Related provisions for CASS 6.2.13
1 - 20 of 26 items.
A firm must keep such records and accounts as necessary to enable it at any time and without delay to distinguish safe custody assets held for one client from safe custody assets held for any other client, and from the firm's own applicable assets.[Note: article 2(1)(a) of the MiFID Delegated Directive6]
(1) The requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R are for a firm to keep internal records and accounts of clients'safe custody assets. Therefore any records falling under those requirements should be maintained by the firm, and should be separate to any records the firm may have obtained from any third parties, such as those with whom it may have deposited, or through whom it may have registered legal title to, clients'safe custody assets.6(2) The FCA expects that compliance
For each internal custody record check, each physical asset reconciliation and each external custody reconciliation carried out by a firm, it must make a record including:(1) the date it carried out the relevant process;(2) the actions the firm took in carrying out the relevant process; and(3) a list of any discrepancies the firm identified and the actions the firm took to resolve those discrepancies.
(1) An internal custody record check is one of the steps a firm takes to satisfy its obligations under:(a) Principle 10 (Clients' assets);(b) CASS 6.2.2 R (Requirement to have adequate organisational arrangements);(c) CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R (Records and accounts); and(d) where relevant, SYSC 4.1.1 R (General requirements) and SYSC 6.1.1 R (Compliance).(2) An internal custody record check is a check as to whether the firm's records and accounts of the safe custody assets
(1) A firm must perform an internal custody record check:(a) subject to paragraph7 (2), as regularly as is necessary but without allowing more than one month to pass between each internal custody record check; and(b) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the internal custody record check relates.(2) A firm that holds no safe custody assets other than physical safe custody assets must perform an internal custody record check as regularly as necessary but, in
A firm may only use the internal custody reconciliation method if: (1) it separately maintains an aggregate safe custody asset record and a client-specific safe custody asset record; and(2) its aggregate safe custody asset record and its client-specific safe custody asset record are capable of being compared.
(1) The internal system evaluation method is available to any firm, including one that is not able to use the internal custody reconciliation method because it does not meet the requirements at CASS 6.6.16R (1) and CASS 6.6.16R (2).(2) The purpose of the internal system evaluation method is to detect weaknesses in a firm's systems and controls and any recordkeeping discrepancies. However, this method is not designed to substitute a firm's other measures for ensuring compliance
The internal system evaluation method requires a firm to:(1) establish a process that evaluates: (a) the completeness and accuracy of the firm's internal records and accounts of safe custody assets held by the firm for clients, in particular whether sufficient information is being completely and accurately recorded by the firm to enable it to:(i) comply with CASS 6.6.4 R; and(ii) readily determine the total of all the safe custody assets that the firm holds for its clients; and(b)
The evaluation process under CASS 6.6.19R (1) should verify that the firm's systems and controls correctly identify and resolve at least the following types or causes of discrepancies:(1) items in the firm's records and accounts that might be erroneously overstating or understating the safe custody assets held by a firm (for example, 'test' entries and 'balancing' entries);(2) negative balances;(3) processing errors;(4) journal entry errors (eg, omissions and unauthorised system
(1) A physical asset reconciliation is a separate process to the internal custody record check. Firms that hold physical safe custody assets for clients are required to perform both processes. (2) The purpose of a physical asset reconciliation is to check that a firm's internal records and accounts of the physical safe custody assets kept by the firm for clients are accurate and complete, and to ensure any discrepancies are investigated and resolved.
A firm that holds physical safe custody assets must perform a physical asset reconciliation for all the physical safe custody assets it holds for clients:(1) as regularly as is necessary but without allowing more than six months to pass between each physical asset reconciliation; and(2) as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates.
When performing a physical asset reconciliation a firm must:(1) count all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients as at the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates; and(2) compare the count in (1) against what the firm's internal records and accounts state as being in the firm's possession as at the same date.
If a firm completes a physical asset reconciliation in a single stage, such that the firm:(1) performs a single count under CASS 6.6.24R (1) which encompasses all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients as at the date to which the physical asset reconciliation relates; and (2) compares that count against the firm's internal records and accounts in accordance with CASS 6.6.24R (2);then the firm will have used the total count method for that physical asset
If a firm completes a physical asset reconciliation in two or more stages, such that the firm: (1) performs two or more counts under CASS 6.6.24R (1) (each on a separate occasion and relating to a different stock line or group of stock lines forming part of the firm's overall holdings of physical safe custody assets) which, once all of the counts are complete, encompass all the physical safe custody assets held by the firm for clients; and (2) compares each of those counts against
(1) The rolling stock method allows a firm to perform its physical asset reconciliation in several stages, with each stage referring to a line of stock or group of stock lines in a designated investment selected by a firm (for example, all the shares with an issuer whose name begins with the letter 'A' or all the stock lines held in connection with a particular business line). (2) Where a firm uses the rolling stock method to perform a physical asset reconciliation, all the stages
(1) If a firm wishes to use the rolling stock method to perform a physical asset reconciliation it must first establish and document in writing its reasons for concluding that the way in which it will carry out its physical asset reconciliations is adequately designed to mitigate the risk of the firm's records being manipulated or falsified.(2) A firm must retain any documents created under (1) for a period of at least five years after the date it ceases to use the rolling stock
To meet the requirement to have adequate organisational arrangements under CASS 6.2.2 R, a firm should consider performing 'spot checks' as to whether title to an appropriate sample of physical safe custody assets that it holds is registered correctly under CASS 6.2.3 R (Registration and recording of legal title).
