Qualifying for authorisation under the Act

Part

SUP Supervision manual

Chapter

Qualifying for authorisation under the Act

Printed on: 06/11/2024

Rulebook at: 06/11/2008

SUP 13A

Qualifying for authorisation under the Act

SUP 13A.1

Application and purpose

01/02/2006

Application

SUP 13A.1.1

(1) This chapter applies to an EEA firm that wishes to exercise an entitlement to establish a branch in, or provide cross border services into, the United Kingdom under a Single Market Directive. (The Act refers to such an entitlement as an EEA right and its exercise is referred to in the Handbook as "passporting".) (See SUP App 3 (Guidance on passporting issues) for further guidance on passporting.)

(2) This chapter also applies to:

(a) a Treaty firm that wishes to exercise rights under the Treaty in respect of regulated activities not covered by the Single Market Directives and qualify for authorisation under Schedule 4 to the Act (Treaty Rights); and

(b) a UCITS qualifier, that is, an operator, trustee or depositary of a recognised collective investment scheme, constituted in another EEA State, and which qualifies for authorisation under Schedule 5 to the Act (Persons concerned in collective investment schemes).

(3) The provisions implementing the Single Market Directives are within the coordinated field (see PERG 2.9.18G (1)). So, where an incoming ECA provider intends to provide electronic commerce activity that consists of activities that fall within one of the Single Market Directives, the passporting requirements on exercising an EEA right in this chapter will apply.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.1.2

This chapter does not apply to:

(1) an EEA firm that wishes to carry on in the United Kingdom activities which are outside the scope of its EEA right and the scope of a permission granted under Schedule 4 to the Act; in this case the EEA firm requires a "top-up permission" under Part IV of the Act (see the FSA website "How do I get authorised": http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/how/index.shtml); or
(2) an EEA firm that carries on any insurance activity:

(a) by the provision of services; and
(b) pursuant to a community co-insurance operation in which the firm is participating otherwise than as leading insurer (see Article 11 of the Regulated Activities Order); or

(3) a Treaty firm that wishes to provide electronic commerce activities into the United Kingdom; or
(4) a market operator that operates a regulated market or an MTF in an EEA State other than the UK and wishes to make appropriate arrangements so as to facilitate access to and use of its system by remote users or participants in the UK. See SUP App 3.6.25 G for guidance.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.1.3

(1) Under the Gibraltar Order made under section 409 of the Act, a Gibraltar firm is treated as an EEA firm under Schedule 3 to the Act if it is:

(a) authorised in Gibraltar under the Insurance Directives; or
(b) authorised in Gibraltar under the Banking Consolidation Directive; or
(c) authorised in Gibraltar under the Insurance Mediation Directive; or
(d) authorised in Gibraltar under the MiFID.

(1A) Similarly, an EEA firm which:

(a) has satisfied the Gibraltar establishment conditions and has established a branch in the UK; or
(b) has satisfied the Gibraltar service conditions and is providing cross border services into the UK;

is treated as having satisfied the establishment conditions or service conditions (as appropriate) under Schedule 3 to the Act. Regulations 4 to 7 of the EEA Passport Rights Regulations will apply to the establishment of the branch or the provision of cross border services.
(2) Gibraltar insurance companies, credit institutions, insurance intermediaries and investment firms are allowed to passport their services into the United Kingdom if they comply with the relevant notification procedures. So, any references in this chapter to EEA State or EEA right include references to Gibraltar and the entitlement under the Gibraltar Order where appropriate.
(3) [deleted]

01/11/2007

Purpose

SUP 13A.1.4

(1) This chapter explains how an EEA firm and a Treaty firm can qualify for authorisation under Schedules 3 and 4 to the Act and how a UCITS qualifier is authorised under Schedule 5 to the Act.

(2) This chapter also provides guidance on Schedule 3 to the Act for an incoming EEA firm that wishes to establish a branch in the United Kingdom instead of, or in addition to, providing cross border services into the United Kingdom or vice versa.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.1.5

(1) EEA firms should note that this chapter only addresses the procedures which the FSA will follow under the Act after it has received a consent notice or been notified of an EEA firm's intentions by its Home State regulator. So, an EEA firm should consider this guidance in conjunction with the requirements with which it will have to comply in its Home State.

(2) The guidance in this chapter represents the FSA's interpretation of the Single Market Directives, the Act and the secondary legislation made under the Act. The guidance is not exhaustive and should not be seen as a substitute for a person consulting the legislation or taking legal advice.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.2

EEA firms and Treaty firms

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.2.1

A person will only be an EEA firm or a Treaty firm if it has its head office in an EEA State other than the United Kingdom. EEA firms and Treaty firms are entitled to exercise both the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services under the Treaty. The difference, however, is that an EEA firm has a right to passport under a Single Market Directive, whereas a Treaty firm carries on activities which do not fall within the scope of a Single Market Directive. An EEA firm may also be a Treaty firm if it carries on such activities. A person may be a Treaty firm, where, for example, it carries on business that:

(1) comprises regulated activities, such as reinsurance, which are not covered by any Single Market Directive; or

(2) includes regulated activities which do not fall within the scope of the Single Market Directive under which it is entitled to exercise an EEA right.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.2.2

An EEA firm may passport those activities which fall within the scope of the relevant Single Market Directiveas long as they are included in its Home State authorisation.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3

Qualifications for authorisation under the Act

01/02/2006

EEA firms

SUP 13A.3.1

Section 31 of the Act (Authorised persons) states that an EEA firm is authorised for the purposes of the Act if it qualifies for authorisation under Schedule 3 to the Act (EEA Passport Rights). Under paragraph 12 of Part II of that Schedule, an EEA firmqualifies for authorisation if:

(1) it is seeking to establish a branch in the United Kingdom in exercise of an EEA right and satisfies the establishment conditions (see SUP 13A.4.1 G and SUP 13A.4.2 G); or

(2) it is seeking to provide cross border services into the United Kingdom in exercise of an EEA right and satisfies the service conditions (see SUP 13A.5.3 G).

