Related provisions for PERG 5.8.23

81 - 100 of 116 items.
Results filter

Search Term(s)

Filter by Modules

Filter by Documents

Filter by Keywords

Effective Period

Similar To

To access the FCA Handbook Archive choose a date between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2004 (From field only).

TC App 6.1.1GRP

1Introduction

1.

An accredited body is a body appearing in the list of such bodies in the Glossary.1

1

2.

Information on accredited bodies, including guidance on the process for including an applicant body in the list, is set out below and the obligation to pay the application fee is set out in FEES 3.2.

3.

[deleted]1

1

Process for including a body in the list of accredited bodies

4.

In considering the compatibility of a proposed addition with the statutory objectives, the FCA will determine whether the applicant will, if accredited, contribute to securing an appropriate degree of protection for consumers having regard in particular to:

(1)

the matters set out in paragraphs 10 to 20; and

(2)

the rules and practices of the applicant.

5.

An application to the FCA to be added to the list of accredited bodies should set out how the applicant will satisfy the criteria in paragraphs 10 to 20. The application should be accompanied by a report from a suitable auditor which sets out its independent assessment of the applicant's ability to meet these criteria. An application form is available from the FCA upon request.

6.

When considering an application for accredited body status the FCA may:

(1)

carry out any enquiries and request any further information that it considers appropriate, including consulting other regulators;

(2)

ask the applicant or its specified representative to answer questions and explain any matter the FCA considers relevant to the application;

(3)

take into account any information which the FCA considers appropriate to the application; and

(4)

request that any information provided by the applicant or its specified representative is verified in such a manner as the FCA may specify.

7.

The FCA will confirm its decision in writing to the applicant.

8.

The FCA will enter into an agreement with the applicant or accredited body which will require the accredited body to meet, among other obligations, the criteria and expectations set out in this Appendix or other parts of the Handbook, as amended from time to time.5 Approval as an accredited body becomes effective only when the name of the applicant is added to the Glossary definition of accredited body.

9.

Paragraphs 10 to 20 set out the criteria which an applicant should meet to become an accredited body and which an accredited body should meet at all times.

Acting in the public interest and furthering the development of the profession

10.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to act in the public interest, to contribute to raising consumer confidence and professional standards in the retail investment advice market and to promoting the profession.

Carrying out effective verification services

11.

If independent verification of a retail investment adviser's professional standards has been carried out by an accredited body, the FCA will expect the accredited body to provide the retail investment adviser with evidence of that verification in a durable medium and in a form agreed by the FCA. This is referred to in this Appendix and TC 2.15 as a ‘statement of professional standing’.

12.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to have in place effective procedures for carrying out its verification activities. These should include:

(1)

verifying that each retail investment adviser who is a member of or subscriber to the accredited body's verification service has made an annual declaration in writing that the retail investment adviser has, in the preceding 12 months, complied with APER or4COCON2(as applicable)4 and completed the continuing professional development required under TC 2.1.15 R;1

(2)

verifying annually the continuing professional development records of no less than 10% of the retail investment advisers who have used its service in the previous 12 months to ensure that the records are accurate and the continuing professional development completed by the retail investment advisers is appropriate; and

(3)

verifying that, if required by TC, the retail investment advisers who use its services have attained an appropriate qualification. This should include, where relevant, checking that appropriate qualification gap-fill records have been completed by the retail investment advisers.

13.

The FCA will not expect an accredited body to carry out the verification in paragraph 12(3) if a retail investment adviser provides the accredited body with evidence in a durable medium which demonstrates that another accredited body has previously verified the retail investment adviser's appropriate qualification, including, where relevant, appropriate qualification gap-fill.

14.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to make it a contractual condition of membership (where a retail investment adviser is a member of the accredited body) or of using its verification service (where a retail investment adviser is not a member of the accredited body) that, as a minimum, the accredited body will not continue to verify a retail investment adviser's standards and will3 withdraw its statement of professional standing if5:

(1) it is provided with false information in relation to a retail investment adviser’s qualifications or continuing professional development;5

(2) it is provided with a false declaration in relation to a retail investment adviser’s compliance with APER or COCON (as applicable); or5

(3) the retail investment adviser becomes subject to a prohibition order.5

In this regard, an accredited body must have in place appropriate decision-making procedures with a suitable degree of independence and transparency.

