(2) reasonable details about:(a) the persons who are part of those arrangements; and(b) their responsibilities.(See further requirements in SYSC 4.5.7R.)
(1) One purpose of the management responsibilities map is to help the firm and the FCA satisfy themselves that the firm has a clear organisational structure (as required by SYSC).(2) It also helps the FCA to identify who it needs to speak to about particular issues and who is accountable if something goes wrong.
A management responsibilities map must include:(1) (a) the names of all the firm's:(i) approved persons (including PRA 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) details of the management and governance arrangements
(1) The management responsibilities map should be consistent with the statements of responsibilities.(2) The statements of responsibilities and the management responsibilities map should all be prepared in a way that makes it simple to see how the responsibilities allocated in a particular statement of responsibilities fit into the overall system of management and governance of the firm.
The management responsibilities map 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 overall responsibility function under SUP 10C.7.1R(2) (Exclusion for approved person with approval to perform other designated senior management functions).
(1) This provision gives guidance on specific aspects of SYSC 4.5.5R and SYSC 4.5.7R.(2) A firm need only include summary details of the persons in SYSC 4.5.7R(1).(3) A firm'sSMF managers and members of its governing body 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 4.5.7R(1), (3) and (5) if they are needed to make the management
(1) The FCA expects that the management responsibilities map of a small and non-complex firm is likely to be simple and short. It may be no more than a single sheet of paper.(2) A firm is likely to be small and non-complex for these purposes if:(a) it is:(i) a small CRR firm as defined in the part of the PRA's rulebook called “Allocation of responsibilities”; or(ii) a credit union that meets the size requirements for small CRR firms under the PRA's requirements in (a)(i);(b) it
(1) The requirement for a management responsibilities map to be a single document does not mean that it has to be a single sheet of paper or must be capable of being reproduced as one.(2) A management responsibilities map may be made up of a folder with several files or items in it.(3) However, a firm that creates a management responsibilities map in this way should ensure that its approach is compatible with it being a single document. In particular:(a) there should be a single
(1) This provision explains the purpose of SYSC 4 Annex 1G.(2) A firm may use it as a checklist to see whether its management responsibilities map covers all its business activities.(3) A firm may wish to prepare its management responsibilities map using the same split of activities.(4) If a firm uses SYSC 4 Annex 1G to help it prepare its management responsibilities map, it should bear in mind that it is not comprehensive (see SYSC 4.5.20G).(5) As mentioned in SYSC 4.7.37G, a
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
Subject to CASS 7.16.25 R and CASS 7.16.37 R, under this method the client money requirement must be calculated by taking the sum of, for all clients and across all products and accounts: (1) the individual client balances calculated under CASS 7.16.21 R, excluding:(a) individual client balances which are negative (ie, debtors); and(b) clients' equity balances;(2) the total margined transaction requirement (calculated under CASS 7.16.32 R); and(3) any amounts that have been segregated
Subject to CASS 7.16.25 R, under this method the client money requirement must be calculated by taking the sum of, for each client bank account: (1) the amount which the firm's internal records show as held on that account; and(2) an amount that offsets each negative net amount which the firm's internal records show attributed to that account for an individual client.
(1) A firm which utilises the net negative add-back method is reminded that it must do so in a way which allows it to maintain its records so that, at any time, the firm is able to promptly determine the total amount of client money it should be holding for each client (see CASS 7.15.5 R (1)).(2) For the purposes of CASS 7.16.17 R, a firm should be able to readily use the figures previously recorded in its internal records and ledgers (for example, its cashbook or other internal
(1) A firm which utilises the net negative add-back method may1 calculate its client money requirement and client money resource on a bank account by bank account basis;(2) For1 the purposes of CASS 7.16.17 R, a firm should take into account any amounts that have been segregated as client money according to the firm's records under either or both CASS 7.13.50 R (prudent segregation record) and CASS 7.13.66 R (alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record).