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.1A

If an EEA MiFID investment firm seeks to use a tied agent established in the UK, the EEA MiFID investment firm will be treated as if it were seeking to establish a branch and must satisfy the establishment conditions (see SUP 13A.4.1 G).

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.3.2

(1) On qualifying for authorisation, subject to SUP 13A.3.2G (2), an EEA firmwill have permission to carry on each permitted activity (see (3) below) which is a regulated activity.

(2)

(a) Paragraph (1) does not apply to the activity of dealing in units in a collective investment scheme in the United Kingdom where:

(i) the firm is an EEA UCITS management company;

(ii) the firm satisfies the establishment conditions in SUP 13A.4.1 G; and

(iii) the FSA notifies the EEA firm and the EEA firm's Home State regulator that the way in which it intends to market a relevant scheme in the United Kingdom does not comply with the law in force in the United Kingdom.

(b) The FSA's notice under (2)(a)(iii) has to be given to the EEA firm within two months of receiving the consent notice (see paragraph 13(1) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act) and will be similar to a warning notice.

(c) For details of the FSA's procedures for the giving of warning noticessee DEPP 2 (Statutory notices and allocation of decision making).

(3) The permitted activities of an EEA firmare those activities identified in the consent notice, regulator's notice or notice of intention. Permitted activities may include activities that are within the scope of a Single Market Directive but which are unregulated activities in the United Kingdom.

(4) The permission will be treated as being on terms equivalent to those appearing in the consent notice, regulator's notice or notice of intention. For example, it will reflect any limitations or requirements which are included in the firm's Home State authorisation.

28/08/2007

SUP 13A.3.3

An EEA firm which has qualified for authorisation is referred to in the Handbook as an incoming EEA firm.

01/02/2006

Treaty firms

SUP 13A.3.4

Under section 31 of the Act, a Treaty firm is authorised for the purposes of the Act if it qualifies for authorisation under Schedule 4 (Treaty Rights), that is:

(1) the Treaty firm is seeking to carry on a regulated activity; and

(2) the conditions set out in paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 4 to the Act are satisfied.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.5

On qualifying for authorisation a Treaty firm will have permission to carry on each permitted activity which is a regulated activity. This permission will be treated on the same terms as those which apply to the Treaty firm's Home State authorisation. For example, it will reflect any limitations or requirements which are included in the firm's Home State authorisation.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.6

The effect of paragraph 5(1) and 5(2) of Schedule 4 to the Act is that a Treaty firm which qualifies for authorisation under that Schedule must, at least seven days before it carries on any of the regulated activities covered by its permission, give the FSA written notice of its intention to do so. Failure to do so is a criminal offence under paragraph 6(1) of that Schedule.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.7

(1) A written notice from a Treaty firm under paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 4 to the Act must be:

(a) given to a member of, or addressed for the attention of, the Authorisation Department; and

(b) delivered to the FSA by one of the methods in (2).

(2) The written notice may be delivered by:

(a) post to the address in SUP 13A.3.9 G below; or

(b) leaving the application at the address in SUP 13A.3.9 G below and obtaining a time-stamped receipt; or

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.8

The written notice required by paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 4 to the Act should be accompanied by confirmation of the Treaty firm's authorisation from the Home State regulator, as referred to in paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 4 to the Act.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.9

(1) For further information, a Treaty firm may contact the Authorisation Department:

(a) telephone on +4420 7066 3954; or

(b) write to: Authorisation Department, The Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HS; or

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.10

(1) The guidance in PERG 2 is relevant to Treaty firms to help them determine if they require authorisation under the Act.

(2) A Treaty firm which qualifies for authorisation is referred to in the Handbook as an incoming Treaty firm.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.11

(1) An EEA firm that is carrying on both direct insurance and reinsurance business will be entitled to passport under Schedule 3 to the Act in relation to the direct insurance business. It will also have a Treaty right under Schedule 4 to the Act. Such EEA firms are advised to discuss their particular circumstances with the Authorisation Department before sending in their notification under paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 4 to the Act (see SUP 13A.3.6 G).

(2) An insurance company with its head office in an EEA State other than the United Kingdom that is carrying on pure reinsurancebusiness in that State, and which wishes to carry on such business in the United Kingdom, is advised to discuss its particular requirements with the Authorisation Department. It may be entitled to exercise a Treaty right provided it satisfies the conditions in paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 4 to the Act (see SUP 13A.3.4 G). Otherwise, it will have to seek a Part IV permission (see the FSA website "How do I get authorised": http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/how/index.shtml).