2223234334

Having appropriate systems and controls in place and providing evidence to the FCA of continuing effectiveness

15.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to ensure that it has adequate resources and systems and controls in place in relation to its role as an accredited body.

16.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to have effective procedures in place for the management of conflicts of interest and have a well-balanced governance structure that engages a broad set of qualities and competences,5 with at least one member who is independent of the sector.

17.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to have a code of ethics and to ensure that its code of ethics and verification service terms and conditions do not contain any provisions that conflict with APER or COCON (as applicable)4.

2

Ongoing cooperation with the FCA

18.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to provide the FCA with such documents and information as the FCA reasonably requires, and to cooperate with the FCA in an open and transparent manner.

19.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to share information as soon as reasonably practicable with the FCA (subject to any legal constraints, including those in data protection legislation)5 in relation to the professional standards of the retail investment advisers who use its service as appropriate. Examples might include conduct issues, complaints, dishonestly obtaining or falsifying qualifications or continuing professional development, a failure to complete appropriate continuing professional development, or the accredited body’s decision to withdraw or not renew a retail financial adviser’s statement of professional standing. 5The FCA will expect an accredited body to notify the firm if issues such as these arise.

20.

The FCA will expect an accredited body to submit to the FCA, every 2 years, a5 report by a suitable independent auditor which sets out that auditor’s assessment of the quality of the body’s satisfaction of the criteria in paragraphs 10 to 19 in the preceding 245months and whether, in the auditor’s view, the body is capable of satisfying the criteria in the subsequent 245months. The FCA will expect this report to be submitted to the FCA every 2 years, within 35months of the anniversary of the date on which the accredited body was added to the Glossary definition of accredited body.

Withdrawal of accreditation

21.

If an accredited body fails or, in the FCA's view, is likely to fail to satisfy the criteria, the FCA will discuss this with the accredited body concerned. If, following a period of discussion, the accredited body has failed to take appropriate corrective action to ensure that it satisfies and will continue to satisfy the criteria, the FCA will withdraw the accredited body’s accreditation. Withdrawal of an accredited body’s accreditation will be reflected in the Handbook by amending the list published under the Glossary definition of accredited body5. The FCAFCA will expect the body to notify each retail investment adviser holding a current statement of professional standing of the FCA's decision. A statement of professional standing issued by the accredited body before the withdrawal of accreditation will continue to be valid until its expiration.