In CASS 6.6.34 R, the third parties whose records and accounts a firm is required to reconcile its own internal records and accounts with must include:(1) the third parties with which the firm has deposited clients'safe custody assets;3(2) where the firm has not deposited a client'ssafe custody asset with a third party:3(a) the third parties responsible for the registration of legal title to that safe custody asset; or33(b) a person acting as an operator for the purposes of any
Where a firm holds clients'safe custody assets electronically with a central securities depositary which is able to provide adequate information to the firm on its holdings on a daily basis, it is best practice under CASS 6.6.37R (1) for the firm to conduct an external custody reconciliation each business day in respect of those assets.
Where a firm deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party or where a third party is responsible for the registration of legal title to that asset,2 in complying with the requirements of CASS 6.6.34 R, the firm should seek to ensure that the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement) as at a date specified by the firm which details the description and amounts of all the safe custody assets credited to
If a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF that is an authorised AIF deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party, under article 89(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the AIFMD level 2 regulation, the firm should seek to ensure that the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement) as at a date or dates specified by the firm which details the description and amounts
5If a firmacting as trustee or depositary of a UK UCITS8 deposits safe custody assets belonging to a client with a third party, under article 13(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the UCITS level 2 regulation, the firm should seek to ensure that: (1) the third party provides the firm with adequate information (for example in the form of a statement):(a) as at a date or dates specified by the firm; and(b) which details the description and amounts
External custody reconciliations must be performed for each safe custody asset held by the firm for its clients, except for physical safe custody assets. A reconciliation of transactions involving safe custody assets, rather than of the safe custody assets themselves, will not satisfy the requirement under CASS 6.6.34 R.
A firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF that is an authorised AIF should perform the reconciliation under article 89(1)(c) (Safekeeping duties with regard to assets held in custody) of the AIFMD level 2 regulation: (1) as regularly as is necessary having regard to the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of safe custody assets, but with no more than one month between each reconciliation; and(2) as soon as reasonably practicable
7CASS 6.6.46AR (Frequency of checks and reconciliations after failure) applies to a firm following its failure in respect of the frequency at which the firm undertakes its internal custody record checks under CASS 6.6.11R, physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.22R, and external custody reconciliations under CASS 6.6.37R.
When determining the frequency at which it will undertake its internal custody record checks under CASS 6.6.11 R, physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.22 R, and external custody reconciliations under CASS 6.6.37 R, a firm must have regard to: (1) the frequency, number and value of transactions which the firm undertakes in respect of clients'safe custody assets; and(2) the risks to which clients'safe custody assets are exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity
(1) A firm must make and retain records sufficient to show and explain any decision it has taken under CASS 6.6.44 R when determining the frequency of its internal custody record checks, physical asset reconciliations and external custody reconciliations. Subject to (2), such records must be retained indefinitely.(2) If any decision under CASS 6.6.44 R is superseded by a subsequent decision under that rule then the record of that earlier decision retained in accordance with (1)
(1) Subject to (3), a firm must review the frequency at which it conducts internal custody record checks, physical asset reconciliations and external custody reconciliations at least annually to ensure that it continues to comply with CASS 6.6.11 R, CASS 6.6.22 R and CASS 6.6.37 R, respectively, and has given due consideration to the matters in CASS 6.6.44 R.(2) For each review a firm undertakes under (1), it must record the date and the actions it took in reviewing the frequency
(1) 7This rule applies to a firm following its failure. (2) A firm must perform an internal custody record check and a physical asset reconciliation that relates to the time of its failure as soon as reasonably practicable after its failure.(3) (a) A firm must perform an external custody reconciliation that relates to the time of its failure as soon as reasonably practicable after its failure.(b) If any records and accounts of the relevant third parties under CASS 6.6.35R relating
(1) 7The reference point for the internal custody record check and physical asset reconciliation under CASS 6.6.46A(2) and the external custody reconciliation under 6.6.46A(3)(a) should be the precise point in time at which the firm’s failure occurred.(2) The reference point for any further internal custody record checks and physical asset reconciliations under CASS 6.6.46A(4) and any further external custody reconciliations under 6.6.46A(5) can be determined by the firm.