06/10/2007

UCITS qualifiers

SUP 13A.3.12

Under Schedule 5 to the Act (Persons concerned in collective investment schemes), a person who for the time being is an operator, trustee or depositary of a scheme which is a recognised scheme under section 264 of the Act is an authorised person. Such a person is referred to in the Handbook as a UCITS qualifier.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.13

A UCITS qualifier has permission under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5 to the Act, to carry on, as far as is appropriate to the capacity in which it acts in relation to the scheme:

(1) the regulated activity of establishing, operating or winding up a collective investment scheme; and

(2) any activity in connection with, or for the purposes of, the scheme.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.3.14

A UCITS qualifier should refer to COLLG or to the following sections of COLLand CISfor requirements for recognised schemes:

(1) COLL 9.2.1 G and CIS 16.1.8 G for guidance on notifications;

(2) COLL 9.2.1 G and CIS 17.2 for guidance on information and documentation requirements; and

(3) COLL 9.4 and CIS 17.4 which includes guidance on what facilities need to be maintained.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.4

EEA firms establishing a branch in the United Kingdom

01/02/2006

The conditions for establishing a branch

SUP 13A.4.1

(1) Before an EEA firmexercises an EEA right to establish a branch in the United Kingdom other than under the Insurance Mediation Directive, the Act requires it to satisfy the establishment conditions, as set out in paragraph 13(1) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph 13(1)(b)(iii) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act, the information to be included in the consent notice has been prescribed under regulation 2 of the EEA Passport Rights Regulations.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.4.2

Where an EEA firm exercises its EEA right to establish a branch in the United Kingdom under the Insurance Mediation Directive, the Act requires it to satisfy the establishment conditions, as set out in paragraph 13(1A) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.4.3

For the purposes of paragraph 13(2)(b) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act, the applicable provisions may include FSA rules. The EEA firm is required to comply with relevant rules when carrying on a passported activity through a branch in the United Kingdom as well as with relevant UK legislation.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.4.3A

Guidance on the matters that are reserved to a firm's Home State regulator is located in SUP 13A Annex 2.

01/11/2007

The notification procedure

SUP 13A.4.4

(1) When the FSA receives a consent notice from the EEA firm's Home State regulator, it will, under paragraphs 13(2)(b), (c) and 13(3) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act, notify the applicable provisions (if any) to:

(a) the EEA firm; and

(b) in the case of an EEA firm passporting under the Insurance Directives, the Home State regulator;

within two months of the notice date.

(1A) The notice date is:

(a) for a MiFID investment firm, the date on which the Home State gave the consent notice; and

(b) in any other case, the date on which the FSA received the consent notice.

(2) Although the FSA is not required to notify the applicable provisions to an EEA firm passporting under the Insurance Mediation Directive, these provisions are set out in SUP 13A Annex 1 (Application of the Handbook to Incoming EEA Firms).

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.5

EEA firms providing cross border services into the United Kingdom

01/02/2006

Is the service provided within the United Kingdom?

SUP 13A.5.1

There is guidance for UK firms in SUP Appendix 3.6 on when a service is provided cross border. EEA firms may find this of interest although they should follow the guidance of their Home State regulators.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.5.2

An EEA firmshould note that the requirement under the Single Market Directives to give a notice of intention to provide cross border services applies whether or not:

(1) it has established a branch in the United Kingdom; or

(2) those cross border services are regulated activities.

01/02/2006

The conditions for providing cross border services into the United Kingdom

SUP 13A.5.3

(1) Before an EEA firm exercises an EEA right to provide cross border services into the United Kingdom, the Act requires it to satisfy the service conditions, as set out in paragraph 14 of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph 14(1)(b) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act, the information to be contained in the regulator's notice has been prescribed under regulation 3 of the EEA Passport Rights Regulations.

01/02/2006

The notification procedure

SUP 13A.5.4

(1) Unless the EEA firmis passporting under the Insurance Mediation Directive, if the FSA receives a regulator's notice or, where no notice is required (in the case of an EEA firm passporting under the Banking Consolidation Directive), is informed of the EEA firm's intention to provide cross border services into the United Kingdom, the FSA will, under paragraphs 14(2)(b) and 14(3) of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act, notify the EEA firm of the applicable provisions (if any) within two months of the day on which the FSA received the regulator's notice or was informed of the EEA firm's intention.

(2) Although the FSA is not required to notify the applicable provisions to an EEA Firm passporting under the Insurance Mediation Directive, these provisions are set out in SUP 13A Annex 1 (Application of the Handbook to Incoming EEA Firms).

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.5.5

An EEA firm that has satisfied the service conditions in paragraph 14 of Part II of Schedule 3 to the Act is entitled to start providing cross border services into the United Kingdom. However, an EEA firm that wishes to start providing cross border services but has not yet received notification of the applicable provisions may wish to contact the FSA's Passport Notifications Unit (see SUP 13A.8.1G (2)).

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.6

Which rules will an incoming EEA firm be subject to?

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.6.1

(1) SUP 13A Annex 1 summarises how the Handbook applies to incoming EEA firms.

(2) SUP 13A Annex 2 summarises the matters that are reserved to a firm's Home State regulator.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.6.2

An incoming EEA firmor incoming Treaty firm carrying on business in the United Kingdom must comply with the applicable provisions (see SUP 13A.4.4 G and SUP 13A.5.4 G) and other relevant UK legislation. For example where the business includes:

(1) business covered by the Consumer Credit Act 1974, then an incoming EEA firm or incoming Treaty firm must comply with the provisions of that Act, as modified by paragraph 15(3) of Schedule 3 to the Act; or

(2) effecting or carrying out contracts covering motor vehicle third party liability risks as part of direct insurance business, then an incoming EEA firm or incoming Treaty firm is required to become a member of the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.6.3

In particular, an EEA firmor Treaty firm must comply with the applicable provisions in SUP 10 (Approved persons). An EEA firm or Treaty firm should also refer to SUP 10.1 (Application) which sets out the territorial provisions of the approved persons regime.