- (1)
A firm may calculate either:
- (a)
one individual client balance for each client,1 based on the total of the firm's holdings for that1client; or
- (b)
a number of individual client balances for each client, equal to the number of products or business lines the firm operates for that client and each balance based on the total of the firm's holdings for that client in respect of the particular product or business line.1
- (a)
- (2)
Each individual client balance for a client should be calculated in accordance with this table:
Individual client balance calculation
Free money (sums held for a client free of sale or purchase (eg, see (3)(a)) and
A
sale proceeds due to the client:
(a)
for principal deals when the client has delivered the designated investments; and
B
(b)
for agency deals, when:
(i)
the sale proceeds have been received by the firm and the client has delivered the designated investments; or
C1
(ii)
the firm holds the designated investments for the client; and
C2
the cost of purchases:
(c)
for principal deals, paid for by the client when the firm has not delivered the designated investments to the client; and
D
(d)
(i)
the firm has not remitted the money to, or to the order of, the counterparty; or
E1
(ii)
the designated investments have been received by the firm but have not been delivered to the client;
E2
Less
money owed by the client for unpaid purchases by, or for, the client if delivery of those designated investments has been made to the client; and
F
proceeds remitted to the client for sales transactions by, or for, the client if the client has not delivered the designated investments.
G
Individual client balance 'X' = (A+B+C1+C2+D+E1+E2)-F-G
X
- (3)
When calculating an individual client balance for each client, a firm should also:
- (a)
ensure it includes:
- (i)
client money consisting of dividends received and interest earned and allocated (see CASS 7.11.32 R);
- (ii)
client money consisting of dividends (actual or payments in lieu), stock lending fees and other payments received and allocated (see CASS 6.1.2 G);
- (iii)
money the firm appropriates and segregates as client money to cover an unresolved shortfall in safe custody assets it identifies in its internal records which is attributable to an individual client (see CASS 6.6.54R (2)); and
- (iv)
money the firm segregates as client money instead of an individual client's safe custody asset until such time as the relevant delivery versus payment transaction settles under CASS 6.1.12R (2); and
- (i)
- (b)
deduct any amounts due and payable by the client to the firm (see CASS 7.11.25 R).
- (a)
- (4)
Compliance with (1), (2) and (3)1 may be relied on as tending to establish compliance with CASS 7.16.21 R.
When calculating the client money requirement under either of the methods in CASS 7.16.10 R, a firm must:(1) include any unallocated client money (see CASS 7.13.36 R) and unidentified receipts of money it considers prudent to segregate as client money (see CASS 7.13.37 R);(2) include any money the firm appropriates and holds as client money to cover an unresolved shortfall in safe custody assets identified in its internal records which is not attributable, or cannot be attributed
(1) Under CASS 7.16.25 R (3), where a firm holds client money received as cash, cheques or payment orders but not yet deposited in a client bank account under CASS 7.13.32 R, it may:(a) include these balances when calculating its client money requirement (eg, where the firm records all receipts from clients, whether or not yet deposited with a bank, in its cashbook); or(b) exclude these balances when calculating its client money requirement (eg, where the firm only records client
(1) To meet the total margin transaction requirement3, a firm may appropriate and use its own approved collateral, provided it meets the requirements in (2). (2) The firm must hold the approved collateral in a way which ensures that, in accordance with CASS 7A.2.3A R, the approved collateral will be liquidated on the occurrence of a primary pooling event and the proceeds paid into a client bank account, and in so doing:(a) ensure the approved collateral is clearly identifiable
The records and internal controls required by CASS 8.3.1 R must include:(1) an up-to-date list of each mandate that the firm has obtained, including a record of any conditions placed by the client or the firm's management on the use of the mandate and, where a mandate was received in non-written form in the course of, or in connection with, its designated investment business, the details required under CASS 8.3.2C R1;(2) a record of each transaction entered into under each mandate
(1) 1A firm's up-to-date list of mandates under CASS 8.3.2 R (1) must be maintained in a medium that allows the storage of information in a way accessible for future reference by the FCA or by an auditor preparing a report under SUP 3.10.4 R.(2) It must be possible for any corrections or other amendments, and the contents of the list prior to such corrections and amendments, to be easily ascertained.