In this section, a discrepancy should not be considered to be resolved until it is fully investigated and corrected, and any associated shortfall is made good by way of the firm ensuring that:(1) it is holding (under the custody rules) each of the safe custody assets that the firm ought to be holding for each of its clients; and(2) its own records, and the records of any relevant other person (such as a third party with whom the firm deposited the safe custody assets) accurately
When a firm identifies a discrepancy as a result of carrying out an internal custody record check, physical asset reconciliation or external custody reconciliation, the firm must:2(1) promptly investigate the reason for the discrepancy and resolve it without undue delay; and2(2) take appropriate steps under CASS 6.6.54 R for the treatment of any shortfalls until that discrepancy is resolved.2
When a firm identifies a discrepancy outside of its processes for an internal custody record check, physical asset reconciliation or external custody reconciliation, the firm must:2(1) take all reasonable steps both to investigate the reason for the discrepancy and to resolve it; and2(2) take appropriate steps under CASS 6.6.54 R for the treatment of shortfalls until that discrepancy is resolved.2
(1) This rule applies where a firm identifies a discrepancy as a result of, or that reveals, a shortfall, which the firm has not yet resolved.(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4)7, until the discrepancy is resolved a firm must do one of the following:(a) appropriate a sufficient number of its own applicable assets to cover the value of the shortfall and hold them for the relevant clients under the custody rules in such a way that the applicable assets, or the proceeds of their
(1) The value of a shortfall for the purposes of CASS 6.6.54 R may be determined by the previous day's closing mark to market valuation, or if in relation to a particular safe custody asset none is available, the most recently available valuation.(2) Where a firm is taking the measures under CASS 6.6.54R (2) in respect of a particular shortfall it should, as regularly as necessary, and having regard to Principle 10:(a) review the value of the shortfall in line with (1); and(b)
A firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay if:(1) its internal records and accounts of the safe custody assets held by the firm for clients are materially out of date, or materially inaccurate or invalid, so that the firm is no longer able to comply with the requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R to CASS 6.6.4 R; or(2) 5it is a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF and has not complied with, or is materially unable to comply with, the requirements in CASS 6.6.2 R or in
This chapter (the custody rules) applies to a firm:21(1) [deleted]22(a) [deleted]22(b) [deleted]22(1A) 2when it holds financial instruments belonging to a client in the course of its MiFID business;7(1B) 2when it is safeguarding and administering investments, in the course of business that is not MiFID business;7(1C) when it is acting as trustee or depositary of an AIF;
79(1D) when it is acting as trustee or depositary of a UK UCITS16; and97(1E) in respect of any arrangement for
2The regulated activity of safeguarding and administering investments covers both the safeguarding and administration of assets (without arranging) andarranging safeguarding and administration of assets,5 when those assets are either safe custody investments or custody assets. A safe custody investment is, in summary, a designated investment which a firm receives or holds on behalf of a client. Custody assets include designated investments, and any other assets that the firm holds
(1) Firms to which the custody rules apply by virtue of CASS 6.1.1R (1B) or (1E) 12must also apply the custody rules to those custody assets which are not safe custody investments in a manner appropriate to the nature and value of those custody assets.10(2) Firms to which the custody rules apply by virtue of CASS 6.1.1R (1C) must also apply the custody rules:10(a) to those custody assets which are not AIF custodial assets but are safe custody investments; and(b) in a manner appropriate
2In accordance with article 42 of the Regulated Activities Order, a firm ("I") will not be arranging safeguarding and administration of assets if it introduces a client to another firm whose permitted activities include the safeguarding and administration of investments, or to an exempt person acting as such, with a view to that other firm or exempt person:(1) providing a safe custody service in the United Kingdom; or(2) arranging for the provision of a safe custody service in
24(1) [deleted]144(2) [deleted]144(3) (a) A firm must not enter into a TTCA in respect of an asset belonging to a retail client. 14(b) Where a firm entered into a TTCA in respect of an asset belonging to a retail client (or one which would belong to a retail client but for the arrangement) before 3 January 2018, the firm must terminate that TTCA.14[Note: article 16(10) of MiFID and article 5(5) of the MiFID Delegated Directive]14(4) Except for CASS 6.1.6BR to CASS 6.1.9G and provided
(1) 9A firm must ensure that any TTCA14 is the subject of a written agreement made on a durable medium between the firm and the client.(2) Regardless of the form of the agreement in (1) (which may have additional commercial purposes), it must cover the client's agreement to: (a) the terms for the arrangement relating to the transfer of the client's full ownership of the safe custody asset to the firm;(b) any terms under which the ownership of the safe custody asset is to transfer
(1) 14A firm must properly consider and document the use of TTCAs in the context of: (a) the relationship between the client’s obligation to the firm; and (b) the safe custody assets subjected to TTCAs by the firm.(2) A firm must be able to demonstrate that it has complied with the requirement under (1).(3) When considering, and documenting, the appropriateness of the use of TTCAs, a firm must take into account the following factors:(a) whether there is only a very weak connection
(1) 9If a client communicates to a firm that it wishes (whether pursuant to a contractual right or otherwise) to terminate a TTCA14 and the client's communication is not in writing, the firm must make a written record of the client's communication which also records the date the communication was received.(2) A firm must keep a client's written communication, or a written record of the client's communication in (1), for five years, starting from the date the communication was
9When a firm notifies a client under CASS 6.1.8AR (3)(a) of when the termination of a TTCA14 is to take effect, it should take into account:(1) any relevant terms relating to such a termination that have been agreed with the client; and(2) the period of time it reasonably requires to return the safe custody asset to the client or to update the registration under (Holding of client assets) CASS 6.2and update its records under CASS 6.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations).
(1) 9Following the termination of a TTCA14 , where a firm does not immediately return the safe custody assets to the client the firm should consider whether the custody rules apply in respect of the safe custody assets pursuant to CASS 6.1.1R14.(2) Where the custody rules apply to a firm for safe custody assets in these circumstances then the firm is required to comply with those rules and should, for example, update the registration under CASS 6.2(Holding of client assets), update
(1) Subject to (2) and CASS 6.1.12B R and with the written agreement of the relevant client, a9firm need not treat this chapter as applying in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction through a commercial settlement system if:9929(a) in respect of a client's purchase, the firm intends for the asset in question to be due to the client within one business day following the client's fulfilment of its payment obligation to the firm;9 or9(b) in respect of a client's sale, the
(1) 9The amount of client money a firm segregates for the purposes of CASS 6.1.12R (3) may be determined by the previous day's closing mark to market valuation of the relevant safe custody asset or, if in relation to a particular safe custody asset none is available, the most recent available valuation.(2) Where a firm is segregating money for the purposes of CASS 6.1.12R (3) it should, as regularly as necessary, and having regard to Principle 10:(a) review the value of the safe
(1) 9In line with CASS 6.1.12 R, where a firm receives a safe custody asset from a client in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction the firm is carrying out through a commercial settlement system in respect of a client's sale, and the firm has not fulfilled its payment obligation to the client by close of business on the third business day following the date of the client's fulfilment of its delivery obligation to the firm, the firm should consider whether the custody
(1) 9If a firm makes use of the exemption under CASS 6.1.12 R, it must obtain the client's written agreement to the firm's use of this exemption. (2) In respect of each client, the written agreement in (1) must be retained during the time that the firm makes use, or intends to make use, of the exemption under CASS 6.1.12 R in respect of that client'ssafe custody assets.
The custody rules do not apply if a firm temporarily handles a
safe custody asset2
belonging to a client. A firm should temporarily handle a safe custody asset2 for no longer than is reasonably necessary. In most transactions this would be no longer than one business day, but it may be longer or shorter depending upon the transaction in question. For example, when a firm executes an order to sell shares which have not been registered on a de-materialised exchange, handling documents
When a firm temporarily handles a safe custody asset,2 in order to comply with its obligation to act in accordance with Principle 10 (Clients' assets), the following are guides to good practice:2(1) a firm should keep the
safe custody asset2
secure, record it as belonging to that client, and forward it to the client or in accordance with the client's instructions as soon as practicable after receiving it; and2(2) a firm should make and retain a record of the fact that the firm
2When a trustee firm or depositary acts as a custodian for a trust or collective investment scheme, (except for a firmacting as trustee or depositary of an AIF and a firmacting as trustee or depositary of a UK UCITS16), and:
127- (1)
the trust or scheme is established by written instrument; and
- (2)
the trustee firm or depositary has taken reasonable steps to determine that the relevant law and provisions of the trust instrument or scheme constitution will provide protections at least equivalent to the custody rules for the trust property or scheme property;
the trustee firm or depositary need comply only with the custody rules listed in the table below.
Reference |
Rule |
CASS 6.1.1 R to CASS 6.1.9 G and CASS 6.1.15 G to CASS 6.1.16C R |
Application |
Trustees and depositaries |
|
General purpose |
|
Protection of clients' safe custody assets |
|
CASS 6.2.3 R and CASS 6.2.3B G9 9 |
Registration and recording of legal title9 |
Holding9 |
|
9CASS 6.3.1 R to CASS 6.3.4B G9 9 |
Depositing safe custody assets with third parties |
Use of safe custody assets |
|
| 9 | Records, accounts and reconciliations |
The rules in this chapter are designed primarily to restrict the commingling of client and the firm's assets and minimise the risk of the client'ssafe custody assets2
being used by the firm without the client's agreement or contrary to the client's wishes, or being treated as the firm's assets in the event of its insolvency.2
1A firm must, when holding
safe custody assets2
belonging to clients, make adequate arrangements so as to safeguard clients' ownership rights, especially in the event of the firm's insolvency, and to prevent the use of
safe custody assets2
belonging to a client on the firm's own account except with the client's express consent.[Note: article 16(8)10 of MiFID]22
A firm must introduce adequate organisational arrangements to minimise the risk of the loss or diminution of clients' safe custody assets,2 or the rights in connection with those safe custody assets,2 as a result of the misuse of the safe custody assets,2 fraud, poor administration, inadequate record-keeping or negligence.[Note: article 2(1)(f)10 of the MiFID Delegated Directive10]222
Subject to CASS 6.2.3A-1R, a9firm must effect appropriate registration or recording of legal title to a
safe custody asset2
belonging to a client8 in the name of:62(1) the client, unless the client is an authorised person acting on behalf of its client, in which case it may be registered in the name of the client of that authorised person;6(2) a nominee company which is controlled by:(a) the firm;(b) an affiliated company;(c) a recognised investment exchange; or5(d) a third party
9A firm need not comply with CASS 6.2.3 R for any safe custody asset:(1) that it has deposited with a third party in accordance with CASS 6.3 (Depositing assets and arranging for assets to be deposited with third parties); and(2) for which, because of the arrangements with that third party for depositing the safe custody asset, it is not practicable for the firm to effect appropriate registration or recording of legal title itself.
4If:(1) the safe custody asset is an emission auction product that is a financial instrument; and(2) it is not practicable or possible for a firm to effect registration or recording of legal title in this asset in the manner set out in CASS 6.2.3 R, the firm must register or record legal title in its name provided it has notified the client in writing.
A firm may only6 register or record legal title to its own
applicable asset6
in the same name as that in which legal title to a
client's6safe custody asset2
is registered or recorded if the firm'sapplicable asset is separately identified from the client'ssafe custody asset in the firm's records, and either or both of the conditions in (1) and (2) are met.6262(1) The firm's holding of its own applicable asset arises incidentally to:66(a) designated investment business it carries
6(1) Consistent with a firm's requirements to protect clients'safe custody assets and have adequate organisation arrangements in place (CASS 6.2.1 R and CASS 6.2.2 R), before a firm registers or records legal title to its own applicable asset in the same name as that in which legal title to a client'ssafe custody asset is registered or recorded under CASS 6.2.5 R, it should consider whether there are any means to avoid doing so.(2) Examples of where the conditions under CASS 6.2.5R
6A firm may either (i) liquidate an unclaimed safe custody asset it holds for a client, at market value, and pay away the proceeds or (ii) pay away an unclaimed safe custody asset it holds for a client, in either case, to a registered charity of its choice provided:(1) this is permitted by law and consistent with the arrangements under which that safe custody asset is held; (2) it has held that safe custody asset for at least 12 years;(3) in the 12 years preceding the divestment
(1) 6Taking reasonable steps in CASS 6.2.10R (4) includes following this course of conduct:(a) determining, as far as reasonably possible, the correct contact details for the relevant client;(b) writing to the client at the last known address either by post or by electronic mail to inform it: (i) of the name of the firm with which the client first deposited the safe custody asset in question; (ii) of the firm's intention to pay the safe custody asset to charity under CASS 6.2.10
6Where a firm divests itself of a client'ssafe custody asset under CASS 6.2.10 R, it must comply with either (1)(a) or (1)(b) and, in either case, (2).(1) (a) The firm must unconditionally undertake to pay to the client concerned a sum equal to the value of the safe custody asset at the time it was liquidated or paid away in the event of the client seeking to claim the safe custody asset in future.(b) The firm must ensure that an unconditional undertaking in the terms set out
(1) 6If a firm pays away a client's unclaimed safe custody assets to charity or liquidates a client's unclaimed safe custody assets and pays the proceeds to charity under CASS 6.2.10 R it must make and retain, or where the firm already has such records, retain:(a) records of all safe custody assets divested under CASS 6.2.10 R (including details of the value of each asset at that time and the identity of the client to whom the asset was allocated); (b) all relevant documentation
6Any costs associated with the firm divesting itself of safe custody assets pursuant to CASS 6.2.10 R to CASS 6.2.15 R should be paid for from the firm's own funds, including:(1) any costs associated with the firm carrying out the steps in CASS 6.2.10R (4) or CASS 6.2.11 E; and(2) the cost of any insurance purchased by a firm or the relevant member of its group to cover any legally enforceable claim in respect of the assets divested under CASS 6.2.10 R.
(1) 1A firm may deposit
safe custody assets2
held by it on behalf of its clients into an account or accounts opened with a third party, but only if it exercises all due skill, care and diligence in the selection, appointment and periodic review of the third party and of the arrangements for the holding and safekeeping of those safe custody assets.222(1A) [deleted]66(2) [deleted]66(3) When a firm makes the selection, appointment and conducts the periodic review referred to 2under
In discharging its obligations under CASS 6.3.1 R,6 a firm should also consider, as appropriate,6 together with any other relevant matters:6(1) the third party's performance of its services to the firm;6(2) the arrangements that the third party has in place for holding and safeguarding the safe custody asset;22(2A) market practices related to the holding of the safe custody asset that could adversely affect clients’ rights.8(3) current industry standard reports, for example "Assurance
(1) 6A firm must make a record of the grounds upon which it satisfies itself as to the appropriateness of its selection and appointment of a third party under CASS 6.3.1 R. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the selection or appointment and must keep it from that date until five years after the firm ceases to use the third party to hold safe custody assets belonging to clients.(2) A firm must make a record of each periodic review of its selection and appointment
(1) Subject to (2), a6firm must only deposit
safe custody assets2
with a third party in a jurisdiction which specifically regulates and supervises the safekeeping of
safe custody assets2
for the account of another person8 with a third party who is subject to such regulation.622(2) A firm must not deposit
safe custody assets2
held on behalf of a client with a third party in a third country8 which does not regulate the holding and safekeeping of
safe custody assets2
for the
6A firm must take the necessary steps to ensure that any client'ssafe custody assets deposited with a third party are identifiable separately from the applicable assets belonging to the firm and from the applicable assets belonging to that third party, by means of differently titled accounts on the books of the third party or other equivalent measures that achieve the same level of protection.[Note: article 2(1)(d) of the MiFID Delegated Directive8]
6A firm must have entered into a written agreement with any person with whom it deposits clients'safe custody assets under CASS 6.3.1 R, or with whom it arranges safeguarding and administration of assets which are clients'safe custody assets. This agreement must, at minimum: (1) set out the binding terms of the arrangement between the firm and the third party;(2) be in force for the duration of that arrangement; and(3) clearly set out the custody service(s) that the third party
6A firm should consider carefully the terms of any agreement entered into with a third party under CASS 6.3.4A R. The following terms are examples of the issues that should be addressed in these agreements (where relevant):(1) that the title of the account in the third party's books and records indicates that any safe custody asset credited to it does not belong to the firm;(2) that the third party will hold or record a safe custody asset belonging to the firm'sclient separately
(1) 8A firm must not grant any security interest, lien or right of set-off to another person over clients’safe custody assets that enable that other person to dispose of the safe custody assets in order to recover debts unless condition (a) or (b) is satisfied:(a) those debts relate to:(i) one or more of the firm’sclients; or(ii) the provision of services by that other person to one or more of the firm’sclients; or(b) to the extent those debts relate to anything else then:(i)
(1) 8Under CASS 6.3.6AR(1)(b)(i) a security interest, lien or right of set-off may be regarded as being required by applicable law in a third country for example where:(a) because of applicable law it is mandatory for such a security interest, lien or right of set-off to be given in order for the safe custody assets to be held in that third country; or(b) (i) in the context of the service being provided for the firm’sclient the applicable law of that third country requires the
8To comply with CASS 6.3.6AR(2) and in relation to any security interests, liens or rights of set-off over safe custody assets, a firm should ensure that:(1) the written terms of its client contracts include the client’s agreement to another person having such a security interest, lien or right of set-off over the client’s assets; and(2) its books and records are able to show the safe custody assets in respect of which the firm is aware that such security interests, liens, or
Subject to CASS 9.5.5AR and2CASS 9.5.6 R, CASS 9.5.4R, CASS 9.5.4BR2 and CASS 9.5.5 R require firms to comply with a client's request for information on the custody assets and/or client money the firm holds for a client under CASS 6 and/or CASS 7, and such request may be made by a client at any time.
2When a firm to which COBS 16A applies receives a request, made by a client, or on a client’s behalf, for a statement of the custody assets that the firm holds for that client, it must provide the client with a statement in a durable medium in relation to any custody assets that are not financial instruments.
When a firm receives a request, made by a client, or on a client's behalf, for a copy of any statement of custody assets and/or client money previously provided to that client, the firm must provide the client with the copy of the statement requested in a durable medium and within five business days following the receipt of the request.
2A firm is not required to provide a client with a statement under CASS 9.5.4R or CASS 9.5.4BR, or a copy of a statement under CASS 9.5.5R (as applicable) where the following conditions are met: (1) the firm provides the client with access to an online system, which qualifies as a durable medium;(2) up-to-date statements of the client’scustody assets and/or client money can be easily accessed by the client via the system under (1); and (3) the firm has evidence that the client
Consistent with the fair, clear and not misleading rule, a firm should ensure that, in any statements of custody assets and/or client money it provides to its clients, it is clear from the statement which assets and/or monies the firm reports as holding for the client are, or are not, protected under CASS 6 and/or CASS 7 (e.g. if the statement also includes information regarding assets and/or monies which are held by the firm for that client which are not subject to the custody
Firms are reminded that under CASS 3.2.4 Gfirms that enter into arrangements with retail clients2 covered by CASS 3 (Collateral) should, when appropriate, identify in any statement of custody assets sent to the client under COBS 16.4 (Statements of client designated investments or client money), article 63 of the MiFID Org Regulation or COBS 16A.4 (as applicable)2 or this section the details of the assets which form the basis of that collateral arrangement.
(1) 1A firm must not enter into arrangements for securities financing transactions in respect of
safe custody assets2
held by it on behalf of a client or otherwise use such
safe custody assets2
for its own account or the account of any other person or6client of the firm, unless:22(a) the client has given express prior consent to the use of the
safe custody assets2
on specified terms; and2(b) the use of that client'ssafe custody assets2
is restricted to the specified terms
(1) 6Prior express consent by clients should be given and recorded by firms in order to allow the firm to demonstrate clearly what the client agreed to and to help clarify the status of safe custody assets. (2) Clients’ consent may be given once at the start of the commercial relationship, as long as it is sufficiently clear that the client has consented to the use of their safe custody assets. (3) Where a firm is acting on a client instruction to lend safe custody assets and
6A firm must take appropriate measures to prevent the unauthorised use of safe custody assets for its own account or the account of any other person, such as: (1) the conclusion of agreements with clients on measures to be taken by the firm in case the client does not have enough provision on its account on the settlement date, such as borrowing of the corresponding securities on behalf of the client or unwinding the position;(2) the close monitoring by the firm of its projected
Firms are reminded of the client's best interests rule, which requires the firm to act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of their clients. For any transactions involving retail clients carried out under this section the FCA expects that:55(1) the firm ensures that relevant collateral is provided by the borrower in favour of the client;(2) the current realisable value of the
safe custody asset2
and of the relevant collateral is monitored
6A firm must adopt specific arrangements for all clients to ensure that the borrower of clientsafe custody assets provides the appropriate collateral and that the firm monitors the continued appropriateness of such collateral and takes the necessary steps to maintain the balance with the value of the clientsafe custody assets.[Note: article 5(4) of the MiFID Delegated Directive]
Where a firm uses
safe custody assets2
as permitted in this section, the records of the firm must include details of the client on whose instructions the use of the
safe custody assets2
has been effected, as well as the number of
safe custody assets2
used belonging to each client who has given consent, so as to enable the correct allocation of any loss.[Note: article 5(2), second sub-paragraph of the MiFID Delegated Directive6]222
(1) Before a firm takes any steps to dispose of a safe custody asset it must:(a) (subject to paragraph (2)) attempt to return it to the relevant client or transfer it to another person for safekeeping on behalf of the client in accordance with CASS 6.7.8R; and(b) (subject to paragraph (3)) take reasonable steps to notify the client of the firm’s proposed course of action for disposing of the safe custody asset.(2) A firm is not required to attempt to return or transfer a safe
(1) The disposal of a safe custody asset referred to under CASS 6.7.2R(1) includes cases where the firm is using the procedure under regulation 12B of the IBSA Regulations to set a ‘hard bar date’ by giving a ‘hard bar date notice’, or is using another similar procedure in accordance with the legal procedure for the firm’sfailure.(2) In any case, a firm should consider whether its obligations under law or any agreement permit it to dispose of a safe custody asset in the way in
(1) Reasonable steps in CASS 6.7.2R(1)(b) include the following course of conduct:(a) determining, as far as reasonably possible, the correct contact details for the relevant client;(b) for a client for whom the firm has evidence that it was a professional client for the purposes of the custody rules at the time of the failure:(i) writing to the client at its last known address either by post or by electronic mail: (A) to inform it of the firm’s intention to dispose of the safe
If the firm undertook a tracing exercise for the purposes of CASS 6.2.10R(4) (Allocated but unclaimed safe custody assets) before its failure but had not made the charity payment under that rule by the time of its failure then the findings of that exercise may be relied on for the purposes of CASS 6.7.4E(1)(a).
(1) A firm must make a record of any safe custody asset disposed of in accordance with CASS 6.7.2R at the time of the disposal.(2) The record under paragraph (1) must state:(a) the safe custody asset that was disposed of;(b) the value of the consideration received for the safe custody asset disposed of; (c) the name and contact details of the client to whom the safe custody asset was allocated, according to the firm’s records at the time of making the record under this rule; and(d)
(1) This rule applies where, instead of returning a safe custody asset to a client, a firm (Firm A) is able to transfer the safe custody asset to another person (Firm B) for safekeeping on behalf of the client.(2) Firm A may only effect such a transfer if, in advance of the transfer, it has obtained a contractual undertaking from Firm B that:(a) where regulation 10C(3) of the IBSA Regulations does not apply, Firm B will return the safe custody asset to the client at the client’s
(1) A firm must once every year, and by the time it is required to make a notification in accordance with4CASS 1A.2.9R (4), determine whether it is a CASS large firm, CASS medium firm or a CASS small firm according to the amount of client money or safe custody assets which it holds, using the limits set out in the table in CASS 1A.2.7 R.4(2) For the purpose of determining its ‘CASS firm type’ in accordance with CASS 1A.2.7 R, a firm must:(a) if it currently holds client money
For the purpose of calculating the value of the total amounts of client money and safe custody assets that it holds on any given day during a calendar year a firm must:(1) in complying with CASS 1A.2.2R (2)(a), base its calculation upon internal reconciliations performed during the previous year;(2) in relation to client money or safe custody assets denominated in a currency other than sterling, translate the value of that money or that safe custody assets into sterling at the
CASS firm types
CASS firm type |
Highest total amount of client money held during the firm’s last calendar year or as the case may be that it projects that it will hold during the current calendar year |
Highest total value of safe custody assets held by the firm during the firm's last calendar year or as the case may be that it projects that it will hold during the current calendar year |
more than £1 billion |
more than £100 billion |
|
an amount equal to or greater than £1 million and less than or equal to £1 billion |
an amount equal to or greater than £10 million and less than or equal to £100 billion |
|
less than £1 million |
less than £10 million |
Once every calendar year a firm must notify to the FCA in writing the information specified in (1), (2) or (3) as applicable, and the information specified in (4), in each case no later than the day specified in (1) to (4):44(1) if it held client money or safe custody assets in the previous calendar year, the highest total amount of client money and the highest total value of safe custody assets held during the previous calendar year, notification of which must be made no later
4A firm's 'CASS firm type' and any change to it takes effect:(1) if the firm notifies the FCA in accordance with CASS 1A.2.9 R (1) or CASS 1A.2.9 R (2), on 1 February following the notification; or(2) if the firm notifies the FCA in accordance with CASS 1A.2.9 R (3), on the day it begins to hold client money or safe custody assets; or(3) if the firm makes an election under CASS 1A.2.5 R (1), and provided the conditions in CASS 1A.2.5 R (2) are satisfied, on the day the notification
If a firm has deposited safe custody assets with a third party under CASS 6.3 and client money arises from, or in connection with, those safe custody assets then the firm must ensure that the third party either deposits the money in a client bank account of the firm or records it in a client transaction account for the benefit of the firmclients as appropriate.
1A firm to which COBS 6.1 applies2 that holds custody assets or client money must, in relation to its business for which COBS 6.1 applies2:(1) provide the information in COBS 6.1.7 R for any custody assets the firm may hold for a client, including any custody assets which are not designated investments; and(2) provide the information in COBS 6.1.7 R and in (1) to each of its clients.
2A firm to which COBS 6.1ZA applies that holds custody assets or client money must, in relation to its business for which COBS 6.1ZA applies:(1) provide the information referred to in paragraphs 2 to 7 of article 49 of the MiFID Org Regulation for any custody asset that the firm may hold for a client, including:(a) any custody asset which is a designated investment but not a financial instrument; and(b) any custody asset which is neither a designated investment nor a financial
A firm must include within its CASS resolution pack:(1) a master document containing information sufficient to retrieve each document in the firm'sCASS resolution pack;(2) a document which identifies the institutions the firm has appointed (including through an appointed representative, tied agent, field representative or other agent):(a) in the case of client money, for the placement of money in accordance with CASS 7.13.3 R1 or to hold client money in accordance with CASS 7.14.2
For the purpose of CASS 10.2.1R (4), examples of individuals within the firm who are critical or important to the performance of operational functions include:(1) those necessary to carry out both internal and external client money and safe custody asset reconciliations and record checks1; and(2) those in charge of client documentation for business involving client money and safe custody assets.
The purpose of the CASS resolution pack is to ensure that a firm maintains and is able to retrieve information that would:6(1) in the event of its insolvency, assist an insolvency practitioner in achieving a timely return of client money and safe custody assets held by the firm to that firm’sclients; and6(2) in the event of its or another firm’s resolution, assist the Bank of England7; and6(3) in either case, assist the FCA.6
(1) For the purpose of CASS 10.1.7 R, the following documents and records should be retrievable immediately:(a) the document identifying the institutions referred to in CASS 10.2.1R (2);(b) the document identifying individuals pursuant to CASS 10.2.1R (4);(c) any written notification or acknowledgement letters3 referred to in CASS 10.2.1R (5);3(d) the most recent internal custody records checks3 referred to in CASS 10.3.1R (3);3(e) the most recent external custody reconciliations3
(1) 1A firm must ensure that every prime brokerage agreement that includes its right to use safe custody assets for its own account includes a disclosure annex.(2) A firm must ensure that the disclosure annex sets out a summary of the key provisions within the prime brokerage agreement permitting the use of safe custody assets, including:(a) the contractual limit, if any, on the safe custody assets which a prime brokerage firm is permitted to use;(b) all related contractual definitions
(1) Principle 10 (Clients’ assets) requires a firm to arrange adequate protection for client's assets when it is responsible for them. As part of these protections, the custody rules require a firm to take appropriate steps to protect safe custody assets for which it is responsible.(2) Subject to paragraph (3), a 3prime brokerage firm should not enter into “right to use arrangements” for a client'ssafe custody assets unless:13(a) in the case of a CASS small firm or a firm to
- (1)
A firm may calculate either:
- (a)
one individual client balance for each client,1 based on the total of the firm's holdings for that1client; or
- (b)
a number of individual client balances for each client, equal to the number of products or business lines the firm operates for that client and each balance based on the total of the firm's holdings for that client in respect of the particular product or business line.1
- (a)
- (2)
Each individual client balance for a client should be calculated in accordance with this table:
Individual client balance calculation
Free money (sums held for a client free of sale or purchase (eg, see (3)(a)) and
A
sale proceeds due to the client:
(a)
for principal deals when the client has delivered the designated investments; and
B
(b)
for agency deals, when:
(i)
the sale proceeds have been received by the firm and the client has delivered the designated investments; or
C1
(ii)
the firm holds the designated investments for the client; and
C2
the cost of purchases:
(c)
for principal deals, paid for by the client when the firm has not delivered the designated investments to the client; and
D
(d)
(i)
the firm has not remitted the money to, or to the order of, the counterparty; or
E1
(ii)
the designated investments have been received by the firm but have not been delivered to the client;
E2
Less
money owed by the client for unpaid purchases by, or for, the client if delivery of those designated investments has been made to the client; and
F
proceeds remitted to the client for sales transactions by, or for, the client if the client has not delivered the designated investments.
G
Individual client balance 'X' = (A+B+C1+C2+D+E1+E2)-F-G
X
- (3)
When calculating an individual client balance for each client, a firm should also:
- (a)
ensure it includes:
- (i)
client money consisting of dividends received and interest earned and allocated (see CASS 7.11.32 R);
- (ii)
client money consisting of dividends (actual or payments in lieu), stock lending fees and other payments received and allocated (see CASS 6.1.2 G);
- (iii)
money the firm appropriates and segregates as client money to cover an unresolved shortfall in safe custody assets it identifies in its internal records which is attributable to an individual client (see CASS 6.6.54R (2)); and
- (iv)
money the firm segregates as client money instead of an individual client's safe custody asset until such time as the relevant delivery versus payment transaction settles under CASS 6.1.12R (2); and
- (i)
- (b)
deduct any amounts due and payable by the client to the firm (see CASS 7.11.25 R).
- (a)
- (4)
Compliance with (1), (2) and (3)1 may be relied on as tending to establish compliance with CASS 7.16.21 R.
When calculating the client money requirement under either of the methods in CASS 7.16.10 R, a firm must:(1) include any unallocated client money (see CASS 7.13.36 R) and unidentified receipts of money it considers prudent to segregate as client money (see CASS 7.13.37 R);(2) include any money the firm appropriates and holds as client money to cover an unresolved shortfall in safe custody assets identified in its internal records which is not attributable, or cannot be attributed
(1) 6In relation to the requirement to take account of a firm’s “small balance” of client money at CASS 7.13.21AR(1)(a):(a) the FCA expects a firm that would not qualify to be a CASS small firm under the rules in CASS 1A.2, ignoring any safe custody assets that it holds, to have difficulty in justifying using the approach in CASS 7.13.21AR(1);(b) a firm should calculate its client money balance for these purposes in the same way required under CASS 1A.2.3R, and base its assessment
A firm must include, as applicable, within its CASS resolution pack the records required under:(1) CASS 6.3.2A R1 (safe custody assets: appropriateness of the firm’s selection of a third party);1(1A) CASS 6.3.6AR (third party rights over client assets);3(2) CASS 6.4.3 R (firm’s use of safe custody assets);(3) CASS 6.6.2 R and CASS 6.6.3 R (safe custody assets held for each client);11(4) CASS 6.6.6 R1 (client agreements: firm’s right to use);1(4A) CASS 6.6.8 R (internal custody
3The mandate rules do not apply to a firm:(1) in relation to client money that the firm is holding in accordance with CASS 5 or CASS 7 (including client money that the firm has allowed another person to hold or control in accordance with CASS 7.14.2R7) or CASS 115; or(2) in relation to custody assets6 that the firm is holding, or in respect of which the firm is carrying on safeguarding and administration of assets (without arranging), acting as trustee or depositary of an AIF
(1) 1A firm must make available to each of its clients to whom it provides prime brokerage services a statement in a durable medium:(a) showing the value at the close of each business day of the items in (3); and(b) detailing any other matters which that firm considers are necessary to ensure that a client has up-to-date and accurate information about the amount of client money and the value of safe custody assets held by that firm for it.(2) The statement must be made available