Related provisions for SYSC 7.1.1
61 - 80 of 235 items.
SYSC 4.1.1 R requires
a firm to have effective processes to
identify, manage, monitor and report risks and internal control mechanisms.
Except in relation to those functions described in SYSC 8.1.5R and (for a common platform firm in article 30(2) of the MiFID Org Regulation)7, where a firm relies on a third party for the performance
of operational functions which are not critical or important for the performance
of relevant services and activities (see SYSC 8.1.1 R (1)) on a
A UCITS investment firm7 must in particular
take the necessary steps to ensure that the following conditions are satisfied:(1) the service provider must have
the ability, capacity, and any authorisation required
by law to perform the outsourced functions,
services or activities reliably and professionally;(2) the service provider must carry
out the outsourced services
effectively, and to this end the firm must
establish methods for assessing the standard of performance of the
6A management company must retain the necessary
resources and expertise so as to monitor effectively the activities carried
out by third parties on the basis of an arrangement with the firm, especially with regard to the management
of the risk associated with those arrangements.[Note: article 5(2) of the UCITS
implementing Directive]
IT systems include the computer systems and infrastructure required for the automation of processes, such as application and operating system software; network infrastructure; and desktop, server, and mainframe hardware. Automation may reduce a firm's exposure to some 'people risks' (including by reducing human errors or controlling access rights to enable segregation of duties), but will increase its dependency on the reliability of its IT systems.
A firm should establish and maintain appropriate systems and controls for the management of its IT system risks, having regard to:(1) its organisation and reporting structure for technology operations (including the adequacy of senior management oversight);(2) the extent to which technology requirements are addressed in its business strategy;(3) the appropriateness of its systems acquisition, development and maintenance activities (including the allocation of responsibilities
Operating processes and systems at separate geographic locations may alter a firm's operational risk profile (including by allowing alternative sites for the continuity of operations). A firm should understand the effect of any differences in processes and systems at each of its locations, particularly if they are in different countries, having regard to:(1) the business operating environment of each country (for example, the likelihood and impact of political disruptions or
(1) Where a firm is unable to comply with the dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code because to do so would breach a provision of a prior contract (including a provision in a contract with a dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code staff member), it must take reasonable steps to amend or to terminate the provision in question in a way which enables it to comply with the dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code at the earliest opportunity.(2) Until the provision in (1) ceases to prevent
(1) The aim of the dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code is to ensure that firms have risk-focused remuneration policies, which are consistent with and promote effective risk management and do not expose them to excessive risk. It expands upon the general organisational requirements in SYSC 4.(2) The dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code implements the main provisions of the CRD which relate to remuneration. In applying the rules in the dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code,
The FCA's policy on individual guidance is set out in SUP 9. Firms should particularly note the policy on what the FCA considers to be a reasonable request for guidance (see SUP 9.2.5G). For example, where a firm is seeking guidance on a proposed remuneration structure, the FCA will expect the firm to provide a detailed analysis of how the structure complies with the dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code, including the general requirement for remuneration policies, procedures
Where a firm understands, or reasonably suspects, a customer has or may have a mental capacity limitation the firm should use its business practices and procedures to: (1) assist the customer, where possible, to make an informed borrowing decision; and (2) ensure its lending decision is informed and responsible in the circumstances and mitigates the potential risks to the customer.[Note: paragraphs 4.3 and 4.5 of MCG]
Where a firm understands, or reasonably suspects, a customer has or may have a mental capacity limitation it should apply a high level of scrutiny to the customer's application for credit, in order to mitigate the risk of the customer entering into unsustainable borrowing2.[Note: paragraphs 4.32 and 4.33 of MCG]
(1) A firm should balance the risk of a customer taking on unsustainable borrowing against inappropriately or unnecessarily denying credit to a customer. (2) Where a firm understands or reasonably suspects a customer has or may have a mental capacity limitation, it should undertake an appropriate and effective creditworthiness assessment (see CONC 5.2A)2 and it would be appropriate not to place over-reliance on information provided by the customer for the assessment. [Note: paragraph
(1) 1A firm must satisfy the FCA that it has adequate risk management processes to control the risks to which it may be exposed as a result of carrying out credit risk mitigation.(2) These processes must include appropriate stress tests and scenario analyses relating to those risks, including residual risk and the risks relating to the intrinsic value of the credit risk mitigation.