FEES 5.4.3GRP
SUP 16.3 (General provisions on reporting) contains further rules on the method of submission of reports under FEES 5.4.1 R.
MCOB 4.5.2RRP
If the initial contact7 is with a consumer5 with a view to concluding a distance mortgage mediation contract,6 a distance home purchase mediation contract or a distance regulated sale and rent back mediation contract6,4 a firm must:7546(1) in addition to initial disclosure information and any other required information, provide the consumer5 with the information in MCOB 4 Annex 3 in a durable medium in good time before the conclusion of the distance mortgage mediation contract,6distance
COBS 6.1E.1RRP
(1) 1A2platform service provider must clearly disclose the total platform charge to the retail client32 in a durable medium in good time before the provision of designated investment business.22(2) In the event that it is not possible to make the disclosure in (1) in good time before the provision of designated investment business, the disclosure must be made as soon as practicable thereafter.
MCOB 4A.2.1RRP
(1) An MCD mortgage lender or MCD mortgage credit intermediary must provide, orally or in a durable medium, adequate explanations to the consumer of the proposed MCD regulated mortgage contract and any ancillary services, before any binding offer is issued to that consumer, to enable the consumer to assess whether the proposed MCD regulated mortgage contract and ancillary services meets their needs and financial situation.[Note: article 16(1) of the MCD](2) The explanations must,
MCOB 2.7.1GRP
GEN 2.2.14 R (References to writing) has the effect that electronic media may be used to make communications that are required by the Handbook to be 'in writing' unless a contrary intention appears. In MCOB, the use of an electronic medium is restricted in certain circumstances to a durable medium as required by the Distance Marketing Directive.
CASS 9.2.1RRP
(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
COBS 20.4.1RRP
A firm must:(1) on request, provide its PPFM, or the PPFM applicable to specified with-profits funds:(a) free of charge to its with-profits policyholders; or(b) for a reasonable charge to any person who is not its with-profits policyholder; and(2) if the firm publishes its PPFM on its website, prominently signpost its location there.
COBS 11.2.23RRP
(1) A firm must provide a retail client with the following details on its execution policy in good time prior to the provision of the service:(a) an account of the relative importance the firm assigns, in accordance with the execution criteria, to the execution factors, or the process by which the firm determines the relative importance of those factors;(b) a list of the execution venues on which the firm places significant reliance in meeting its obligation to take all reasonable
MCOB 3B.1.2RRP
A firm must make available clear and comprehensible information about MCD regulated mortgage contracts at all times on paper, or on another durable medium or in electronic form, that includes:(1) the identity and the geographical address of the firm;(2) the purposes for which the credit may be used;(3) the forms of security3;(4) the possible duration of the MCD regulated mortgage contracts;(5) the types of available borrowing rate, indicating whether fixed or variable or both,
COBS 15.2.5RRP
(1) The firm must disclose to the consumer:(a) in good time before or, if that is not possible, immediately after the consumer is bound by a contract that attracts a right to cancel or withdraw; and(b) in a durable medium;the existence of the right to cancel or withdraw, its duration and the conditions for exercising it including information on the amount which the consumer may be required to pay, the consequences of not exercising it and practical instructions for exercising
MCOB 4.7A.10ARRP
(1) 3In considering whether a retirement interest-only mortgage that will be used to release capital is appropriate to the needs and circumstances of the customer for the purposes of MCOB 4.7A.2R, a firm must consider, in addition to the factors set out in MCOB 4.7A.6R, whether the benefits to the customer outweigh any adverse effect on:(a) the customer’s entitlement (if any) to means-tested benefits; and(b) the customer’s tax position.(2) In considering the factors set out in
DISP 1.6.2ARRP
5Where a complaint is an EMD complaint or a PSD complaint, the respondent must:(1) send a final response to the complainant by the end of 15 business days after the day on which it received the complaint; or(2) in exceptional circumstances, if a final response cannot be given in accordance with paragraph (1) for reasons beyond the control of the respondent:(a) send a holding response to the complainant by the end of 15 business days after the day on which it received the complaint,
PERG 5.15.4GRP

Types of activity – are they regulated activities and, if so, why?

Type of activity

Is it a regulated activity?

Rationale

MARKETING AND EFFECTING INTRODUCTIONS

Passive display of information -for example, medical insurance brochures in doctor’s surgery (whether or not remuneration is received for this activity)

No.

Merely displaying information does not constitute making arrangements under article 25(2) (see PERG 5.6.4 G).

Providing a2 customer with contact details or information about a broker / insurance undertaking2 (whether by phone, fax, e-mail, face-to-face or any other means of communication)

Yes, but articles 33B or2 72C may be available.

This will constitute making arrangements under article 25(2). But, the exclusions in articles 33B or 72C2 will apply if all the intermediary does is supply information to the customer and the relevant conditions of those exclusions2 are otherwise met (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G). Generally, this will not amount to advice under article 53(1)1 unless there is an implied recommendation of a particular policy (see PERG 5.8.4 G), in which case articles 33B and 72C2 would not be available.

Providing an insurance undertaking/broker with contact details of customer

Yes, but article 33B may be available2.

This will constitute making arrangements under article 25(2) when undertaken in the context of regular or ongoing arrangements for introducing customers. Article 33B applies to the provision of information about a potential policyholder to an insurance undertaking or an insurance or reinsurance intermediary, and so may apply here if the relevant conditions are met. It will only apply if the provider of the customer information does not take any step other than providing the information to assist in the conclusion of a contract of insurance.2

Marketing on behalf of insurance undertaking to intermediaries only (for example, broker consultants)

Yes.