1An entry in a firm's list of mandates underCASS 8.3.2 R (1) that relates to a mandate that was received in non-written form (eg in a telephone call) in the course of, or in connection with, its designated investment business must, as well as the information referred to at CASS 8.3.2 R (1), include the following details:(1) the nature of the mandate (eg debit card details);(2) the purpose of the mandate (eg collecting insurance premiums);(3) how the mandate was obtained (eg by
1If a firm receives information through a telephone call in the course of, or in connection with, its designated investment business that amounts to a mandate as a result of the firm retaining a recording of the call (see CASS 8.2.3 G), the requirements at CASS 8.3.2 R (1) apply, regardless of whether or not the firm intends to use the mandate in the future. The firm will meet the requirements of CASS 8.3.2 R (1) if the firm's list of mandates is updated with the details of the
1A firm should not reproduce information meeting the conditions under CASS 8.2.1 R as a separate record (eg by including such information in its list of mandates under CASS 8.3.2 R (1)) unless the firm considers this necessary, as this creates additional risk of misuse. Making a record of the details concerning the mandate described in CASS 8.3.2C R would be appropriate.
1When keeping its list of mandates under CASS 8.3.2 R (1) up to date:(1) a firm should create a new entry in the list each time the firm obtains a new mandate;(2) if, for an existing entry on its list, a firm obtains the same information meeting the conditions in CASS 8.2.1 R again (eg in a written confirmation following a paperless direct debit), the additional mandate is not a new mandate and the firm should not create another entry on the list; but(3) the firm should, for every
1A firm must retain the records required under CASS 8.3.1 R in relation to a particular mandate for the following period after it ceases to have the mandate (e.g. because the firm has destroyed the relevant document, electronic record or telephone recording), as applicable:(1) subject to (2), a minimum of one year; (2) a minimum of five years, where the relevant mandate was held by the firm in the course of, or in connection with, its MiFID business.
1Where a firm has an obligation under CASS 8.3.2G R to retain records after it ceases to have a particular mandate, it may keep the mandate on the firm's list under CASS 8.3.2 R (1) for the relevant period, but the list should be updated to reflect the fact that it ceased to have the relevant mandate at the relevant date.
(1) 14A firm must properly consider and document the use of TTCAs in the context of: (a) the relationship between the client’s obligation to the firm; and (b) the safe custody assets subjected to TTCAs by the firm.(2) A firm must be able to demonstrate that it has complied with the requirement under (1).(3) When considering, and documenting, the appropriateness of the use of TTCAs, a firm must take into account the following factors:(a) whether there is only a very weak connection
(1) 9If a client communicates to a firm that it wishes (whether pursuant to a contractual right or otherwise) to terminate a TTCA14 and the client's communication is not in writing, the firm must make a written record of the client's communication which also records the date the communication was received.(2) A firm must keep a client's written communication, or a written record of the client's communication in (1), for five years, starting from the date the communication was
9When a firm notifies a client under CASS 6.1.8AR (3)(a) of when the termination of a TTCA14 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 6.2and update its records under CASS 6.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations).
(1) 9Following the termination of a TTCA14 , 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 6.1.1R14.(2) Where the custody rules apply to a firm for safe custody assets in these circumstances then the firm is required to comply with those rules and should, for example, update the registration under CASS 6.2(Holding of client assets), update
(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
When a firm temporarily handles a safe custody asset,2 in order to comply with its obligation to act in accordance with Principle 10 (Clients' assets), the following are guides to good practice:2(1) a firm should keep the
safe custody asset2
secure, record it as belonging to that client, and forward it to the client or in accordance with the client's instructions as soon as practicable after receiving it; and2(2) a firm should make and retain a record of the fact that the firm
2The custody rules do not apply to a personal investment firm when it temporarily holds a designated investment, other than in bearer form, belonging to a client, if the firm:(1) keeps it secure, records it as belonging to that client, and forwards it to the client or in accordance with the client's instructions, as soon as practicable after receiving it; (2) retains the designated investment for no longer than the firm has taken reasonable steps to determine is necessary to check
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 |
2Only the custody rules in the table below apply to a firm when arranging safeguarding and administration of assets.
