Related provisions for CONC App 1.2.4
Module |
Relevance to Credit Unions |
The Principles for Businesses (PRIN) |
The Principles for Businesses (PRIN) set out 3high-level requirements 3imposed by the FCA3. They provide a general statement of regulatory requirements. The Principles apply to all12credit unions. In applying the Principles to credit unions, the FCA3 will be mindful of proportionality. In practice, the implications are likely to vary according to the size and complexity 3of the credit union. 1212121212 |
Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls (SYSC) |
SYSC 1,3SYSC 4 to 10 and SYSC 213 apply to all credit unions in respect of the carrying on of their regulated activities and unregulated activities in a prudential context. SYSC 23 (Senior managers and certification regime: Introduction and classification), SYSC 24 (Senior managers and certification regime: Allocation of prescribed responsibilities), SYSC 25 (Senior managers and certification regime: Management responsibilities maps and handover procedures and material), SYSC 26 (Senior managers and certification regime: Overall and local responsibility), SYSC 27 (Senior managers and certification regime: Certification regime)7 and SYSC 18 apply to all credit unions in respect of both their regulated activities and their unregulated activities. 33 |
This contains rules and guidance that are directly applicable to a credit union’sSMF managers, certification employees and (from 2017) other conduct rules staff. There is also guidance for credit unions on giving their staff training about COCON. |
|
Threshold Conditions (COND) |
In order to become authorised under the Act all firms must meet the threshold conditions. The threshold conditions must be met on a continuing basis by credit unions. Failure to meet one of the conditions is sufficient grounds for the exercise by the FCA3 of its powers. 121212 |
12312 | |
The Fit and Proper test for Employees and Senior Personnel7 (FIT) |
The purpose of FIT is to set out and describe the criteria that a firm should3 consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a person (1)3 in respect of whom an application is being made for approval to undertake a controlled function under the senior managers7 regime, (2)3 who has already been approved, (3) who is a certification employee or (4) whom a firm is considering appointing to be a certification employee3. It also sets out and describes criteria that the FCA will consider when assessing the fitness and propriety of a candidate for a controlled function position and that it may consider when assessing the continuing fitness and propriety of approved persons.3 12312 |
General Provisions (GEN) |
GEN contains rules and guidance on general matters, including interpreting the Handbook, statutory status disclosure, the FCA's3 logo and insurance against financial penalties. 12 |
Fees manual (FEES) |
This manual sets out the fees applying to credit unions. |
3Prudential sourcebook for Mortgage and Home Finance Firms, and Insurance Intermediaries (MIPRU) |
MIPRU applies to any credit union carrying out insurance distribution activity5 or home finance mediation activity, or using these services. In particular, it sets out requirements for allocation of responsibility for the credit union’sinsurance distribution activity5 (MIPRU 2), for the use of home finance intermediaries (MIPRU 5) and for professional indemnity insurance (MIPRU 3). |
Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS) |
A credit union which acts as a CTF provider or provides a cash-deposit ISA will need to be aware of the relevant requirements in COBS. COBS 4.6 (Past, simulated past and future performance), COBS 4.7.1 R (Direct offer financial promotions), COBS 4.10 (Approving and confirming compliance of10 financial promotions), COBS 13 (Preparing product information) and COBS 14 (Providing product information to clients) apply with respect to accepting deposits as set out in those provisions, COBS 4.1 and BCOBS. A credit union that communicates with clients, including in a financial promotion, in relation to the promotion of deferred shares and credit union subordinated debt will need to be aware of the requirements of COBS 4.2 (Fair, clear and not misleading communications) and COBS 4.5 (Communicating with retail clients).4 |