This amounts to work preparatory to the conclusion of contracts of insurance and so constitutes making arrangements under article 25(2). Article 33B does not apply because the information provided to the intermediary doesn’t relate to a potential policyholder, and isn’t provided to a policyholder.2 Article 72C is not available because this activity does not involve provision of information to the policyholder or potential policyholder only.

Telemarketing services (that is, companies specialising in marketing an insurance undertaking's products/services to prospective customers)

Yes.

This amounts to introducing and/or other work preparatory to the conclusion of contracts of insurance and so constitutes making arrangements under article 25(2). This could also involve article 25(1) arranging where the telemarketing company actually sells a particular policy and could involve advising on investments. Article 33B is unlikely to apply, as the telemarketing company is likely to be actively persuading the customer rather than merely providing information.2 Article 72C will not be available where the provision of information is more than incidental to the telemarketing company’s main business. Articles 33B and 72C will not be available2 where the telemarketing company is advising on investments.

PRE-PURCHASE DISCUSSIONS WITH CUSTOMERS AND ADVICE

Discussion with client about need for insurance generally/need to take out a particular type of insurance

Generally, no. Articles 33B or2 72C available if needed.

Not enough, of itself, to constitute making arrangements under article 25(2), but you should consider whether, viewed as a whole, your activities might amount to arranging. If so, articles 33B or2 72C might be of application (see PERG 5.6.5 G to PERG 5.6.9 G).

Advising on the level of cover needed

Generally, no. Articles 33B or2 72C available if needed.

Not enough, of itself, to constitute making arrangements under article 25(2), but you should consider whether, viewed as a whole, your activities might amount to making arrangements under article 25(2) (see PERG 5.8.3 G). If so,articles 33B or2 72C might be of application (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G).

Pre-purchase questioning in the context of filtered sales (intermediary asks a series of questions and then suggests several policies which suit the answers given)

Yes. Subject to article 72 C exclusion where available.

This will constitute arranging although article 72C may be of application (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G). If there is no express or implied recommendation of a particular policy, this activity will not amount to advice under article 53(1)1 (see PERG 5.8.15 G to PERG 5.8.19 G).

Explanation of the terms of a particular policy or comparison of the terms of different policies

Possibly. Article 72C available.

This is likely to amount to making arrangements under article 25(2). In certain circumstances, it could involve advising on investments (except P2P agreements)1 (see PERG 5.8.8 G (Advice or information)). Where the explanation is provided to the potential policyholder, and does not involve advising on investments (except P2P agreements)1, article 72C may be of application (see PERG 5.6.5 G to PERG 5.6.9 G), and where information is provided by a professional in the course of a profession, article 67 may apply (see PERG 5.11.9 G to PERG 5.11.12 G). Article 33B will not be available where this involves taking steps other than the provision of information.2

Advising that a customer take out a particular policy

Yes.

This amounts to advice on the merits of a particular policy under article 53(1)1 (see PERG 5.8.4 G to PERG 5.8.5 G).

Advising that a customer does not take out a particular policy

Yes.

This amounts to advice on the merits of a particular policy under article 53(1)1 (see PERG 5.8.4 G to PERG 5.8.5 G).

Advice by journalists in newspapers, broadcasts etc.

Generally, no because of the article 54 exclusion.

Article 54 provides an exclusion for advice given in newspapers etc (see PERG 5.8.24 G to PERG 5.8.25 G).

Giving advice to a customer in relation to2buying a consumer product, where insurance is a compulsory secondary purchase and/or a benefit that comes with buying the product

Not necessarily but depends on the circumstances.

Where the advice relates specifically to the merits of the consumer product, it is possible that references to the accompanying insurance may be seen to be information and not advice. If, however, the advice relates, in part, to the merits of the insurance element, then it will be regulated activity.

ASSISTING CUSTOMERS WITH COMPLETING/SENDING APPLICATION FORMS

Providing information to customer who fills in application form

Possibly. Subject to article 67 or 72C, and article 33B,2 exclusions where available.

This activity may amount to arranging although the exclusions in article 67 (see PERG 5.11.9 G to PERG 5.11.12 G) and article 72C (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G) may be of application. Article 33B could also apply, depending on the type of information provided.2

Helping a potential policyholder fill in an application form

Yes.

This activity amounts to arranging. Articles 33B and2 72C will not apply because this activity goes beyond the mere provision of information to a policyholder or potential policyholder (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G).

Receiving completed proposal forms for checking and forwarding to an insurance undertaking (for example, an administration outsourcing service provider that receives and processes proposal forms)

Yes.

This amounts to arranging. Articles 33B and 72C do2 not apply because this activity goes beyond the mere provision of information to a policyholder or potential policyholder (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G).

Assisting in completion of proposal form and sending to insurance undertaking

Yes.

This activity amounts to arranging. Articles 33B and 72C do2 not apply because this activity goes beyond the mere provision of information (see PERG 5.6.4AG2 to PERG 5.6.9 G).

NEGOTIATING AND CONCLUDING CONTRACTS OF INSURANCE

Negotiating terms of policy on behalf of a customer with the insurance undertaking

Yes.

This activity amounts to arranging (see PERG 5.6.2 G).

Negotiating terms of policy on behalf of insurance undertaking with the customer and signing proposal form on his behalf

Yes.

These activities amount to both arranging and dealing in investments as agent.

Concluding a contract of insurance on insurance company’s behalf, for example, motor dealer who has authority to conclude insurance contract on behalf of insurance undertaking when selling a car

Yes.

A person carrying on this activity will be dealing in investments as agent. He will also be arranging (as the article 28 exclusion only applies in the limited circumstances envisaged under article 28(3)) (see PERG 5.6.12 G).

Agreeing, on behalf of a prospective policyholder, to buy a policy.

Yes.

A person who, with authority, enters into a contract of insurance on behalf of another is dealing in investments as agent under article 21, and will also be arranging.

Providing compulsory insurance as a secondary purchase

Yes. It will amount to dealing in investments as agent or arranging.

The fact that the insurance is secondary to the primary product does not alter the fact that arranging the package involves arranging the insurance.

COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS

Collection of cheque for premium from the customer at the pre-contract stage.

Yes (as part of arranging).

This activity is likely to form part of arranging. But the mere collection/receipt of premiums from the customer is unlikely, without more, to amount to arranging.

Collection of premiums at post-contract stage

No.

The mere collection of premiums from policyholders is unlikely, without more, to amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance.

MID-TERM ADJUSTMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Solicitors or licensed conveyancers discharging client instructions to assign contracts of insurance.

Not where article 67 applies.

As the assignment of rights under a contract of insurance (as opposed to the creation of new contracts of insurance) does not fall within insurance distribution45, article 67 is of potential application (see PERG 5.11.9 G to PERG 5.11.12 G).

Making mid-term adjustments to a policy, for example, property manager notifies changes to the names of the leaseholders registered as “interested parties” in the policy in respect of the property.

Yes.

Assuming the freeholder (as policyholder) is obliged under the terms of the policy to notify the insurance undertaking of changes to the identity of the leaseholders, the property manager is likely to be assisting in the administration and the performance of the contract of insurance.

TRADED ENDOWMENT POLICIES (“TEPs”)

Making introductions for the purposes of selling TEPs

Yes, unless article 72C applies.

Making introductions for these purposes is arranging unless article 72C applies (see PERG 5.6.5 G to PERG 5.6.9 G). The exclusions in article 29 (Arranging deals with or through authorised persons) and 33 (Introducing) no longer apply to arranging contracts of insurance.

Market makers in TEPs

Yes, although the exclusion in article 28 may apply.

Unauthorised market makers can continue to make use of the exclusions in articles 15 (Absence of holding out etc.) and 16 (Dealing in contractually based investments), where appropriate. In order to avoid the need for authorisation in respect of arranging they may be able to rely upon article 28 (see PERG 5.6.12 G).

