On 9th August 2022 we wrote regarding the changes coming to the Appointed Representative Regime specifically outlining the new rules for Principal firms, the two main areas of change and the outcome the FCA are looking for. The new rules will take effect on 8 December 2022.
One of the two mains areas of change as detailed in the policy statement PS22/11 is the collecting of additional information on ARs and strengthening requirements for Principal firms. A summary of the final rules and notification requirements can be found in section 2.81 of the policy statement.
As part of improved reporting requirements, the FCA will be sending Principal firms a Section 165 data request in December.
Firms will have 60 days to respond and provide the following information about its ARs:
- reasons for any appointments
- nature of regulated business
- whether they conduct any unregulated business
- anticipated revenue
- nature of financial arrangements between principal and AR
- complaints information and whether the AR is part of a group.
FCS Transitional Arrangements
Steve Bailey Compliance Update
As you will be aware the Financial Services Authority ceased to be and the Financial Conduct Authority took over the regulation of financial advice firms on 01 April 2013.
The FSA issued PS13/05 last week which includes updated rules and transition arrangements. The policy statement itself is 88 pages but the ‘appendix (3)’ that accompanies it is a mere 1990 pages so you must excuse us for not as yet absorbing every word. The document can be seen here.