ICOBS applies to any credit union carrying on non-investment insurance distribution5 activities, such as arranging or advising on general insurance contracts to be taken out by members. But ICOBS does not apply to a credit union taking out an insurance policy5 for itself, such as a policy5 against default by members on their loans where the credit union is the beneficiary of the policy5, since in this circumstance the credit union would not be acting as an insurance intermediary, but would itself be the customer. Credit unions are reminded that they are subject to the requirements of the appropriate legislation, including the Credit Unions Act 1979, relating to activities a credit union may carry on. |
|
3Mortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business sourcebook (MCOB) |
MCOB applies to any credit union that engages in any home finance activity. MCOB rules cover advising and selling standards, responsible lending (including affordability assessment), charges, and the fair treatment of customers in payment difficulties. |
Banking: Conduct of Business sourcebook (BCOBS) |
BCOBS sets out rules and guidance for credit unions on how they should conduct their business with their customers. In particular there are rules and guidance relating to communications with banking customers3and financial promotions (BCOBS 2), distance communications (BCOBS 3), information to be communicated to banking customers3(BCOBS 4), post sale requirements (BCOBS 5), and cancellation (BCOBS 6). 3The rules in BCOBS 3.1 that relate to distance contracts may apply 3to a credit union. This is because BCOBS 3 contains requirements which implemented9 the Distance Marketing Directive39where there is "an organised distance sales or service-provision scheme run by the supplier" (Article 2(a)) of the Distance Marketing Directive)9, i.e. if the credit union routinely sells any of its services by post, telephone, fax or the internet3. |
Supervision manual (SUP) |
The following provisions of SUP are relevant to credit unions: 13SUP 1A13 (The FCA’s 3 approach to supervision), SUP 2 (Information gathering by the FCA or PRA 3 on its own initiative), SUP 3.1 to SUP 3.8 (Auditors), SUP 5 (Skilled persons), SUP 6 (Applications to vary or cancel Part 4A12permission), SUP 7 (Individual requirements), SUP 8 (Waiver and modification of rules), SUP 9 (Individual guidance), 13SUP 10C (FCA senior managers7 regime for approved persons in SMCR firms7), SUP 11 (Controllers and Close links), SUP 15 (Notifications to the FCA or PRA 3) and SUP 16 (Reporting Requirements). Credit unions are reminded that they are subject to the requirements of the Act and SUP 11 on close links, and are bound to notify the FCA3 of changes. It may be unlikely, in practice, that credit unions will develop such relationships. It is possible, however, that a person may acquire close links with a 3credit union3 within the meaning of the Act by reason of holding the prescribed proportion of deferred shares in the credit union. In relation to SUP 16, credit unions are exempted from the requirement to submit annual reports of 3close links. 121212121213312121212 |
CONC contains rules that apply to firms carrying on credit-related regulated activities. PERG 2.7.19IG provides guidance on relevant exemptions. Most credit union lending is therefore outside the scope of CONC. However, subject to the constraints in the Credit Unions Act 1979 or the Credit Unions (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as relevant), credit unions may undertake credit-related regulated activities to which CONC does apply if the activity is carried out by way of business. This could include lending under a borrower-lender-supplier agreement, or debt adjusting or debt counselling where the credit union is not the lender. A credit union carrying on such activities should consider whether it requires permission to do so. Further information can be found on the FCA’s website. |
|
Decision, Procedure and Penalties manual (DEPP) |
DEPP is relevant to credit unions because it sets out: (1) the FCA's12 decision-making procedure for giving statutory notices. These are warning notices, decision notices and supervisory notices (DEPP 1.2 to DEPP 5); and (2) the FCA's12 policy with respect to the imposition and amount of penalties under the Act (see DEPP 6). 1212 |
Dispute Resolution: Complaints (DISP) |
DISP sets out rules and guidance in relation to treating complainants fairly and the Financial Ombudsman Service. |
Compensation (COMP) |
COMP sets out rules relating to the scheme for compensating consumers when authorised firms are unable, or likely to be unable, to satisfy claims against them.12 |
6General guidance on Benchmark Administration, Contribution and Use (BENCH) |
BENCH provides guidance about which parts of the Handbook are relevant to a firm when carrying out benchmark activities and when using a benchmark. It also provides guidance about the benchmarks regulation. |
The Enforcement Guide (EG) |
The Enforcement Guide (EG) describes the FCA's12 approach to exercising the main enforcement powers given to it by the Act and by other legislation.2 12 |
Financial Crime Guide: A firm’s guide to countering financial crime risks (FCG) and Financial Crime Thematic Reviews (FCTR)8 |
FCG and FCTR provide8guidance on steps that a firm can take to reduce the risk that it might be used to further financial crime. |
Location of recognition requirements and guidance
Recognition Requirements Regulations |
Subject |
|
Regulation 6 |
Method of satisfying recognition requirements |
2.2 |
Part I of the Schedule |
UK RIE recognition requirements |
|
Paragraph 1 |
Financial resources |
2.3 |
Paragraph 2 |
Suitability |
2.4 |
5Paragraphs 2A and 2B |
Management Body |
2.4A |
Paragraphs 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3G and 3H5 |
Systems and controls, market making agreements, halting trading, direct electronic access, co-location services, fee structures, algorithmic trading, tick size regimes, synchronisation of business clocks5 |
2.5 |
Paragraphs 4(1), 4(2)(aa) and 4C5 22 |
General safeguards for investors and publication of data regarding execution of transactions5 |
2.6 |
Paragraph 4(2)(a) |
Access to facilities |
2.7 |
Paragraph 4(2)(c) |
Availability of relevant information |
2.12 |
Paragraph 4(2)(d) |
Settlement |
2.8 |
Paragraph 4(2)(e) |
Transaction recording |
2.9 |
2Paragraph 4(2)(ea) |
Conflicts |
2.5 |
Paragraph 4(2)(f) and 4(2)(fa)5 |
Financial crime and market abuse |
2.10 |
Paragraph 4(2)(g) |
Custody |
2.11 |
Paragraph 4(3) |
Definition of relevant information |
2.12 |
2 | ||
2 | ||
Paragraph 6 |
Promotion and maintenance of standards |
2.13 |
Paragraph 7 |
Rules and consultation |
2.14 |
Paragraphs 7A and 9ZB (regulated markets only)5 2 |
Admission of financial instruments to trading |
2.12 |
Paragraphs 7B, 7C and 9ZC (regulated markets only)5 2 |
Access to facilities |
2.7 |
5Paragraphs 7BA & 7BB |
Position management and position reporting re commodity derivatives |
2.7A |
2Paragraph 7D |
Settlement and clearing facilitation services5 |
2.8 |
Paragraphs 7E and 7F5 2 |
Suspension and removal of financial instruments from trading |
2.6 |
Paragraph 8 |
Discipline |
2.15 |
Paragraph 9 |
Complaints |
2.16 |
Paragraphs 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H and 9ZD5 2 |
Operation of a multilateral trading facility or an organised trading facility5 |
2.16A/MAR 5 and MAR 5A |
5Paragraph 9ZA (regulated markets only) |
Order execution |
2.6 |
5Paragraph 9K |
Provision of data reporting services |
2.16B/ MAR 9 |
Part II of the Schedule |
UK RIE default rules in respect of market contracts |
2.174 |
This table belongs to COLL 3.2.4 R (Matters which must be included in the instrument constituting the fund14)
14Name of scheme |
||
1 |
A statement of: |
|
(1) |
the name of the authorised fund; and |
|
(2) |
whether the authorised fund is a UCITS scheme or a non-UCITS retail scheme. |
|
Investment powers in eligible markets |
||
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 |
|
Unitholder's liability to pay |
||
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. |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Base currency |
||
4 |
A statement of the base currency of the scheme. |
|
Valuation and pricing |
||
5 |
A statement setting out the basis for the valuation and pricing of the scheme. |
|
Duration of the scheme |
||
6 |
If the scheme is to be wound up after a particular period expires, a statement to that effect. |
|
Object of the scheme |
||
7 |
A statement: |
|
(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 |
|
(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. |
|
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. |
|
[deleted]13 13 |
||
Government and public securities: investment in one issuer |
||
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. |
|
Classes of unit |
||
9 |
A statement: |
|
(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 |
|
(2) |
if the rights of any class of unit differ, a statement describing those differences in relation to the differing classes. |
|
Authorised fund manager's charges and expenses |
||
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. |
|
Issue or cancellation directly through the ICVC or depositary of an AUT or ACS12 |
||
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 |
|
In specie issue and cancellation |
||
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. |
|
Restrictions on sale and redemption |
||
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). |
|
Voting at meetings |
||
14 |
The manner in which votes may be given at a meeting of unitholders under COLL 4.4.8 R (Voting rights). |
|
Certificates |
||
15 |
A statement 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.16 |
|
1512 | ||
Income |
||
16 |
A statement setting out the basis for the distribution or re-investment of income. |
|
Income equalisation |
||
17 |
Where relevant, a provision for income equalisation. |
|
Redemption or cancellation of units on breach of law or rules |
||
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. |
|
ICVCs: larger and smaller denomination shares |
||
19 |
A statement of the proportion of a larger denomination share represented by a smaller denomination share for any relevant unit class. |
|
ICVCs: resolution to remove a director |
||
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. |
|
ICVCs: unit transfers |
||
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 |
|
ICVCs and ACSs: Charges and expenses12 |
||
22 |
A statement that charges or expenses of the ICVCor ACS12 may be taken out of the scheme property.10 |
|
10ICVCs: Umbrella schemes - principle of limited recourse |
||
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. |
|
Co-ownership schemes: umbrella schemes - principle of limited recourse |
||
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 |
|
AUTs: governing law for a trust deed |
||
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. |
|
AUTs: trust deed to be binding and authoritative |
||
24 |
A statement that the trust deed: |
|
(1) |
is binding on each unitholder as if it had been a party to it and that it is bound by its provisions; and |
|
(2) |
authorises and requires the trustee and the manager to do the things required or permitted of them by its terms. |
|
AUTs: declaration of trust |
||
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: |
|
(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 |
|
(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). |
|
AUTs: trustee's remuneration |
||
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. |
|
AUTs: responsibility for the register |
||
27 |
A statement identifying the person responsible under the rules for the maintenance of the register. |
|
ACSs: governing law for a contractual scheme deed |
||
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. |
|
ACSs: contractual scheme deed to be binding and authoritative |
||
1227B |
A statement that the contractual scheme deed: |
|
(1) |
is binding on each unitholder as if it had been a party to it and that it is bound by its provisions; and |
|
(2) |
authorises and requires the depositary and the authorised contractual manager to do the things required or permitted of them by its terms. |
|
ACSs: ownership of scheme property |
||
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: |
|
(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; |
|
(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 |
|
(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). |
|
ACSs: responsibility for the register |
||
1227D |
A statement identifying the person responsible under the rules for the maintenance of the register. |
|
ACSs: UCITS and NURS eligible investors |
||
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: |
|
(1) |
||
(2) |
||
(3) |
||
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. |
|
ACSs: UCITS and NURS transfer of units |
||
1227G |
(1) |
A statement whether the transfer of units in the ACSscheme is either: |
(a) prohibited; or |
||
(b) allowed |
||
(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: |
|
(b) large ACS investor; or |
||
(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. |
|
Co-ownership schemes: constitution |
||
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. |
|
Co-ownership schemes: operator's powers |
||
1227I |
A statement that the operator of a co-ownership scheme is authorised to: |
|
(1) |
acquire, manage and dispose of the scheme property; and |
|
(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. |
|
Co-ownership schemes: winding-up |
||
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. |
|
Limited partnership schemes: participants |
||
1227K |
A statement that the limited partners, other than the nominated partner, are to be the participants in the scheme. |
|
Limited partnership schemes: resignation of limited partners |
||
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. |
|
Limited partnership schemes: inability to operate as an umbrella |
||
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. |
|
3Investment in overseas4 property through an intermediate holding vehicle |
||
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. |