Reference |
Rule |
CASS 6.1.1 R to CASS 6.1.9 G and CASS 6.1.15 G to CASS 6.1.16B R |
Application |
Arrangers9 |
|
Records |
|
General purpose9 |
|
Third-party custody agreements |
(1) A firm must ensure that any TTCA5 is the subject of a written agreement made on a durable medium between the firm and the client.(2) Regardless of the form of the written agreement in (1) (which may have additional commercial purposes), it must cover the client's agreement to:(a) the terms for the arrangement relating to the transfer of the client's full ownership of money to the firm;(b) any terms under which the ownership of money is to transfer from the firm back to the
(1) 5A firm must properly consider and document the use of TTCAs in the context of the relationship between the client’s obligation to the firm and the money subjected to TTCAs by the firm.(2) A firm must be able to demonstrate that it has complied with the requirement under (1).(3) When considering, and documenting, the appropriateness of the use of TTCAs, a firm must take into account the following factors:(a) whether there is only a very weak connection between the client’s
(1) If a client communicates to a firm that it wishes (whether pursuant to a contractual right or otherwise) to terminate a TTCA5, and the client's communication is not in writing, the firm must make a written record of the client's communication, which also records the date the communication was received.(2) A firm must keep a client's written communication, or a written record of the client's communication in (1), for five years starting from the date the communication was received
When a firm notifies a client under CASS 7.11.9 R (3)(a) of when the termination of a TTCA5 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) and to segregate the money as client money under CASS 7.13 (Segregation of client m
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.
(1) If a firm makes use of the exemption under CASS 7.11.14 R, it must obtain the client's written agreement to the firm's use of the exemption.(2) In respect of each client, the record created in (1) must be retained during the time that the firm makes use, or intends to make use, of the exemption under CASS 7.11.14 R in respect of that client's monies.
(1) If a firm makes use of the exemption under CASS 7.11.21 R, it must obtain the client's written agreement to the firm's use of the exemption.(2) In respect of each client, the record created in (1) must be retained for the duration of the time that the firm makes use of the exemption under CASS 7.11.21 R in respect of that client's 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
(1) If a firm pays away client money under CASS 7.11.50 R (4) it must make and retain, or where the firm already has such records, retain: (a) records of all balances released from client bank accounts under CASS 7.11.50 R (including details of the amounts and the identity of the client to whom the money was allocated); (b) all relevant documentation (including charity receipts); and(c) details of the communications the firm had or attempted to make with the client concerned pursuant
A firm may pay away to a registered charity of its choice a client money balance which is allocated to a client and if it does so the released balance will cease to be client money under CASS 7.11.34 R (10):(1) the balance in question is (i) for a retail client, in aggregate, £25 or less, or (ii) for a professional client, in aggregate, £100 or less; (2) the firm held the balance concerned for at least six years following the last movement on the client's account (disregarding
CREDS 2.2.8 R requires a credit union's system of control to be fully documented. The documentation helps the governing body5 to assess if systems are maintained and controls are operating effectively. It also helps those reviewing the systems to verify that the controls in place are those that have been authorised, and that they are adequate for their purpose.
(1) The governing body5 should decide what form this documentation should take, but the governing body5 should have in mind the following points.(a) Documents should be comprehensive: they should cover all material aspects of the operations of the credit union.(b) Documents should be integrated: separate elements of the system should be cross-referred so that the system can be viewed as a whole.(c) Documents should identify risks and the controls established to manage those risks.
