Related provisions for SUP 11.7.1
Frequently asked questions about allocation of functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R
Question |
Answer |
|
1 |
Does an individual to whom a function is allocated under SYSC 4.4.5 R need to be an approved person13? 8 |
Yes. They13 will be performing the limited scope function13. However, the limited scope function does not apply to an EEA SMCR firm (except claims management and funeral plan 16firms) or an authorised professional firm that is a core SMCR firm.1313 171717178 |
2 |
If the allocation is to more than one individual, can they perform the functions, or aspects of the functions, separately? |
If the functions are allocated to joint chief executives under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2, they are expected to act jointly. If the functions are allocated to an individual under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2, in addition to individuals under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3, the former may normally be expected to perform a leading role in relation to the functions that reflects his position. Otherwise, yes. |
3 |
What is meant by "appropriately allocate" in this context? |
The allocation of functions should be compatible with delivering compliance with Principle 3, SYSC 4.4.3 R and SYSC 4.1.1 R. The FCA13 considers that allocation to one or two individuals is likely to be appropriate for most firms. |
4 |
If a committee of management governs a firm or group, can the functions be allocated to every member of that committee? |
Yes, as long as the allocation remains appropriate (see Question 3). If the firm also has an individual as chief executive, then the functions must be allocated to that individual as well under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2 (see Question 7). |
5 |
Does the definition of chief executive include the possessor of equivalent responsibilities with another title, such as a managing director or managing partner? |
Yes. |
6 |
Is it possible for a firm to have more than one individual as its chief executive? |
Although unusual, some firms may wish the responsibility of a chief executive to be held jointly by more than one individual. In that case, each of them will be a chief executive and the functions must be allocated to all of them under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2 (see also Questions 2 and 7). |
7 |
If a firm has an individual as chief executive, must the functions be allocated to that individual? |
Normally, yes, under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2. But if the firm is a body corporate and a member of a group, the functions may, instead of being allocated to the firm'schief executive, be allocated to a director or senior manager from the group responsible for the overall management of the group or of a relevant group division, so long as this is appropriate (see Question 3). Such individuals may nevertheless require approval under section 59 (see Question 1). If the firm chooses to allocate the functions to a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of a relevant group division, the FCA13 would expect that individual to be of a seniority equivalent to or greater than a chief executive of the firm for the allocation to be appropriate. See also Question 14. |
8 |
If a firm has a chief executive, can the functions be allocated to other individuals in addition to the chief executive? |
Yes. SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3, permits a firm to allocate the functions, additionally, to the firm's (or where applicable the group's) directors and senior managers as long as this is appropriate (see Question 3). |
9 |
What if a firm does not have a chief executive? |
Normally, the functions must be allocated to one or more individuals selected from the firm's (or where applicable the group's) directors and senior managers under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 3. But if the firm: (1) is a body corporate and a member of a group; and (2) the group has a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of the group or of a relevant group division; then the functions must be allocated to that individual (together, optionally, with individuals from column 3 if appropriate) under SYSC 4.4.5 R, column 2. |
10 |
What do you mean by "group division within which some or all of the firm's regulated activities fall"? |
A "division" in this context should be interpreted by reference to geographical operations, product lines or any other method by which the group's business is divided. If the firm's regulated activities fall within more than one division and the firm does not wish to allocate the functions to its chief executive, the allocation must, under SYSC 4.4.5 R, be to: (1) a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of the group; or (2) a director or senior manager responsible for the overall management of one of those divisions; together, optionally, with individuals from column 3 if appropriate. (See also Questions 7 and 9.) |
11 |
How does the requirement to allocate the functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R apply to an overseas SMCR firm13 which is not an EEA SMCR firm13? |
The firm must appropriately allocate those functions to one or more individuals, in accordance with SYSC 4.4.5 R, but: (1) The responsibilities that must be apportioned and the systems and controls that must be overseen are those relating to activities carried on from a UK establishment with certain exceptions (see SYSC 1 Annex 1 2.15R13). (2) The chief executive of an overseas firm is the person responsible for the conduct of the firm's business within the United Kingdom (see the definition of "chief executive"). This might, for example, be the manager of the firm'sUK establishment, or it might be the chief executive of the firm as a whole, if he has that responsibility. 13(3) SYSC 4.4 does not apply to such a firm if it does not have a branch in the United Kingdom. |