ASSISTING POLICYHOLDER WITH MAKING A CLAIM

Merely providing information to the insured to help him complete a claim form

No.

Of itself, this is likely to amount to assisting in the administration but not the performance of a contract of insurance. In the FCA's view, the provision of information in these circumstances is more akin to facilitating performance of a contract of insurance rather than assisting in the performance (see PERG 5.7.3 G to PERG 5.7.5 G)

Completion of claim form on behalf of insured

Potentially.

This activity amounts to assisting in the administration of a contract of insurance. Whether this activity amounts to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance will depend upon whether a person's assistance in filling in a claims form is material to whether performance of the contractual obligation to notify a claim takes place (see PERG 5.7.2 G to PERG 5.7.3 G).

Notification of claim to insurance undertaking and helping negotiate its settlement on the policyholder's behalf

Yes.

This activity amounts to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance (see PERG 5.7.4 G).

ASSISTING INSURANCE UNDERTAKING WITH CLAIMS BY POLICYHOLDERS

Negotiation of settlement of claims on behalf of an insurance undertaking

No.

Managing claims3 on behalf of an insurance undertaking does not amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance by virtue of the exclusion in article 39B (see PERG 5.7.7 G).

Providing information to an insurance undertaking in connection with its investigation or assessment of a claim

No.

This activity does not amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance.

Loss adjusting and managing claims3 (for example, by administration outsourcing providers)

Potentially.

These activities may amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance. Article 39B excludes these activities, however, when undertaken on behalf of an insurance undertaking only (see PERG 5.7.7 G).

Providing an expert appraisal of a claim

No.

This activity does not amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance whether carried out on behalf of an insurance undertaking or otherwise.

Jeweller repairs customer’s jewellery pursuant to a policy which permits the jeweller to carry out repairs

No.

This activity does not amount to assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance. It amounts to managing claims on behalf of an insurance undertaking and so falls within the exclusion in article 39B (see PERG 5.7.7 G).

COBS 22.3.3RRP
(1) For the purposes of any assessments or certifications required by the exemptions in COBS 22.3.2R, any references in COBS 4.12B4 provisions to non-mass market investments4 must be read as though they are references to contingent convertible instruments or CoCo funds, as relevant.(2) [deleted]4(3) The firm must give the retail client a written copy of any statements that individual has been asked to sign as part of certification as a high net worth, sophisticated or self-certified
DISP 1.2.2ARRP
If an MCD credit intermediary has, before or at the point of sale, provided an eligible complainant with appropriate information in a durable medium about their internal procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints pursuant to another rule, the MCD credit intermediary need not refer to the availability of that information again under DISP 1.2.1R(2)(b).9
CASS 7.19.25RRP
The records maintained under this section, including the sub-pool disclosure documents, are a record of the firm that must be kept in a durable medium for at least five years following the date on which client money was last held by the firm for a sub-pool to which those records or the sub-pool disclosure document applied.
COBS 8.1.3RRP
(1) A firm must, in good time before a client3 is bound by any agreement relating to designated investment business3 or before the provision of those services, whichever is the earlier, provide that client with:(a) the terms of any such agreement; and(b) the information about the firm and its services relating to that agreement or to those services required by COBS 6.1.4 R, including information on communications, conflicts of interest and authorised status.(2) A firm must provide
PERG 7.5.1GRP
To decide whether the exclusion in article 54 applies, three assessments need to be made:(1) first, an assessment whether the vehicle for giving the advice is a newspaper, journal, magazine or other periodical publication, a service comprising regularly updated news or information or a service consisting of the broadcast or transmission of television or radio programmes;(2) second, an assessment of the purpose or purposes of any particular publication or service; and(3) third,
COBS 16.2.1RRP
(1) If a firm has carried out an order in the course of its designated investment business on behalf of a client, it must:(a) promptly provide the client, in a durable medium, with the essential information concerning the execution of the order;(b) in the case of a retail client, send the client a notice in a durable medium confirming the execution of the order and such of the trade confirmation information (COBS 16 Annex 1R) 2as is applicable: (i) as soon as possible and no later