Documentation should not be restricted to "lower level" controls applied in processing transactions, but should also cover "high level" controls including:(1) identifying those powers to be exercised only by the governing body5, and the powers delegated to others;(2) the purpose, composition and reporting lines of sub-committees, and senior managers to whom responsibilities are delegated;(3) the specific roles and responsibilities of individual officers;(4) the timing, form and
SYSC 9.1.1 R requires that a credit union takes reasonable care to make and retain adequate records of all matters governed by the Act or the CCA, 4 secondary legislation under the Act or the CCA, 4 or rules (including accounting records). These records should be capable of being reproduced in the English language and on paper.
The main reasons why a credit union should maintain adequate accounting and other records are:(1) to provide the governing body5 with adequate financial and other information to enable it to conduct its business in a prudent manner on a day-to-day basis;(2) to safeguard the assets of the credit union and the interests of members and persons too young to be members; (3) to assist officers of the credit union to fulfil their regulatory and statutory duties in relation to the preparation
Some important compliance issues include:(1) insurance against fraud and dishonesty;(2) arrangements for the prevention, detection and reporting of money laundering;(3) establishing and maintaining a satisfactory system of control;(4) keeping proper books of account;(5) computation and application of profits;(6) investment of surplus funds;(7) capital requirements; (8) liquidity requirements;(9) limits on shares and loans;(10) maintenance of membership records;(11) submission
The purposes of an internal audit are:(1) to ensure that the policies and procedures of the credit union are followed;(2) to provide the governing body5 with a continuous appraisal of the overall effectiveness of the control systems, including proposed changes;(3) to recommend improvements where desirable or necessary;(4) to determine whether the internal controls established by the governing body5 are being maintained properly and operated as laid down in the policy, and comply
The key elements of a satisfactory system of internal audit include the following:(1) Terms of reference. These should be specified with precision and include, amongst other things, scope and objectives of the audit committee and the internal audit function (see CREDS 2.2.11G), access to records, powers to obtain information and explanations for officers, and reporting requirements. These should be approved by the governing body5. (2) Risk analysis. Key risks in each area of the
The records required by SYSC 9.2.1R must be sufficient to enable the credit institution to provide to the FCA, upon request, the following information:(1) The number of different payment accounts that the credit institution has accessed for the purposes of providing account information services.
(2) The number of payment service users who have used the account information services provided by the credit institution.(3) The number of different payment accounts that the credit institution
The records required by SYSC 9.2.1R must be sufficient to enable the credit institution to provide the FCA with the information specified in SYSC 9.2.4R for each calendar year in the previous five years, except that there is no requirement to record this information for any period prior to 13 January 2018.
(1) When keeping records in accordance with SYSC 9.2.4R (1) and (3), credit institutions should count each individual payment account once, even where it has been accessed multiple times.(2)
When keeping records in accordance with SYSC 9.2.4R (2), credit institutions should count each customer once (including where the customer has used the account information services multiple times).