1Under MIPRU 4.2A.9 R, MIPRU 4.2A.12 R, MIPRU 4.2A.17A R and MIPRU 4.2A.17B R, g is the risk weight to be assigned to an exposure, the exposure value (E) of which is fully protected by unfunded credit protection (GA), where: (1) g is the risk weight of exposures to the protection provider; (2) GA is the value of G* as calculated under MIPRU 4.2C.22 R further adjusted for any maturity mismatch under MIPRU 4.2C.24 R to MIPRU 4.2C.28 R; and(3) E is the exposure value according to
An actuary appointed to perform the actuarial function must, in respect of those classes of the firm's long-term insurance business which are covered by his appointment1:1(1) advise the firm's management, at the level of seniority that is reasonably appropriate, on1 the risks the firm runs in1 so far as they may have a material impact on the firm's ability to meet liabilities to policyholders in respect of long-term insurance contracts as they fall due and on the capital needed
SUP 4.3.13 R is not intended to be exhaustive of the professional advice that a firm should take whether from an actuary appointed under this chapter or from any other actuary acting for the firm. Firms should consider what systems and controls are needed to ensure that they obtain appropriate professional advice on financial and risk analysis; for example:11(1) risk identification, quantification and monitoring;1(2) stress and scenario testing;1(3) ongoing financial conditions;1(4)
1Firms should normally obtain advice, from the actuary appointed to perform the with-profits actuary function in respect of the affected class or classes of with-profits business, whenever they are preparing to make key decisions based on the exercise of discretion affecting their with-profits business. Firms should also have risk management processes in place to ensure that all relevant matters are referred to the actuary for advice.
(1) This rule applies to a firm that is unable to comply with the BIPRU Remuneration Code because of an obligation it owes to a BIPRU Remuneration Code staff member under a provision of an agreement made on or before 29 July 2010. (2) A firm must take reasonable steps to amend or terminate the provision in (1) in a way that enables it to comply with the BIPRU Remuneration Code at the earliest opportunity.(3) Until the provision in (1) ceases to prevent the firm from complying
The FCA's policy on individual guidance is set out in SUP 9. Firms should particularly note the policy on what the FCA considers to be a reasonable request for guidance (see SUP 9.2.5 G). For example, where a firm is seeking guidance on a proposed remuneration structure, the FCA will expect the firm to provide a detailed analysis of how the structure complies with the BIPRU Remuneration Code, including the general requirement for remuneration policies, procedures and practices
1In deciding how they will satisfy and continue to satisfy the threshold conditions set out in paragraphs 2F and 3E of Schedule 6 to the Act, firms should consider matters including (but not limited to) the following:(1) the assumptions underlying the firm's business model and justification for it;(2) the rationale for the business the firm proposes to do or continues to do, its competitive advantage, viability and the longer-term profitability of the business;(3) the needs of
1Firms should consider scenarios which may negatively impact on the firm's business model with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the firm and, further, to consider the vulnerability of the business model to specific events and the risks and consequences that might arise. Where appropriate, this might include reverse stress-testing4. A firm should put in place a credible plan to minimise the risks that it identifies from, or in relation to, its business model and a contingency
1Firms should ensure that any adjustments to its business model:(1) are approved at an appropriate level in the business;(2) are considered in the light of any potential risks, impacts and consequences of the proposed changes; and(3) appropriately take into account the needs of and risks to clients and relevant consumers.
(1) If a firm'sremuneration policy is not aligned with effective risk management, it is likely that employees will have incentives to act in ways that might undermine effective risk management. (2) The BIPRU Remuneration Code covers all aspects of remuneration that could have a bearing on effective risk management including salaries, bonuses, long-term incentive plans, options, hiring bonuses, severance packages and pension arrangements. In applying the BIPRU Remuneration Code,
(1) The specific remuneration requirements in this chapter may apply only to certain categories of employee. However, the FCA expects firms, in complying with the BIPRU Remuneration Codegeneral requirement, to apply certain principles on a firm-wide basis.(2) In particular, the FCA considers that firms should apply the principle relating to guaranteed variable remuneration on a firm-wide basis (Remuneration Principle 12(c); SYSC 19C.3.40 R to SYSC 19C.3.43 G. (3) The FCA also
For an originator or sponsor, the risk weighted exposure amounts calculated in respect of its positions in a securitisation may be limited to the risk weighted exposure amounts which would be calculated for the securitised exposures had they not been securitised subject to the presumed application of a 150% risk weight to all past due items and items belonging to regulatory high risk categories (see BIPRU 3.4.104 R and BIPRU 3 Annex 3 R) amongst the securitised exposures.[Note:BCD
(1) A firm having an unratedsecuritisation position may apply the treatment set out in this paragraph for calculating the risk weighted exposure amount for that position provided the composition of the pool of exposuressecuritised is known at all times.(2) A firm may apply the weighted-average risk weight that would be applied to the securitised exposures referred to in (1) under the standardised approach by a firm holding the exposures multiplied by a concentration ratio.(3)