06/10/2007

SUP 13A.6.4

Under the EEA Passport Rights Regulations, references in section 60 of the Act (applications for approval for persons to perform controlled functions) to "the authorised person concerned" include:

(1) an EEA MiFID investment firm whose Home State regulator has given a consent notice under paragraph 13 of Schedule 3 to the Act (see SUP 13A.4.1G (1) and SUP 13A.4.2 G) or a regulator's notice under paragraph 14 of that Schedule (see SUP 13A.5.3G (1)), and which will be the authorised person concerned if the EEA firm qualifies for authorisation under that Schedule; and

(2) any other EEA firm with respect to which the FSA has received a consent notice or regulator's notice under paragraph 13 of Schedule 3 to the Act (see SUP 13A.4.1G (1) and SUP 13A.4.2 G) or a regulator's notice under paragraph 14 of that Schedule (see SUP 13A.5.3G (1)), and which will be the authorised person concerned if the EEA firm qualifies for authorisation under that Schedule.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.6.5

SUP 13A Annex 1 does not apply to incoming ECA providers acting as such.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.7

Top-up permission

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.7.1

If a person established in the EEA:

(1) does not have an EEA right;

(2) does not have permission as a UCITS qualifier; and

(3) does not have, or does not wish to exercise, a Treaty right (see SUP 13A.3.4 G to SUP 13A.3.11 G);

to carry on a particular regulated activity in the United Kingdom, it must seek Part IV permission from the FSA to do so (see the FSA website "How do I get authorised": http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/how/index.shtml ). This might arise if the activity itself is outside the scope of the Single Market Directives, or where the activity is included in the scope of a Single Market Directive but is not covered by the EEA firm's Home State authorisation. If a person also qualifies for authorisation under Schedules 3, 4 or 5 of the Act as a result of its other activities, the Part IV permission is referred to in the Handbook as a top-up permission.

06/10/2007

SUP 13A.7.2

Where the FSA grants a top-up permission to an incoming EEA firm to carry on regulated activities for which it has neither an EEA right nor a Treaty right, the FSA is responsible for the prudential supervision of the incoming EEA firm, to the extent that the responsibility is not reserved to the incoming EEA firm's Home State regulator.

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.7.4

For guidance on how to apply for Part IV permission under the Act, see the FSA website "How do I get authorised": http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/how/index.shtml. If an EEA firm or Treaty firm wishes to make any subsequent changes to its top-up permission, it can make an application for variation of that permission (see SUP 6 (Applications to vary and cancel Part IV permission)).

06/10/2007

SUP 13A.8

Sources of further information

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.8.1

For further information on UK regulation, an EEA firm, a Treaty firm or a UCITS qualifier should contact the Perimeter Guidance team at the FSA. Questions about the passporting notification procedures can be addressed to the Passport Notifications Unit.

(1) To contact the Perimeter Guidance team:

(a) telephone on +44 20 7066 0082 or fax on +44 20 7066 9719;

(b) write to: Perimeter Guidance team, The Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS.

(2) To contact the Passport Notifications Unit:

(a) telephone on +44 20 7066 1000 or fax on +44 20 7066 9798;

(b) write to: Passport Notifications Unit, The Financial Services Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS;

01/02/2006

SUP 13A.9

The precautionary measure rule for incoming EEA firms

01/11/2007

Application

SUP 13A.9.1

(1) The precautionary measure rule (SUP 13A.9.2 R) applies to an incoming EEA firm which:

(a) is authorised by a home state regulator with respect to its MiFID business; or

(b) has a top-up permission which covers MiFID business;

but which is not subject to provisions adopted by the Home State which transpose, in full, MiFID or the MiFID implementing Directive.

(2) The precautionary measure rule applies:

(a) with respect to the regulated activities carried on by the firm in the United Kingdom; and

(b) to the extent that the firm is not subject to provisions which are comparable to provisions transposing MiFID or the MiFID implementing Directive.

(3) This section (SUP 13A.9) is effective from 1 November 2007 until 31 October 2008.

01/11/2007

The precautionary measure rule

SUP 13A.9.2

(1) A firm must comply with standards which are comparable to those required by the provisions of MiFID and the MiFID implementing Directive specified in rows (1) and (4) of the table in SUP 13A.9.3 R.

(2) An MTF must also comply with standards in row (2).

(3) The following firms must also comply with standards in row (3):

(a) a systematic internaliser;

(b) a firm, which, either on its own account or on behalf of clients, concludes transactions in shares admitted to trading on a regulated market outside a regulated market or MTF (see MAR 7.1.2 R).

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.9.3

Table: MiFID provisions for incoming EEA firms

Articles of MiFID or the MiFID implementing directive

Articles 13(3) and (6), 18 to 22 and 24 and Annex II of MiFID

Articles 12, 14, 26, 29 and 30 of MiFID

Articles 27 and 28 of MiFID

All related Articles of MiFID and the MiFID implementing Directive

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.9.4

(1) A firm should comply with the provisions of the Handbook which transpose the provisions of MiFID and the MiFID implementing Directive referred to in SUP 13A.9.3 R (even if they are expressed not to apply to an incoming EEA firm).

(2) Compliance with (1) may be relied upon as tending to establish compliance with the precautionary measure rule.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A.9.5

(1) The purpose of the precautionary measure rule is to ensure that an incoming EEA firm is subject to the standards of MiFID and the MiFID implementing Directive to the extent that the Home State has not transposed MiFID or the MiFID implementing Directive by 1 November 2007. It is to 'fill a gap'.