A firm which takes any article in pawn under a regulated credit agreement must keep such books or other records as are sufficient to show and explain readily at any time all dealings with the article, including: (1) the taking of the article in pawn;(2) any redemption of the article; and(3) where the article has become realisable by the firm, any sale of the article under section 121(1) of the CCA.[Note: regulation 2(1) of SI 1983/1565]
Where the entries in relation to any article taken in pawn in CONC 6.6.4 R are not shown together as a whole but are shown in separate places, then in each place where entries are made the record must show:(1) the date and the number or other reference of the agreement under which the article was taken in pawn and, where separate from any document embodying the agreement, the number or other reference of the pawn-receipt;(2) the date on which the article was taken in pawn; and(3)
A firm must retain the books or other records required by CONC 6.6.3 R at least until the expiration of whichever is the longer of the following periods:(1) five years from the date on which the article was taken in pawn; or(2) where an article has become realisable by the firm, three years from the date of sale under section 121(1) of the CCA or the redemption of the article, as the case may be.[Note: regulation 2(4) of SI 1983/1565]
The entries in the books or other records, in relation to the taking of the article in pawn, must contain the following information:(1) the date and the number or other reference of the agreement under which the article was taken in pawn, and of the pawn-receipt if separate, sufficient to identify it or them;(2) the date on which the article was taken in pawn;(3) the name and a postal address and, where appropriate, other address of the customer;(4) the description that appears
The entries in the books or other records, where the article has become realisable by the firm, in relation to any sale of the article under section 121(1) of the CCA, must contain the following information:(1) the date of the sale;(2) where the article was sold by auction, the name and a postal address of the auctioneer;(3) where the article was not sold by auction, the postal address of the premises at which the sale took place;(4) the gross amount realised;(5) the itemised
A firm must introduce adequate organisational arrangements to minimise the risk of the loss or diminution of clients' safe custody assets,2 or the rights in connection with those safe custody assets,2 as a result of the misuse of the safe custody assets,2 fraud, poor administration, inadequate record-keeping or negligence.[Note: article 2(1)(f)10 of the MiFID Delegated Directive10]222
Subject to CASS 6.2.3A-1R, a9firm must effect appropriate registration or recording of legal title to a
safe custody asset2
belonging to a client8 in the name of:62(1) the client, unless the client is an authorised person acting on behalf of its client, in which case it may be registered in the name of the client of that authorised person;6(2) a nominee company which is controlled by:(a) the firm;(b) an affiliated company;(c) a recognised investment exchange; or5(d) a third party
9A firm need not comply with CASS 6.2.3 R for any safe custody asset:(1) that it has deposited with a third party in accordance with CASS 6.3 (Depositing assets and arranging for assets to be deposited with third parties); and(2) for which, because of the arrangements with that third party for depositing the safe custody asset, it is not practicable for the firm to effect appropriate registration or recording of legal title itself.
4If:(1) the safe custody asset is an emission auction product that is a financial instrument; and(2) it is not practicable or possible for a firm to effect registration or recording of legal title in this asset in the manner set out in CASS 6.2.3 R, the firm must register or record legal title in its name provided it has notified the client in writing.
A firm may only6 register or record legal title to its own
applicable asset6
in the same name as that in which legal title to a
client's6safe custody asset2
is registered or recorded if the firm'sapplicable asset is separately identified from the client'ssafe custody asset in the firm's records, and either or both of the conditions in (1) and (2) are met.6262(1) The firm's holding of its own applicable asset arises incidentally to:66(a) designated investment business it carries
6(1) Consistent with a firm's requirements to protect clients'safe custody assets and have adequate organisation arrangements in place (CASS 6.2.1 R and CASS 6.2.2 R), before a firm registers or records legal title to its own applicable asset in the same name as that in which legal title to a client'ssafe custody asset is registered or recorded under CASS 6.2.5 R, it should consider whether there are any means to avoid doing so.(2) Examples of where the conditions under CASS 6.2.5R
(1) 6If a firm pays away a client's unclaimed safe custody assets to charity or liquidates a client's unclaimed safe custody assets and pays the proceeds to charity under CASS 6.2.10 R it must make and retain, or where the firm already has such records, retain:(a) records of all safe custody assets divested under CASS 6.2.10 R (including details of the value of each asset at that time and the identity of the client to whom the asset was allocated); (b) all relevant documentation
5For a common platform firm:
- (1)
the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and
- (2)
the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:
Subject
Applicable rule or guidance
General requirements
Guidance on record-keeping
A firm (other than a common platform firm)5 must arrange for orderly records to
be kept of its business and internal organisation, including all services
and transactions undertaken by it, which must be sufficient to enable the FCA5 or any other
relevant competent authority under 5the UCITS Directive4 to monitor the firm's compliance
with the requirements under the regulatory
system, and in particular to ascertain that the firm has complied with all obligations with
respect to
(1) 5A common platform firm must arrange for records to be kept of all services, activities and transactions undertaken by it. (2) The records in (1) must be sufficient to enable the FCA to fulfil its supervisory tasks and to perform the enforcement actions under the regulatory system including MiFID, MiFIR and the Market Abuse Regulation, and in particular to ascertain that the common platform firm has complied with all obligations including those with respect to clients or potential
Subject
to any other record-keeping rule in
the Handbook, the records required
under the Handbook should be
capable of being reproduced in the English language on paper. Where a firm is required to retain a record of a
communication that was not made in the English language, it may retain it
in that language. However, it should be able to provide a translation on request.