12 |
How does the requirement to allocate the functions in SYSC 4.4.5 R apply to an EEA SMCR firm other than a claims management or funeral plan 16firm13? |
(1) Such a firm is not required to allocate the function of dealing with apportionment in SYSC 4.4.5R (1). (2) Such a firm is required to allocate the function of oversight in SYSC 4.4.5R (2). 15 (3) Such a firm need not allocate the function of oversight to its chief executive; it must allocate it to one or more directors and senior managers of the firm or the firm'sgroup under SYSC 4.4.5 R, row (2). (4) SYSC 4.4 does not apply to an EEA PTV firm if it does not have a branch in the United Kingdom15. See also Question 1.15 1313 |
13 |
What about a firm that is a partnership or a limited liability partnership? |
The FCA13 envisages that most if not all partners or members will be either directors or senior managers, but this will depend on the constitution of the partnership (particularly in the case of a limited partnership) or limited liability partnership. A partnership or limited liability partnership may also have a chief executive (see Question 5). A limited liability partnership is a body corporate and, if a member of a group, will fall within SYSC 4.4.5 R, row (1) or (2). |
14 |
What if generally accepted principles of good corporate governance recommend that the chief executive should not be involved in an aspect of corporate governance? |
The Note to SYSC 4.4.5 R provides that the chief executive or other executive director or senior manager need not be involved in such circumstances. For example, the UK Corporate Governance Code5 recommends that the board of a listed company should establish an audit committee of independent,9 non-executive directors to be responsible (among other things) for overseeing the effectiveness9 of the audit process and the objectivity and independence of the external auditor9. That aspect of the oversight function may therefore be allocated to the members of such a committee without involving the chief executive. Such individuals may require approval under section 59 in relation to that function (see Question 1). 5 |
15 |
[deleted]15 |
13 |
47The applicable data items, reporting frequencies and submission deadlines referred to in SUP 16.12.4 R are set out in the table below. Reporting frequencies are calculated from a firm'saccounting reference date, unless indicated otherwise. The due dates are the last day of the periods given in the table below following the relevant reporting frequency period.
Description of data item |
Data item (note 1) |
Frequency |
Submission deadline |
|
Annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities up to and including £5 million (note 2) |
Annual revenue from credit-related regulated activities over £5 million |
|||
Financial data (note 3) |
CCR001 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Volumes (note 4) |
CCR002 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Lenders (note 5) |
CCR003 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Debt management (note 6) |
CCR004 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Client Money & Assets (note 7) |
CCR005 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Debt collection (note 8) |
CCR006 |
Annually |
Half yearly |
30 business days |
Key data (note 9) |
CCR007 |
Annually |
Annually |
30 business days56 |
56Credit broking websites (note 10) |
60 | 60 | [deleted]73 |
|
Note 1 |
When submitting the required data item, a firm must use the format of the data item set out in SUP 16 Annex 38A50. Guidance notes for the completion of the data items is set out in SUP 16 Annex 38B50. |
|||
Note 2 |
References to revenue in SUP 16.12.29C R in relation to any firm do not include the amount of any repayment of any credit provided by that firm as lender. |
|||
Note 3 |
(a) Subject to (b) to (d) below, this data item applies to all credit firms. (b) This data item does not apply to a firm if the only credit-related regulated activity for which it has permission is operating an electronic system in relation to lending. (c) This data item does not apply to a firm required to submit a Balance Sheet, Income Statement or Capital Adequacy data item from a RAG other than RAG 12. (d) This data item does not apply to a firm with limited permission unless it is a not-for-profit debt advice body and at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1million or more in client money in the next 12 months. |
|||
Note 4 |
(a) Subject to (b) below, this data item applies to all credit firms. (b) This data item does not apply to a firm with limited permission unless it is a not-for-profit debt advice body and at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1million or more in client money in the next 12 months. |
|||
Note 5 |
This data item applies to all firms with permission for entering into a regulated credit agreement as lender or exercising, or having the right to exercise, the lender's rights and duties under a regulated credit agreement. |
|||
Note 6 |
(a) Subject to (b) to (d) below, this data item applies to a debt management firm and to a not-for-profit debt advice body that at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or, as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1million or more in client money in the next 12 months. (b) This data item does not apply to a firm with limited permission other than a not-for-profit debt advice body within (a). (c) This data item does not apply to a firm required to submit a Capital Adequacy data item from a RAG other than RAG 12, or under SUP 16.13, unless (d) applies (d) Where a firm is required to submit a Capital Adequacy data item from a RAG other than RAG 12 or under SUP 16.13 but the firm's highest capital requirement derives from its activity under RAG 12, the firm should submit both CCR004 and the Capital Adequacy data item required from the RAG other than RAG 12 or SUP 16.13. |
|||
Note 7 |
This data item applies to a CASS debt management firm, unless the firm is subject to a requirement imposed under section 55L of the Act stating that it must not hold client money, or such a requirement to the same effect76. |
|||
Note 8 |
This data item applies to a firm with permission to carry on debt collecting or operating an electronic system in relation to lending. |
|||
Note 980 |
(a) Subject to (b) and (c) below, this data item applies to a firm that has limited permission. (b) This data item does not apply to an authorised professional firm that is a CASS debt management firm. Such a firm is instead required to submit the other data items in SUP 16.12.29C R as appropriate. (c) This data item does not apply to a not-for-profit debt advice body that at any point in the last 12 months has held £1 million or more in client money or, as the case may be, projects that it will hold £1million or more in client money in the next 12 months. Such a not-for-profit debt advice body is instead required to submit data items CCR001, CCR002, CCR004 and CCR005.56 |
|||
56Note 10 |
[deleted]73 6868 |
|||
60Note 11 |
[deleted]73 |
Schedule to the Recognition Requirements Regulations, paragraphs 3 – 3H4
Paragraph 3 – Systems and controls4 |
|||
(1) |
The [UK RIE] must ensure that the systems and controls, including procedures and arrangements,4 used in the performance of its functions and the functions of the trading venues it operates are adequate, effective4 and appropriate for the scale and nature of its business. |
||
7[Note: SYSC 15A contains requirements relating to the operational resilience of UK RIEs] |
|||
(2) |
Sub-paragraph (1) applies in particular to systems and controls concerning - |
||
(a) |
the transmission of information; |
||
(b) |
the assessment, mitigation and management of risks to the performance of the [UK RIE'srelevant functions]; |
||
(c) |
the effecting and monitoring of transactions on the [UK RIE]; |
||
(ca) |
the technical operation of the [UK RIE], including contingency arrangements for disruption to its facilities; |
||
(d) |
the operation of the arrangements mentioned in paragraph 4(2)(d); and |
||
(e) |
(where relevant) the safeguarding and administration of assets belonging to users of the [UK RIE's] facilities. |
||
4(f) |
the resilience of its trading systems; |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 7 contains requirements on the resilience of trading systems operated by trading venues that enable algorithmic trading] |
|||
4(g) |
the ability to have sufficient capacity to deal with peak order and message volumes; |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 7 contains requirements on the adequacy of capacity of trading systems operated by trading venues that enable algorithmic trading] |
|||
4(h) |
the ability to ensure orderly trading under conditions of severe market stress; |
||
4(i) |
the effectiveness of business continuity arrangements to ensure the continuity of the [UK RIE’s] services if there is any failure of its trading systems including the testing of the [UK RIE’s] systems and controls; |
||
4(j) |
the ability to reject orders that exceed predetermined volume or price thresholds or which are clearly erroneous; |
||
4(k) |
the ability to ensure algorithmic trading systems cannot create or contribute to disorderly trading conditions on trading venues operated by the [UK RIE]; |
||
4(l) |
the ability to ensure disorderly trading conditions which arise from the use of algorithmic trading systems, including systems to limit the ratio of unexecuted orders to transactions that may be entered into the [UK RIE’s] trading system by a member or participant are capable of being managed; |
||
[Note:MiFID RTS 9 contains requirements on the ratio of unexecuted orders to transactions to be taken into account by a trading venue that operates electronic continuous auction order book, quote-driven or hybrid trading systems] |
|||
4(m) |
the ability to ensure the flow of orders is able to be slowed down if there is a risk of system capacity being reached; |
||
4(n) |
the ability to limit and enforce the minimum tick size which may be executed on its trading venues; and |
||
4(o) |
the requirement for members and participants to carry out appropriate testing of algorithms. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 7 contains requirements on the appropriate testing of algorithms to ensure that trading systems, when they enable algorithmic trading, cannot create or contribute to disorderly trading conditions] |
|||
4(3) |
For the purposes of sub-paragraph 2(c), the [UK RIE] must - |
||
4(a) |
establish and maintain effective arrangements and procedures including the necessary resource for the regular monitoring of the compliance by members or participants with its rules; and |
||
4(b) |
monitor orders sent including cancellations and the transactions undertaken by its members or participants under its systems in order to identify infringements of those rules, disorderly trading conditions or conduct that may indicate behavior that is prohibited under the market abuse regulation or system disruptions in relation to a financial instrument. |
||
4(4) |
For the purpose of sub-paragraph (2)(o) the [UK RIE] must provide environments to facilitate such testing. |
||
4(5) |
The [UK RIE] must be adequately equipped to manage the risks to which it is exposed, to implement appropriate arrangements and systems to identify all significant risks to its operation, and to put in place effective measures to mitigate those risks. |
||
4Paragraph 3A – Market making arrangements |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE] must - |
||
4(a) |
have written agreements with all investment firms pursuing a market making strategy on trading venues operated by it (“market making agreements”); |
||
4(b) |
have schemes, appropriate to the nature and scale of a trading venue, to ensure that a sufficient number of investment firms enter into such agreements which require them to post firm quotes at competitive prices with the result of providing liquidity to the market on a regular and predictable basis; |
||
4(c) |
monitor and enforce compliance with the market making agreements; |
||
4(d) |
inform the FCA of the content of its market making agreements; and |
||
4(e) |
provide the FCA with any information it requests which is necessary for the FCA to satisfy itself that the market making agreements comply with paragraphs (c) and (d) of this sub-paragraph and sub-paragraph 2. |
||
4(2) |
A market making agreement must specify- |
||
4(a) |
the obligations of the investment firm in relation to the provision of liquidity; |
||
4(b) |
where applicable, any obligations arising from the participation in a scheme mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b); |
||
4(c) |
any incentives in terms of rebates or otherwise offered by the [UK RIE] to the investment firm in order for it to provide liquidity to the market on a regular and predictable basis; and |
||
4(d) |
where applicable, any other rights accruing to the investment firm as a result of participation in the scheme referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b). |
||
4(3) |
For the purposes of this paragraph, an investment firm pursues a market making strategy if - |
||
4(a) |
the firm is a member or participant of one or more trading venues; |
||
4(b) |
the firm’s strategy, when dealing on own account, involves posting firm, simultaneous two-way quotes of comparable size at competitive prices relating to one or more financial instruments on a single trading venue, across different trading venues; and |
||
4(c) |
the result is providing liquidity on a regular and frequent basis to the overall market. |
||
4Paragraph 3B – Halting trading |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE] must be able to - |
||
4(a) |
temporarily halt or constrain trading on any trading venue operated by it if there is a significant price movement in a financial instrument on such a trading venue or a related trading venue during a short period; and |
||
4(b) |
in exceptional cases be able to cancel, vary, or correct any transaction. |
||
4(2) |
For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), the [UK RIE] must ensure that the parameters for halting trading are appropriately calibrated in a way which takes into account - |
||
4(a) |
the liquidity of different asset classes and subclasses; |
||
4(b) |
the nature of the trading venue market model; and |
||
4(c) |
the types of users, |
||
4to ensure the parameters are sufficient to avoid significant disruptions to the orderliness of trading. |
|||
4(3) |
The [UK RIE] must report the parameters mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) and any material changes to those parameters to the FCA in a format to be specified by the FCA. |
||
4(4) |
If a trading venue operated by the [UK RIE] is material in terms of liquidity of the trading of a financial instrument and it halts trading in the United Kingdom6 in that instrument it must have systems and procedures in place to ensure that it notifies the FCA. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 12 contains requirements for when a regulated market is material in terms of liquidity in a financial instrument for purposes of trading halt notifications] |
|||
4Paragraph 3C – Direct electronic access |
|||
4Where the [UK RIE] permits direct electronic access to a trading venue it operates, it must - |
|||
4(1) |
(a) |
ensure that a member of, or participant in that trading venue is only permitted to provide direct electronic access to the venue if the member or participant - |
|
4(i) |
an investment firm which has permission under Part 4A of the Act to carry on a regulated activity which is any of the investment services or activities;6 |
||
4(ii) |
a qualifying credit institution that has Part 4A permission to carry on the regulated activity of accepting deposits;6 |
||
4(iii) |
is a person who falls within regulation 30(1A) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 and has permission under Part 4A of the Act to carry on a regulated activity which is any of the investment services or activities;6 |
||
4(iv) |
is a third country firm providing the direct electronic access in the course of exercising rights under Article 46.1 (general provisions) 6of the markets in financial instruments regulation; |
||
4(v) |
is a third country firm and the provision of the direct electronic access by that firm is subject to the exclusion in Article 72 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001; or |
||
4(vi) |
is a third country firm which does not come within paragraph (iv) or (v) and is otherwise permitted to provide the direct electronic access under the Act; |
||
4(b) |
ensure that appropriate criteria are set and applied for the suitability of persons to whom direct electronic access services may be provided; |
||
4(c) |
ensure that a member of, or participant in, the trading venue retains responsibility for adherence to the requirements of any provisions of the law of the United Kingdom relied on by the United Kingdom before IP completion day to implement6 the markets in financial instruments directive in respect of orders and trades executed using the direct electronic access service, as those provisions have effect on IP completion day, in the case of rules made by the FCA under the Act, and as amended from time to time, in all other cases6; |
||
4(d) |
set appropriate standards regarding risk controls and thresholds on trading through direct electronic access; |
||
4(e) |
be able to distinguish and if necessary stop orders or trading on that trading venue by a person using direct electronic access separately from - |
||
4(i) |
other orders; or |
||
4(ii) |
trading by the member or participant providing the direct electronic access; and |
||
4(f) |
have arrangements in place to suspend or terminate the provision to a client of direct electronic access to that trading venue by a member of, or participant in, the trading venue in the case of non-compliance with this paragraph. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 7 contains requirements on direct electronic access permitted through a trading venue’s systems] |
|||
4Paragraph 3D – Co-location services |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE’s] rules on colocation services must be transparent, fair and nondiscriminatory. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 10 contains requirements to ensure co-location services are transparent, fair and non-discriminatory] |
|||
4Paragraph 3E – Fee structures |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE’s] fee structure, for all fees it charges including execution fees and ancillary fees and rebates it grants, must - |
||
4(a) |
be transparent, fair and non-discriminatory; |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 10 contains requirements to ensure fee structures are transparent, fair and non-discriminatory] |
|||
4(b) |
not create incentives to place, modify or cancel orders, or execute transactions, in a way which contributes to disorderly trading conditions or market abuse; and |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 10 contains requirements concerning prohibited fee structures] |
|||
4(c) |
impose market making obligations in individual shares or suitable baskets of shares for any rebates that are granted. |
||
4(2) |
Nothing in sub-paragraph (1) prevents the [UK RIE] from - |
||
4(a) |
adjusting its fees for cancelled orders according to the length of time for which the order was maintained; |
||
4(b) |
calibrating its fees to each financial instrument to which they apply; |
||
4(c) |
imposing a higher fee - |
||
4(i) |
for placing an order which is cancelled than an order which is executed; |
||
4(ii) |
on participants placing a high ratio of cancelled orders to executed orders; or |
||
4(iii) |
on a person operating a high-frequency algorithmic trading technique, |
||
4in order to reflect the additional burden on system capacity. |
|||
4Paragraph 3F – Algorithmic trading |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE] must require members of and participants in trading venues operated by it to flag orders generated by algorithmic trading in order for it to be able to identify the - |
||
4(a) |
the different algorithms used for the creation of orders; and |
||
4(b) |
the persons initiating those orders. |
||
4Paragraph 3G – Tick size regimes |
|||
4(1) |
Subject to paragraph 1A, the8 [UK RIE] must adopt tick size regimes in respect of trading venues operated by it in - |
||
4(a) |
shares, depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds, certificates and other similar financial instruments traded on each trading venue; and |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 11 contains requirements on the tick size regime for shares, depositary receipts, exchange traded funds and certificates5] |
|||
4(b) |
any financial instrument for which technical standards are adopted by FCA under paragraphs 24 and 25 of Part 2 of Schedule 3 to6 the markets in financial instruments regulation8 which is traded on that trading venue. |
||
[Note:MiFID RTS 11] |
|||
8(1A) |
The application of tick sizes shall not prevent the [UK RIE] from matching orders that are large in scale (as determined in accordance with Article 4 of the markets in financial instruments regulation) at the mid-point within the current bid and offer prices. |
||
[Note:MiFID RTS 11] |
|||
4 (2) |
The tick size regime must - |
||
4(a) |
be calibrated to reflect the liquidity profile of the financial instrument in different markets and the average bid-ask spread taking into account desirability of enabling reasonably stable prices without unduly constraining further narrowing of spreads; and |
||
4(b) |
adapt the tick size for each financial instrument appropriately. |
||
4(3) |
The tick size regime must comply with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/588 of 14 July 2016 supplementing Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on the tick size regime for shares, depositary receipts and exchange-traded funds6. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 11] |
|||
4Paragraph 3H – Syncronisation of business clocks |
|||
4(1) |
The [UK RIE] must synchronise the business clocks it uses to record the date and time of any reportable event in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/574 of 7 June 2016 supplementing Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards for the level of accuracy of business clocks6. |
||
4[Note:MiFID RTS 25] |