(2) The rule is made in the light of the duty of the United Kingdom under Article 62 of MiFID to adopt precautionary measures to protect investors.

(3) The rule will be effective for 12 months only; it reflects the scope of the Regulated Activities Order (including, for example, the overseas persons exclusion); and it allows for the possibility of a partial transposition by the Home State.

(4) An indication of the Handbook provisions which transpose MiFID and the MiFID implementing Directive can be found in the websites http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/C/7/transfinal1b120707.pdf and http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/C/E/transfinal2b120707.pdf. For the purposes of the precautionary measure rule, the principal provisions are the rules in COBS (including in particular those relating to inducements in COBS 2.3) and the conflicts and record keeping provisions in SYSC.

(5) The provisions applying to an incoming EEA firm are set out in SUP 13A Annex 1. The effect of SUP 13A.9.4E (1) is that some of the provisions which are expressed as not applying may need to be applied by a firm in order to meet a MiFID standard.

01/11/2007

SUP 13A Annex 1

Application of the Handbook to Incoming EEA Firms

01/02/2006

1. The table below summarises the application of the Handbook to an incoming EEA firm. Where the table indicates that a particular module of the Handbook may apply, its application in relation to any particular activity is dependent on the detailed application provisions in that module. The table does not apply to incoming ECA providers. These should refer to COBS 1 Annex 1 Part 3 section 7 for guidance on how COBS applies to them.

2. In some cases, the application of the Handbook depends on whether responsibility for a matter is reserved under a European Community instrument to the incoming EEA firm's Home State regulator. Guidance on the reservation of responsibility is contained in SUP 13A Annex 2 (Matters reserved to a Home State regulator). Guidance on the territorial application of MiFID is contained in PERG 13.6 and PERG 13.7 and SUP 13A Annex 2.

3. For an incoming EEA firm which has permission for cross-border services only, many parts of the Handbook apply only if the firm carries on regulated activities in the United Kingdom. Those parts of the Handbook will therefore not apply if the firm confines its activities to those within the overseas persons exclusions in article 72 of the Regulated Activities Order, or which would not be regarded as carried on in the United Kingdom. Further guidance may be found in PERG 2.4 (Link between activities and the United Kingdom) and PERG 2.9.15 G to PERG 2.9.17 G (Overseas persons).

(1) Module of Handbook

(2) Potential application to an incoming EEA firm with respect to activities carried on from an establishment of the firm (or its appointed representative) in the United Kingdom

(3) Potential application to an incoming EEA firm with respect to activities carried on other than from an establishment of the firm (or its appointed representative) in the United Kingdom

PRIN

The Principles apply only in so far as responsibility for the matter in question is not reserved by a European Community instrument to the firm's Home State regulator (PRIN 3.1.1 R (1)).
For an incoming EEA firm which is a BCD credit institution without a top-up permission, Principle 4 applies only in relation to the liquidity of a branch established in the United Kingdom (PRIN 3.1.1 R (2)).

The Principles do not apply if the firm has permission only for cross-border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom (PRIN 3.1.1 R (2)).
The Principles have limited application for activities which are not carried on from a UK establishment (see PRIN 3.1.1 R).
Otherwise, see column (2).

SYSC

SYSC 1 contains application provisions only. SYSC 2 and SYSC 3 apply as set out in SYSC 1.1.1 R (1):
(1) SYSC 2.1.1 R (1) and SYSC 2.1.2 G do not apply;
(2) SYSC 2.1.3 R to SYSC 2.2.3 G apply, but only in relation to allocation of the function in SYSC 2.1.3 R (2) and only in so far as responsibility for the matter in question is not reserved by a European Community instrument to the firm's Home State regulator; and
(3) SYSC 3 applies, but only in so far as responsibility for the matter in question is not reserved by a European Community instrument to the firm's Home State regulator. SYSC 1.1.7 R (Where?) further restricts the territorial application of SYSC 1 to SYSC 3 for an incoming EEA firm. Further guidance is contained in SYSC 2.1.6 G, Question 12. SYSC 18 applies to the extent that the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 applies to the firm.
The common platform requirements in SYSC 4 - 10 apply as set out in SYSC 1.3.1 R and SYSC 1.3.1B G.
SYSC 1.3.1B G states that whilst the common platform requirements do not generally apply to incoming EEA firms, EEA MiFID investment firms must comply with the common platform record-keeping requirements in relation to a branch in the United Kingdom.
SYSC 9 applies to activities carried on from an establishment in the United Kingdom, unless another applicable rule which is relevant to the activity has a wider territorial scope, in which case the common platform record-keeping requirements apply with that wider scope in relation to the activity described in that rule ( SYSC 1.3.10A R).
SYSC 11 applies to an incoming EEA firm which:
(1) is a full BCD credit institution; and
(2) has a branch in the United Kingdom (SYSC 11.1.1R (3)).
SYSC 12 does not apply (SYSC 12.1.3 R).
SYSC 13 does not apply (SYSC 13.1.1 G).
SYSC 14 does not apply (SYSC 14.1.1 R).
SYSC 15 does not apply (SYSC 15.1.1 G).
SYSC 16 does not apply (SYSC 16.1.1 G).
SYSC 17 does not apply (SYSC 17.1.1 G).
SYSC 18 applies.