If a firm's records relate to
business carried on from an establishment in a country or territory outside
the
In
relation to the retention of records for non-MiFID
business, a firm should
have appropriate systems and controls in place with respect to the adequacy
of, access to, and the security of its records so that the firm may
fulfil its regulatory and statutory obligations. With respect to retention
periods, the general principle is that records should be retained for as long
as is relevant for the purposes for which they are made.1
(1) 1A full scope regulatory reference firm must arrange for orderly records to be created and kept that are sufficient to enable it to comply with the requirements of this chapter.(2) This rule only applies to records in relation to the following questions in Part One of SYSC 22 Annex 1R (Template for regulatory references given by relevant authorised persons and disclosure requirements): (a) question (E) (fit and proper); and (b) question (F) (disciplinary action).
A firm does not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include information in a reference that it would otherwise have to include if:(1) the reason for the omission is that the firm does not have the necessary records; and(2) neither SYSC 22.9.1R nor any other requirement of or under the regulatory system requires the firm to have those records.
If a firm is asked to give a reference in circumstances where the record keeping requirements in SYSC 22.9.1R do not apply:(1) it is still required to give the reference;(2) it should give the reference based on the records it does have; and(3) it will not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include information in a reference if the reason for this is that it does not have the necessary records, as long as it is not required to have those records by some other
(1) SYSC 22.9.1R applies to keeping records created before the date this chapter came into force as well as ones created afterwards.(2) A full scope regulatory reference firm does not breach the requirements of this chapter by failing to include something in a reference because it destroyed the relevant records before the date this chapter came into force in accordance with the record keeping requirements applicable to it at the time of destruction.
The firm should recognise that oral evidence may be sufficient evidence and not dismiss evidence from the complainant solely because it is not supported by documentary proof. The firm should take account of a complainant's limited ability fully to articulate his complaint or to explain his actions or decisions made at the time of the sale.
Where the complainant's account of events conflicts with the firm's own records or leaves doubt, the firm should assess the reliability of the complainant's account fairly and in good faith. The firm should make all reasonable efforts (including by contact with the complainant where necessary) to clarify ambiguous issues or conflicts of evidence before making any finding against the complainant.
In determining a particular complaint, the firm should (unless there are reasons not to because of the quality and plausibility of the respective evidence) give more weight to any specific evidence of what happened during the sale (including any relevant documentation and oral testimony) than to general evidence of selling practices at the time (such as training, instructions or sales scripts or relevant audit or compliance reports on those practices).
In considering the information communicated to the complainant and the complainant's information needs, the evidence to which a firm should have regard includes:(1) the complainant's individual circumstances at the time of the sale (for example, the firm should take into account any evidence of limited financial capability or understanding on the part of the complainant);(2) the complainant's objectives and intentions at the time of the sale;(3) whether, from a reasonable customer's
(1) A firm may arrange for records to be kept in such form as it chooses, provided the record is readily accessible for inspection by the FCA.(2) Where a firm chooses to maintain records in electronic form, it should take reasonable steps to ensure that:(a) the electronic record accurately reflects the original information; and (b) the electronic record has not been subject to unauthorised or accidental alteration.
Except for MCOB 11.6.21A R, each2rule in MCOB that requires a record also sets out a period that the record must be kept for. While not a requirement of MCOB, firms may choose to keep records for longer periods, for example, where there is the possibility of customer complaint or legal action against the firm.
1This sourcebook does not specify detailed record keeping requirements for a firm that carries on a home purchase activity or that communicates or approves a financial promotion of a home purchase plan (but note the high-level record-keeping provisions in the Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook).