Related provisions for SYSC 19D.1.1A
1Introduction |
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1. |
TC Appendix 4E contains a list of appropriate qualifications for the purposes of TC 2.1.10 E. |
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2. |
This Appendix sets out: |
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(1) |
the criteria which the FCA may take into account when assessing a qualification provider; and |
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(2) |
the information the FCA will expect the qualification provider to provide if it asks the FCA to add a qualification to the list of appropriate qualifications in TC Appendix 4 E. |
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Criteria for assessing a qualification provider |
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3. |
The FCA will expect the qualification provider of an appropriate qualification to have, in the FCA's opinion: |
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(1) |
assessors and qualification developers who are trained and qualified; |
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(2) |
valid, reliable and robust assessment methods; |
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(3) |
robust governance and a clear separation of function between its qualification services and any other services it performs, including effective procedures for managing any conflicts of interest; |
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(4) |
procedures for reviewing and refreshing its syllabus and question banks to ensure that they are relevant and up to date; |
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(5) |
robust and credible procedures for assessing a candidate's demonstration of the learning outcomes specified in the relevant examination standards; |
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(6) |
robust arrangements for contingency and business continuity planning in relation to its qualification services; |
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(7) |
appropriate records management procedures in relation to its qualification services; |
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(8) |
procedures for dealing with inappropriate conduct by candidates, for example, attempting to obtain or obtaining qualifications dishonestly; |
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(9) |
robust procedures for the setting of assessments and marking of results; and |
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(10) |
adequate resources in order to be financially viable. |
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Information about the qualification to be provided to the FCA |
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4. |
If a qualification provider asks the FCA to add a qualification to the list of appropriate qualifications in TC Appendix 4 E, the FCA will expect the qualification provider to: |
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(1) |
where relevant, specify the qualifications framework within which the qualification is placed; |
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(2) |
specify the activity in TC Appendix 1 to which the qualification relates; |
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(3) |
set out the recommended prior knowledge, attainment or experience for candidates; |
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(4) |
where relevant, set out the exemption policy for a candidate's prior learning or achievement; |
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(5) |
provide the relevant learning materials to the FCA together with an explanation of how those learning materials correspond to the content of the most recent examination standards. Any content of the examination standards which has been excluded from the learning materials must be justified; |
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(6) |
where applicable, explain how grading is applied; |
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(7) |
where applicable, explain the provider's rules of combination; |
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(8) |
provide details of expected learning hours or any other similar arrangements; |
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(9) |
where applicable, specify the level of the overall qualification with reference to the relevant qualification framework or, if there is no relevant qualification framework, the European Qualifications Framework and the percentage of the qualification at that level, as well as the percentages and the levels for the remainder of the qualification; |
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(10) |
provide details of any credit for prior learning included in the qualification together with an explanation of how it meets the most recent examination standards; and |
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(11) |
provide an explanation of how the qualification compares in quality and standard to other similar qualifications. |
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Information about the qualification provider to be provided to the FCA |
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5. |
When considering whether to include or retain a qualification in the list of appropriate qualifications, the FCA may consider, where relevant: |
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(1) |
whether the qualification provider has in place suitable arrangements for: |
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(a) |
meeting its statutory duties in relation to equality and diversity; and |
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(b) |
reducing barriers to learning, for example, for candidates with learning difficulties; |
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(2) |
any concerns, issues or investigations which have been raised by the qualification provider's qualifications regulator; |
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(3) |
the annual pass rates of each of the relevant qualifications; |
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(4) |
the quality of the service the qualification provider provides to candidates in relation to qualifications and its complaints procedures; |
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(5) |
how the qualification provider maintains its qualifications to ensure they remain comparable to other qualifications in the same sector; and |
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(6) |
whether the qualification provider gives candidates reasonable notice of any syllabus change, change in method of assessment or pass standards; |
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(7) |
information supporting the criteria in TC Appendix 5G paragraph 3. |
Applicable sections (see SUP 11.1.1 R)
Category of firm |
Applicable sections |
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(1) |
A UK domestic firm other than a building society, a non-directive friendly society5, a non-directive firm45or (in the case of an FCA-authorised person) a firm with only a limited permission3 54 |
All except SUP 11.3, SUP 11.4.2A RandSUP 11.4.4 R3 |
(1A) |
(a) In the case of an exempt change in control (see Note), SUP 11.1, SUP 11.2andSUP 11.9 (b) In any other case, all except SUP 11.3andSUP 11.4.4 R3 9 |
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(2) |
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(2A) 3 |
4 | all exceptSUP 11.3, SUP 11.4.2 R, 4andSUP 11.4.4 R3 |
5(2B) |
(In the case of an FCA-authorised person) a firm with only a limited permission |
All except SUP 11.3, SUP 11.4.2 R , and SUP 11.4.4 R |
(3) |
All except SUP 11.3, SUP 11.4.2 R, SUP 11.4.2A R, 4, SUP 11.4.9 G, SUP 11.5.8 G to SUP 11.5.10 G, SUP 11.6.2 R, SUP 11.6.3 R, 4, SUP 11.73 |
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Note |
In row (1A), a change in control is exempt if the controller or proposed controller is exempt from any obligation to notify the appropriate regulator9 under Part XII of the Act (Control Over Authorised Persons9) because of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Controllers) (Exemption) Order 2009 (SI 2009/7744). (See SUP 11.3.2A G).21 944994494 |
Table: list of general guidance to be found in PERG.
Chapter: |
Applicable to: |
About: |
Authorisation and regulated activities |
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Guidance on the scope of the Electronic Money Regulations8 88 |
a person who needs to know
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Regulated activities connected with mortgages |
any person who needs to know whether the activities he conducts in relation to mortgages are subject to FCA regulation. This is likely to include:
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the scope of relevant orders (in particular, the Regulated Activities Order) as respects activities concerned with mortgages |
Insurance distribution13 activities |
any person who needs to know whether they carry on insurance distribution activities and are13,thereby, subject to FCA regulation. This is likely to include:
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the scope of relevant orders (in particular, the Regulated Activities Order) as respects activities concerned with the sale or administration of insurance |
Identification of contracts of insurance |
any person who needs to know whether a contract with which he is involved is a contract of insurance |
the general principles and range of specific factors that the FCA regards as relevant in deciding whether any arrangement is a contract of insurance |
Periodical publications, news services and broadcasts: application for certification |
any person who needs to know whether he will be regulated for providing advice about investments through the medium of a periodical publication, a broadcast or a news service |
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Financial promotion and related activities |
any person who needs to know
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Meaning of open-ended investment company |
any person who needs to know whether a body corporate is an open-ended investment company as defined in section 236 of the Act (Open-ended investment companies) and is therefore a collective investment scheme. |
the circumstances in which a body corporate will be an open-ended investment company |
Activities related to pension schemes |
Any person who needs to know whether his activities in relation to pension schemes will amount to regulated activities or whether the restriction in section 21 of the Act will apply to any financial promotions he may make.1 1 |
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Property investment clubs and land investment schemes |
Any person who needs to know whether his activities in relation to property investment clubs and land investment schemes will amount to regulated activities or whether the restriction in section 21 of the Act will apply to any financial promotions he may make. |
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Running or advising on personal pension schemes |
any person who needs to know whether his activities in relation to establishing, running, advising on or marketing personal pension schemes will amount to regulated activities |
the regulated activities that arise in connection with establishing, running, advising on or marketing personal pension schemes and any exclusions that may be relevant |
Guidance on the scope of MiFID and CRD IV12 9125 |
Any UK person who needs to know whether MiFID or the CRD and EUCRR (which allow the recast CAD to continue to apply to certain firms)9as implemented in the UK apply to him5 9 |
the scope of MiFID and the CRD and EUCRR.5 9 |
Home reversion,7 home finance and regulated sale and rent back 7activities 7 |
Any person who needs to know whether his activities in relation to home reversion plans,7home purchase plans or regulated sale and rent back agreements7will amount to regulated activities or whether the restriction in section 21 of the Act will apply to any financial promotions he may make. 7 |
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6PERG 15: Guidance on the scope of the Payment Services Regulations 2009 |
Any person with an establishment in the UK who needs to know whether the Payment Services Directive, as transposed in UK legislation by the Payment Services Regulations 2009, applies to him. Q46 applies specifically to persons providing payment services from an establishment outside the EEA to persons located in the UK. |
the scope of the PSD Regulations 2009.11 |
11PERG 16: Scope of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive |
any person who needs to know whether a collective investment undertaking is an AIF. |
the scope of the regulated activities of managing an AIF and acting as trustee or depositary of an AIF.10 |
Any person who needs to know whether his activities in relation to debts will amount to debt counselling. |
The scope of the regulated activities relating to consumer credit debt counselling. |
This table belongs to COLL 3.2.4 R (Matters which must be included in the instrument constituting the fund14)
14Name of scheme |
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1 |
A statement of: |
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(1) |
the name of the authorised fund; and |
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(2) |
whether the authorised fund is a UCITS scheme or a non-UCITS retail scheme. |
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Investment powers in eligible markets |
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2 |
A statement that, subject to any restriction in the rules in this sourcebook or the instrument constituting the fund14, the scheme has the power to invest in any eligible securities market or deal on any eligible derivatives market to the extent that power to do so is conferred by COLL 5 (Investment and borrowing powers). 14 |
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Unitholder's liability to pay |
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3 |
A provision that a unitholder in an AUT, ICVC or co-ownership scheme12 is not liable to make any further payment after he has paid the price of his units and that no further liability can be imposed on him in respect of the units which he holds. |
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3A |
A provision that a unitholder in a limited partnership scheme is not liable for the debts or obligations of the limited partnership scheme beyond the amount of the scheme property which is available to the authorised contractual scheme manager to meet such debts or obligations, provided that the unitholder does not take part in the management of the partnership business.12 |
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3B |
A provision that the exercise of rights conferred on limited partners by FCArules does not constitute taking part in the management of the partnership business.12 |
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Base currency |
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4 |
A statement of the base currency of the scheme. |
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Valuation and pricing |
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5 |
A statement setting out the basis for the valuation and pricing of the scheme. |
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Duration of the scheme |
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6 |
If the scheme is to be wound up after a particular period expires, a statement to that effect. |
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Object of the scheme |
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7 |
A statement: |
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(1) |
as to the object of the scheme, in particular the types of investments and assets in which it and each sub-fund (where applicable) may invest; and |
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(2) |
that the object of the scheme is to invest in property of that kind with the aim of spreading investment risk and giving unitholders the benefits of the results of the management of that property. |
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27A |
Where the authorised fund is a qualifying money market fund, a statement to that effect and a statement that the authorised fund's investment objectives and policies will meet the conditions specified in the definition of qualifying money market fund. |
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[deleted]13 13 |
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Government and public securities: investment in one issuer |
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8 |
Where relevant, for a UCITS scheme, a statement in accordance with COLL 5.2.12 R (Spread: government and public securities) with the names of 15the individual states, local authorities 15or public international bodies issuing or guaranteeing the transferable securities or approved money-market instruments15in which more than 35% in value of the scheme property may be invested15. |
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Classes of unit |
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9 |
A statement: |
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(1) |
specifying the classes of unit that may be issued, and for a scheme which is an umbrella, the classes that may be issued in respect of each sub-fund; and |
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(2) |
if the rights of any class of unit differ, a statement describing those differences in relation to the differing classes. |
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Authorised fund manager's charges and expenses |
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10 |
A statement setting out the basis on which the authorised fund manager may make a charge and recover expenses out of the scheme property. |
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Issue or cancellation directly through the ICVC or depositary of an AUT or ACS12 |
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11 |
Where relevant, a statement authorising the issue or cancellation of units to take place through the ICVC or depositary of an AUT or ACS directly.12 12 |
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In specie issue and cancellation |
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12 |
Where relevant, a statement authorising payment for the issue or cancellation of units to be made by the transfer of assets other than cash. |
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Restrictions on sale and redemption |
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13 |
Where relevant, the restrictions which will apply in relation to the sale and redemption of units under COLL 6.2.16 R (Sale and redemption). |
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Voting at meetings |
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14 |
The manner in which votes may be given at a meeting of unitholders under COLL 4.4.8 R (Voting rights). |
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Certificates |
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15 |
A statement: |
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(1) |
for ICVCs15, authorising the issue of bearer certificates if any, and how such holders are to identify themselves; and 12 |
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(2) |
authorising the person responsible for the register to charge for issuing any document recording, or for amending, an entry on the register, other than on the issue or sale of units. |
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Income |
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16 |
A statement setting out the basis for the distribution or re-investment of income. |
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Income equalisation |
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17 |
Where relevant, a provision for income equalisation. |
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Redemption or cancellation of units on breach of law or rules |
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18 |
A statement that where any holding of units by a unitholder is (or is reasonably considered by the authorised fund manager to be) an infringement of any law, governmental regulation or rule, those units must be redeemed or cancelled. |
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ICVCs: larger and smaller denomination shares |
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19 |
A statement of the proportion of a larger denomination share represented by a smaller denomination share for any relevant unit class. |
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ICVCs: resolution to remove a director |
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20 |
A statement that the ICVC may (without prejudice to the requirements of regulation 21 of the OEIC Regulations (The Authority's approval for certain changes in respect of a company), by a resolution passed by a simple majority of the votes validly cast for and against the resolution at a general meeting of unitholders, remove a director before his period of office expires, despite anything else in the ICVC's instrument of incorporation or in any agreement between the ICVC and that director. |
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ICVCs: unit transfers |
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21 |
A statement that the person designated for the purposes of paragraph 4 of Schedule 4 to the OEIC Regulations (Share transfers) is the person who, for the time being, is the ACD of the ICVC.1 7 |
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ICVCs and ACSs: Charges and expenses12 |
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22 |
A statement that charges or expenses of the ICVCor ACS12 may be taken out of the scheme property.10 |
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10ICVCs: Umbrella schemes - principle of limited recourse |
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1022A |
For an ICVC which is an umbrella, a statement that the assets of a sub-fund belong exclusively to that sub-fund and shall not be used to discharge directly or indirectly the liabilities of, or claims against, any other person or body, including the umbrella, or any other sub-fund, and shall not be available for any such purpose. |
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Co-ownership schemes: umbrella schemes - principle of limited recourse |
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22B |
For a co-ownership scheme which is an umbrella, a statement that the property subject to a sub-fund is beneficially owned by the participants in that sub-fund as tenants in common (or, in Scotland, is the common property of the participants in that sub-fund) and must not be used to discharge any liabilities of, or meet any claims against, any person other than the participants in that sub-fund.12 |
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AUTs: governing law for a trust deed |
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23 |
A statement that the trust deed is made under and governed by the law of England and Wales, Wales or Scotland or Northern Ireland. |
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AUTs: trust deed to be binding and authoritative |
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24 |
A statement that the trust deed: |
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(1) |
is binding on each unitholder as if it had been a party to it and that it is bound by its provisions; and |
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(2) |
authorises and requires the trustee and the manager to do the things required or permitted of them by its terms. |
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AUTs: declaration of trust |
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25 |
A declaration that, subject to the provisions of the trust deed and all rules made under section 247 of the Act (Trust scheme rules) and for the time being in force: |
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(1) |
the scheme property (other than sums standing to the credit of the distribution account) is held by the trustee on trust for the unitholders according to the number of units held by each unitholder or, where relevant, according to the number of undivided shares in the scheme property represented by the units held by each unitholder; and |
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(2) |
the sums standing to the credit of the distribution account are held by the trustee on trust to distribute or apply them in accordance with COLL 6.8 (Income: accounting, allocation and distribution). |
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AUTs: trustee's remuneration |
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26 |
Where relevant, a statement authorising payments to the trustee by way of remuneration for its services to be paid (in whole or in part) out of the scheme property. |
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AUTs: responsibility for the register |
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27 |
A statement identifying the person responsible under the rules for the maintenance of the register. |
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ACSs: governing law for a contractual scheme deed |
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1227A |
A statement that the contractual scheme deed is made under and governed by the law of England and Wales, or Scotland or Northern Ireland. |
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ACSs: contractual scheme deed to be binding and authoritative |
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1227B |
A statement that the contractual scheme deed: |
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(1) |
is binding on each unitholder as if it had been a party to it and that it is bound by its provisions; and |
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(2) |
authorises and requires the depositary and the authorised contractual manager to do the things required or permitted of them by its terms. |
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ACSs: ownership of scheme property |
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1227C |
A statement that, subject to the provisions of the contractual scheme deed and all rules made under section 261I of the Act (Contractual scheme rules) and for the time being in force: |
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(1) |
the scheme property (other than sums standing to the credit of the distribution account) is held by, or to the order of, the depositary for and on behalf of the unitholders according to the number of units held by each unitholder or, where relevant, according to the number of undivided shares in the scheme property represented by the units held by each unitholder; |
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(2) |
the sums standing to the credit of the distribution account are held by the depositary to distribute or apply them in accordance with COLL 6.8 (Income: accounting, allocation and distribution); and |
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(3) |
the scheme property of a co-ownership scheme is beneficially owned by the participants as tenants in common (or, in Scotland, is the common property of the participants). |
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ACSs: responsibility for the register |
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1227D |
A statement identifying the person responsible under the rules for the maintenance of the register. |
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ACSs: UCITS and NURS eligible investors |
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1227E |
For an ACS which is a UCITS scheme or a non-UCITS retail scheme, a statement that units may not be issued to a person other than a: |
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(1) |
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(2) |
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(3) |
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1227F |
A statement that the authorised contractual scheme manager must redeemunits as soon as practicable after becoming aware that those units are vested in anyone (whether as a result of subscription or transfer of units) other than a person meeting the criteria in paragraph 27E. |
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ACSs: UCITS and NURS transfer of units |
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1227G |
(1) |
A statement whether the transfer of units in the ACSscheme is either: |
(a) prohibited; or |
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(b) allowed |
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(2) |
Where transfer of units is allowed in accordance with (1)(b), a statement that units may only be transferred in accordance with the conditions specified by FCArules, including that units may not be transferred to a person other than a: |
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(b) large ACS investor; or |
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(3) |
For a co-ownership scheme which is an umbrella, a statement in accordance with (1)(a) or (1)(b) and, where appropriate, a statement in accordance with (2), must also be made for the sub-funds. Where individual sub-funds have differing policies in relation to transfer of units, separate statements are required. |
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Co-ownership schemes: constitution |
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1227H |
For a co-ownership scheme, a statement that the arrangements constituting the scheme are intended to constitute a co-ownership scheme as defined in section 235A(2) of the Act. |
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Co-ownership schemes: operator's powers |
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1227I |
A statement that the operator of a co-ownership scheme is authorised to: |
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(1) |
acquire, manage and dispose of the scheme property; and |
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(2) |
enter into contracts which are binding on unitholders for the purposes of, or in connection with, the acquisition, management or disposal of scheme property. |
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Co-ownership schemes: winding-up |
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1227J |
A statement that the operator and depositary of a co-ownership scheme are required to wind up the scheme if directed to do so by the FCA in exercise of its power under section 261X (Directions) or section 261Z (Winding up or merger of master UCITS) of the Act. |
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Limited partnership schemes: participants |
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1227K |
A statement that the limited partners, other than the nominated partner, are to be the participants in the scheme. |
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Limited partnership schemes: resignation of limited partners |
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1227L |
A statement that the scheme is not dissolved on any person ceasing to be a limited partner or nominated partner provided that there remains at least one limited partner. |
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Limited partnership schemes: inability to operate as an umbrella |
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1227M |
A statement that the limited partnership scheme prohibits pooling as is mentioned in section 235(3)(a) of the Act in relation to separate parts of the scheme property, with the effect that the scheme cannot be an umbrella. |
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3Investment in overseas4 property through an intermediate holding vehicle |
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328 |
3If investment in an overseas4 immovable is to be made through an intermediate holding vehicle or a series of intermediate holding vehicles, a statement that the purpose of that intermediate holding vehicle or series of intermediate holding vehicles will be to enable the holding of overseas4 immovables by the scheme. |