SYSC 1 to SYSC 3 do not apply if the firm has permission only for cross-border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom ( SYSC 1.1.1 R (2)). SYSC 1 to SYSC 3 have limited application for activities which are not carried on from a UK establishment (see SYSC 1.1.7 R).
Otherwise, see column (2).
The common platform requirements in SYSC 4 - SYSC 10 apply as set out in SYSC 1.3.1 R and SYSC 1.3.1B G.
SYSC 9 does not apply.
SYSC 11 - SYSC 17 do not apply.
SYSC 18 SYSC 18 applies.

COND

COND does not apply if the firm does not have, or apply for, a top-up permission.
Otherwise, only threshold conditions 1, 3, 4 and 5 apply and only in so far as relevant to:
(1) an application for a top-up permission under Part IV of the Act (that is, a permission to carry on regulated activities in addition to those permitted through its authorisation under Schedule 3 to the Act (EEA Passport Rights)); and
(2) the exercise of the FSA's own-initiative power in relation to the top-up permission. (COND 1.1.1 G.)

As column (2).

APER

APER applies to approved persons (APER 1.1.1 G). See below under SUP 10 as to whether controlled functions are performed, and approval therefore required.

Not relevant because SUP 10 does not apply.

FIT

FIT applies to a firm wishing to establish a branch in the United Kingdom or to apply for a top-up permission in respect of any application that it makes for the approval of a person to perform a controlled function (FIT 1.1). See under SUP 10 below as to whether such approval is required.
FIT applies in a limited way in relation to an incoming MiFID investment firm (see FIT 1.2.4A G).

Does not apply.

GEN

GEN applies (GEN 1.1, GEN 2.1, GEN 3.1, GEN 4.1, GEN 5.1 and GEN 6.1). However, (a) GEN 4 does not apply to the extent that the firm is subject to equivalent rules imposed by its Home State (GEN 4.1.1 R (3)), and (b) GEN 6 only applies to business that can be regulated undersection 138 of the Act (General rule-making power). It does not therefore apply if, or to the extent that, responsibility has been reserved to an incoming firm's Home State regulator by a European Community instrument. Only GEN 4.5 applies in relation to MiFID or equivalent third country business (see GEN 4.1.1 R).

GEN 4 does not apply if the firm has permission only for cross-border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom (see GEN 4.1.1 R).
The general licence to use or reproduce the FSA logo in GEN 5 Annex 1 G does not apply (see 3.1(1) of GEN 5 Annex 1 G).
Otherwise, as column (2).

GENPRU

GENPRU applies only to the firm's branch in the United Kingdom in relation to liquidity risk only (GENPRU 1.2.3 R and GENPRU 1.2.21 G).

Does not apply if the firm has permission only for cross border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom.

BIPRU

BIPRU does not apply as EEA firms are subject to the prudential standards of their home state regulator (BIPRU 1.1.7 R and BIPRU 1.1.9 G).

Does not apply if the firm has permission only for cross border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom.

MIPRU

MIPRU 1 (Application and general provisions) does not apply unless the firm has a top-up permission.
MIPRU 2 (Responsibility for insurance mediation activity) does not apply unless the firm has a top-up permission.
MIPRU 3 (Requirement to hold professional indemnity insurance) does not apply unless the firm has a top-up permission.
MIPRU 4 (Requirement to hold capital resources) does not apply unless the firm has a top-up permission.
See MIPRU 4.1.2 G for more detailed guidance.
MIPRU 5 (Insurance undertakings and mortgage lenders using insurance or mortgage mediation services) does not apply unless the firm has a top-up permission.

As column (2)

INSPRU

INSPRU does not apply unless the firm is an insurer to which INSPRU 1.5.33R applies.

IPRU(BANK)

Only the following apply, and only if the firm is a credit institution other than an electronic money institution within the meaning of article 1(3)(a) of the E-Money Directive that has the right to benefit from the mutual recognition arrangements under the Banking Consolidation Directive (IPRU(BANK) 3.2.1R):
(1) IPRU(BANK) 3.5.1R; and
(2) IPRU(BANK) chapters LM and LS.

Does not apply. But if the firm is a credit institution whose notification to the FSA of its intention to provide services in the United Kingdom covers services provided through a branch, see column (2).

IPRU(BSOC)

Does not apply because an incoming EEA firm cannot be a building society (IPRU(BSOC) X.2.1R).

IPRU(FSOC)

Does not apply because an incoming EEA firm cannot be a friendly society (IPRU(FSOC) 1.1).

IPRU(INS)

[deleted]

IPRU(INV)

IPRU(INV) does not apply unless the firm:
(1) has a top-up permission;
(2) is an authorised professional firm, investment management firm, members' adviser, personal investment firm, securities and futures firm, service company or underwriting agent; and
(3) is not a lead regulated firm, a media firm or a BIPRU investment firm.
(IPRU(INV) 1.1.1R and 1.2R)

As column (2).

COBS

Guidance on the territorial application of COBS is contained in COBS 1 Annex 1 Part 3.

ICOBS

ICOBS applies except to the extent necessary to be compatible with European law. Guidance on the territorial application of ICOBS is contained in ICOBS 1 Annex 1 Part 4.

ICOBS does not apply, except to the extent necessary to be compatible with European law. Guidance on the territorial application of ICOBS is contained in ICOBS 1 Annex 1 Part 4.

MCOB

Applies where the activity is carried on with or for a customer resident in the United Kingdom or another EEA State at the time that the activity is carried on, but see the territorial scope in MCOB 3.3 (Application: where?).

Applies where the activity is carried on with or for a customer resident in the United Kingdom at the time that the activity is carried on but see MCOB 1.3.4 R (Distance contracts entered into from an establishment in another EEA State) and MCOB 3.3 (Application: where?).