1A firm must establish, implement and maintain adequate policies and procedures sufficient to ensure compliance of the firm including its managers, employees and appointed representatives (or where applicable, tied agents)3 with its obligations under the regulatory system and for countering the risk that the firm might be used to further financial crime.2[Note: article 1616(2) of MiFID and article 12(1)(a) of the UCITS Directive]8242
A firm that is a20management company or an operator of an electronic system in relation to lending20 must, taking into4account the nature, scale and complexity of its business, and the nature and range of financial services and activities8 undertaken in the course of that business, establish, implement and maintain adequate policies and procedures designed to detect any risk of failure by the firm to comply with its obligations under the regulatory system, as well as associated
The illustration must include under the heading "Risks - important things you must consider" statements and warnings on the following:(1) a brief statement of the specific circumstances in which the mortgage lender is able to repossess the property;(2) a statement of how the mortgage lender will treat any negative equity arising during the life of the lifetime mortgage7 and at the time the amount borrowed under the lifetime mortgage7 is due to be repaid in full;77(3) a statement
Under the heading "Risks - important things you must consider" the illustration must also include the following if they apply:(1) for drawdown mortgages where there is a monthly (or such other frequency as may apply) cash sum payable, a statement that inflation can erode the value of the cash sum over time; (2) where:(a) the lifetime mortgage7 is linked to an investment; and7(b) the payments required on the lifetime mortgage7 will be deducted from the income from the investment;
8The illustration must include under the heading "Risks - important things you must consider" brief statements and warnings on all material risks involving a home reversion plan, including:(1) prominently at the beginning of the section: "A home reversion is a complex property transaction. You should seek legal advice to ensure that you fully understand all of the implications for you and your home and for anyone who might otherwise inherit the property.";(2) the effect of the
8Under the heading "Risks - important things you must consider" the illustration must also include the following if they apply:(1) for an instalment reversion plan, a statement that if the customer dies in the early years of the plan, income payments will cease and therefore the full expected benefits of the plan will not be obtained;(2) (a) for an instalment reversion plan where there is a regular cash sum payable; and(b) where:(i) the home reversion plan is linked to an investment;
A firm with portfolios concentrated in a particular market segment and range of default risk must have enough obligor grades within that range to avoid undue concentrations of obligors in a particular grade. Significant concentrations within a single grade must be supported by convincing empirical evidence that the obligor grade covers a reasonably narrow PD band and that the default risk posed by all obligors in the grade falls within that band.[Note:BCD Annex VII Part 4 point
Separate exposures to the same obligor must be assigned to the same obligor grade, irrespective of any differences in the nature of each specific transaction. Exceptions, where separate exposures are allowed to result in multiple grades for the same obligor are:(1) country transfer risk, this being dependent on whether the exposures are denominated in local or foreign currency;(2) where the treatment of associated guarantees to an exposure may be reflected in an adjusted assignment
For all off-balance sheet items other than mentioned in BIPRU 4.4.37 R, BIPRU 4.4.45 R, BIPRU 4.4.71 R - BIPRU 4.4.78 R, BIPRU 4.6.44 R, BIPRU 4.8.28 R and BIPRU 4.8.29 R, the exposure value must be the following percentage of its value:(1) 100% if it is a full risk item;(2) 50% if it is a medium risk item;(3) 20% if it is a medium/low risk item; and(4) 0% if it is a low risk item.For the purposes of this rule the off-balance sheet items must be assigned to risk categories as
Subject to BIPRU 4.4.59 R to BIPRU 4.4.60 R, BIPRU 4.5.6 R, BIPRU 4.5.8 R - BIPRU 4.5.10 R (Risk weights for specialised lending), BIPRU 4.8.16 R, BIPRU 4.8.17 R (Risk weights for corporate exposure purchased receivables) and BIPRU 4.9.3 R (Securitisation: provision of credit protection), risk weighted exposure amounts must be calculated according to the formulae in the table in BIPRU 4.4.58 R and the adjustment formula in BIPRU 4.4.79 R (Double default).[Note:BCD Annex VII Part
If the liquidation period used by a firm in its day-to-day risk management process is longer than that set out in BIPRU 5.4 for the type of transaction in question, the firm's volatility adjustments must be scaled up in accordance with the square root of time formula set out in BIPRU 5.4.52 R.[Note: BCD Annex VIII Part 3 point 54]
A firm must have established procedures for monitoring and ensuring compliance with a documented set of policies and controls for the operation of its system for the estimation of volatility adjustments and for the integration of such estimations into its risk management process.[Note:BCD Annex VIII Part 3 point 55]
An independent review of a firm's system for the estimation of volatility adjustments must be carried out regularly in the firm's own internal auditing process. A review of the overall system for the estimation of volatility adjustments and for integration of those adjustments into the firm's risk management process must take place at least once a year and must specifically address, at a minimum:(1) the integration of estimated volatility adjustments into daily risk management;(2)
In accordance with BIPRU 3.2.1 R (2) and BIPRU 3.2.2 R, a firm must:(1) assign an off-balance sheet item listed in the table in BIPRU 3.7.2 R to the risk category indicated in column 1 of that table; and(2) determine the exposure value of that item as the percentage of its value for the appropriate risk category as set out in column 3 of the table in BIPRU 3.7.2 R.