CASS

CASS does not apply with respect to the firm's passported activities unless the firm is an insurer (CASS 1.2.3 R (2)).

As column (2).

MAR

MAR 1 (Code of market conduct)
Applies if the firm is seeking guidance as to whether or not behaviour amounts to market abuse (MAR 1.1.1 G).

MAR 1 (Code of market conduct)
As column (2).

MAR 2 (Price stabilising rules)
Applies if the firm undertakes stabilising action and wishes to show that it has acted in conformity with price stabilising rules, or that its behaviour conforms with rules in accordance with section 118A(5)(a) of the Act (Market abuse) (MAR 2.1 Application).

MAR 2 (Price stabilising rules)
Only applies in so far as the firm undertakes stabilising action and wishes to rely on a defence that it has acted in conformity with price stabilising rules, or that its behaviour conforms with rules in accordance with section 118A(5)(a) of the Act (Market abuse) (MAR 2.1 and in particular MAR 2.1.3 R).

[deleted]

MAR 4 (Endorsement of the Take-over Code)
Applies to firms whose permission includes, or ought to include, any designated investment business, except as set out in MAR 4.4.1 R.

MAR 4 (Endorsement of the Take-over Code)
Does not apply (MAR 4.4.1 R (4)(b)).

MAR 5 (Multilateral Trading Facilities)
Does not apply (MAR 5.1.1 R).

TC applies, but only in so far as responsibility for any matter it covers is not reserved by a European Community instrument to the firm's Home State regulator.

TC Appendix 1 sets out the activities to which TC applies.

TC Appendix 2 sets out the sourcebook's territorial scope.
TC Appendix 3 sets out the limitations on TC App 2.

SUP

SUP 1 (The FSA's approach to supervision)
Applies, but contains only guidance.

SUP 1 (The FSA's approach to supervision)
As column (2).

SUP 2 (Information gathering by the FSA on its own initiative)
The application of this chapter is the same as for Principle 11 (see under PRIN above).

SUP 2 (Information gathering by the FSA on its own initiative).
As column (2)

SUP 3 (Auditors)
Applies to the firm (and its auditor) only if the firm has a top-up permission.

SUP 3 (Auditors)
As column (2)

SUP 4 (Actuaries)
Does not apply.

SUP 5 (Skilled persons)
Applies only if the firm is required by the FSA to provide a report under section 166 of the Act (Reports by skilled persons).

SUP 5 (Skilled persons)
As column (2).

SUP 6 (Applications to vary and cancel Part IV permission)
Applies only if the firm has a top-up permission

SUP 6 (Applications to vary and cancel Part IV permission)
As column (2).

SUP 7 (Individual requirements)
Applies only if the firm has a top-up permission. It contains only guidance on the exercise of the FSA's own-initiative power to vary that permission. The FSA has similar, but more limited, powers of intervention under Part XIII of the Act in relation to the permission of the firm under Schedule 3 to the Act (see ENF 4).

SUP 7 (Individual requirements)
As column (2).

SUP 8 (Waiver and modification of rules)
Applies only if the firm wishes to apply for, or consent to, or has been given, a waiver of the FSA's rules (SUP 8.1.1 R).

SUP 8 (Waiver and modification of rules)
As column (2).

SUP 9 (Individual guidance)
Applies only if the firm wishes to obtain individual guidance from the FSA or if the FSA gives the firm individual guidance on its own initiative (SUP 9.1.1 G).

SUP 9 (Individual guidance)
As column (2).

SUP 10 (Approved persons)
Applies, but the applicable controlled functions are limited. See SUP 10.1 (Application) for more detailed guidance.

SUP 10 (Approved persons)
Does not apply (SUP 10.1.6 R).

SUP 11 (Controllers and close links)
Does not apply (SUP 11.1.1 R (2)).

SUP 12 (Appointed representatives)
Applies only if the firm has permission to carry on designated investment business, insurance mediation activity or mortgage mediation activity and wishes to appoint, or has appointed, an appointed representative (SUP 12.1.1 R (1)).

SUP 12 (Appointed representatives)
As column (2).

SUP 13 (Exercise of passport rights by UK firms)
Does not apply.

SUP 13A (Qualifying for authorisation under the Act)
SUP 13A applies to the firm if it:
(1) is considering carrying on activities in the United Kingdom which may fall within the scope of the Act and is seeking guidance on whether it needs a top-up permission; or
(2) is, or is considering, applying to the FSA to carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom under a top-up permission; or
(3) is, or is considering, establishing a branch or providing cross-border services into the United Kingdom using EEA rights.

SUP 13A (Qualifying for authorisation under the Act)
As column (2).

SUP 14 (Incoming EEA Firms: Changing detail and cancelling qualifications for authorisation)
Applies.

SUP 15 (Notifications to the FSA)
Applies in full if the firm has a top-up permission. Otherwise, the application is modified as set out in SUP 15 Annex 1.

SUP 15 (Notifications to the FSA)
Does not apply if the firm has permission only for cross border services and does not carry on regulated activities in the United Kingdom (SUP 15 Annex 1).
Otherwise, as column (2).