This table belongs to BIPRU 3.7.1 R
[Note: BCD Annex II]
Category |
Item |
Percentage |
Full risk |
Guarantees having the character of credit substitutes Credit derivatives Acceptances Endorsements on bills not bearing the name of another credit institution Transactions with recourse Irrevocable standby letters of credit having the character of credit substitutes Assets purchased under outright forward purchase agreements Forward deposits The unpaid portion of partly-paid shares and securities Asset sale and repurchase agreements as defined in Article 12(3) and (5) of the Bank Accounts Directive Other items also carrying full risk |
100% |
Medium risk |
Documentary credits issued and confirmed (see also medium/low risk). Warranties and indemnities (including tender, performance, customs and tax bonds) and guarantees not having the character of credit substitutes. Irrevocable standby letters of credit not having the character of credit substitutes. Undrawn credit facilities (agreements to lend, purchase securities, provide guarantees or acceptance facilities) with an original maturity of more than one year. Note issuance facilities (NIFs) and revolving underwriting facilities (RUFs). |
50% |
Medium/low risk |
Documentary credits in which underlying shipment acts as collateral and other self-liquidating transactions. Undrawn credit facilities (agreements to lend, purchase securities, provide guarantees or acceptance facilities) with an original maturity of up to and including one year which may not be cancelled unconditionally at any time without notice or that do not effectively provide for automatic cancellation due to deterioration in a borrower's creditworthiness. |
20% |
Low risk |
Undrawn credit facilities (agreements to lend, purchase securities, provide guarantees or acceptance facilities) which may be cancelled unconditionally at any time without notice, or that do effectively provide for automatic cancellation due to deterioration in a borrower's creditworthiness. Retail credit lines may be considered as unconditionally cancellable if the terms permit the firm to cancel them to the full extent allowable under consumer protection and related legislation. |
0% |
For an originator subject to the capital requirement in BIPRU 9.13.1 R the total of the risk weighted exposure amounts in respect of its positions in the investors interest (as defined in BIPRU 9.13.4 R or BIPRU 9.13.6 R) and the risk weighted exposure amounts calculated under BIPRU 9.13.1 R must be no greater than the greater of:(1) the risk weighted exposure amounts calculated in respect of its positions in the investors interest (as so defined); and(2) the risk weighted exposure
(1) The nature and extent of the systems and controls which a firm will need to maintain under SYSC 3.1.1 R will depend upon a variety of factors including:(a) the nature, scale and complexity of its business;(b) the diversity of its operations, including geographical diversity;(c) the volume and size of its transactions; and(d) the degree of risk associated with each area of its operation.(2) To enable it to comply with its obligation to maintain appropriate systems and controls,
A business illustration or high net worth illustration3provided to a customer must:(1) use the headings and prescribed text in MCOB 5 Annex 1 (except as provided in MCOB 5.7) but need not follow the format;(2) include the content required by MCOB 5.6.3 R to MCOB 5.6.128 R4 (except MCOB 5.6.5 R, MCOB 5.6.101 R, MCOB 5.6.109 R to MCOB 5.6.112 G, MCOB 5.6.120 R and MCOB 5.6.121 R);14(3) use the key facts logo followed by the text 'about this [term used by the firm to describe the
(1) MCOB 5.7.2 R(1) means that firms do not have to follow the ordering of sections set down in MCOB 5.6, although they may choose to do so.(2) In accordance with MCOB 5.7.2 R(8) an example of an appropriate variation to the risk warning would be:'Your home may be repossessed if you are unable to fulfil the terms of this secured overdraft'.(3) A firm may also choose to include other information beyond that required by MCOB 5.6. However, when adding additional material a firm should
1Behaviour
of the type referred to in APER 4.6.3 G includes, but is not limited to:(1) permitting transactions without a sufficient understanding
of the risks involved;(2) permitting
expansion of the business without reasonably assessing the potential risks
of that expansion;(3) inadequately
monitoring highly profitable transactions or
business practices or unusual transactions or
business practices;(4) accepting
implausible or unsatisfactory explanations from subordinates without
(1) It is important for the approved person performing an accountable higher management function1 to understand the business for which they are1 responsible (APER 4.6.4G1). An approved person performing an accountable higher management function1 is unlikely to be an expert in all aspects of a complex financial services business. However, they1 should understand and inform themselves1 about the business sufficiently to understand the risks of its trading, credit or other business