SUP 16 (Reporting requirements)
Parts of this chapter may apply if the firm has a top-up permission or if the firm is:
(a) a bank; or
(b) a depositary of an ICVC; or
(c) an OPS firm; or
(d) a trustee of an AUT; or
(e) an insurer with permission to effect or carry out life policies; or
(f) a firm with permission to establish, operate or wind up a personal pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme; or
(g) a firm with permission to advise on investments, arrange (bring about) deals in investments, make arrangements with a view to transactions in investments, or arrange safeguarding and administration of assets.
(SUP 16.1)

SUP 16 (Reporting requirements)
Parts of this chapter may apply if the firm has a top-up permission or if the firm is:
(a) a depositary of an ICVC; or
(b) an OPS firm; or
(c) a trustee of an AUT; or
(d) an insurer with permission to effect or carry out life policies; or
(e) a firm with permission to establish, operate or wind up a personal pension scheme or a stakeholder pension scheme; or
(f) a firm with permission to advise on investments, arrange (bring about) deals in investments, make arrangements with a view to transactions in investments, or arrange safeguarding and administration of assets.
(SUP 16.1)

SUP 17 (Transaction reporting)
Applies to UK branches of incoming EEA firms which are MiFID investment firms in respect of reportable transactions executed in the course of services provided, whether within in the United Kingdom and outside. (SUP 17.1.2 G and SUP 17.1.3A G)

SUP 17 (Transaction reporting)
Applies as appropriate to incoming EEA firms which are MiFID investment firms in respect of reportable transactions. (SUP 17.1.1 R and SUP 17.1.4 R).

SUP 18 (Transfers of business)
SUP 18.4 does not apply. SUP 18.1, SUP 18.2 and SUP 18.3 may be relevant if the firm proposes to transfer the whole or part of its business by an insurance business transfer scheme or to accept such a transfer or proposes to accept certain transfers of insurance business taking place outside the United Kingdom.

SUP 18 (Transfers of business)
As column (2).

SUP 20 (Fees Rules)
Applies (SUP 20.1.1 R) but modified (SUP 20.4.7 G to SUP 20.4.10 R).

SUP 20 (Fees Rules)
As column (2).

SUP App 1 (Prudential categories)
Applies and provides guidance on the prudential categories used in the Handbook.

SUP App 1 (Prudential categories)
As column (2).

SUP App 2 (Insurers: Scheme of operations)
Does not apply (SUP App 2.1.1 R).

DEPP

DEPP applies and contains a description of the FSA's procedures for taking statutory notice decisions, the FSA's policy on the imposition and amount of penalties and the conduct of interviews to which a direction under section 169(7) of the Act has been given or the FSA is considering giving.

DISP

Applies (DISP 1.1.1 G)and appliesbut in a limited way in relation to MiFID business.

Does not apply (DISP 1.1.1 G).

COMP

Applies, except in relation to the passported activities of an MiFID investment firm or a BCD credit institution (see the definition of "participant firm") other than an electronic money institution within the meaning of article 1(3)(a) of the E-Money Directive that has the right to benefit from the mutual recognition arrangements under the Banking Consolidation Directive. However, an MiFID investment firm or BCD credit institution may be able to apply for top-up cover in relation to its passported activities (see COMP 14 (Participation by EEA Firms)).

Does not apply in relation to the passported activities of an MiFID investment firm ora BCD credit institution (see the definition of "participant firm"). Otherwise, COMP may apply, but the coverage of the compensation scheme is limited for non-UK activities (see COMP 5).

COAF

Applies if the firm wishes to bring a complaint under the complaints scheme, provided the complaint meets the requirements of the complaints scheme (COAF 1.2).

As column (2).

COLL and CIS

COLL and CIS apply if the firm:
(a) is the operator or depositary of an AUT or ICVC; or
(b) wishes to apply for an authorisation order to establish an AUT or ICVC; or
(c) is the operator of a recognised scheme; or
(d) wishes to apply for recognition of a recognised scheme.

As column (2)

CRED

Does not apply.

[deleted]

ELM

ELM 6 applies.

Does not apply.

PROF

PROF applies only if the firm is an authorised professional firm.

As column (2).

REC

Does not apply.

LR (Listing Rules)
May apply if the firm is applying for listing in the United Kingdom, is a listed issuer in the United Kingdom, is a sponsor or is applying for approval as a sponsor.

LR (Listing Rules)
As column (2).

PR (Prospectus Rules)
May apply if the firm makes an offer of transferable securities to the public in the United Kingdom or is seeking the admission to trading of transferable securities on a regulated market situated or operating in the United Kingdom.

PR (Prospectus Rules)
As column (2).

DTR

DTR (Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules)
May apply if the firm is an issuer, any class of whose financial instruments have been admitted to trading on a regulated market, or are the subject of an application for admission to trading on a regulated market, other than issuers who have not requested or approved admission of their financial instruments to trading on a regulated market.

DTR (Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules)
As column (2).

EG describes the FSA's approach to exercising the main enforcement powers given to it by FSMA and by regulation 12 of the Unfair Terms Regulations. EG is a Regulatory Guide and as such does not form part of the Handbook.

31/10/2008

SUP 13A Annex 2

Matters reserved to a Home State regulator

01/11/2007

Introduction

The application of certain provisions in the Handbook to an incoming EEA firm or incoming Treaty firm depends on whether responsibility for the matter in question is reserved to the firm's Home State regulator. This annex contains guidance designed to assist such firms in understanding the application of those provisions. This annex is not concerned with the FSA's rights to take enforcement action against an incoming EEA firm or an incoming Treaty firm, which are covered in the Enforcement Guide (EG), or with the position of a firm with a top-up permission.

Requirements in the interest of the general good

The Single Market Directives, and the Treaty (as interpreted by the European Court of Justice) adopt broadly similar approaches to reserving responsibility to the Home State regulator. To summarise, the FSA, as Host State regulator, is entitled to impose requirements with respect to activities carried on within the United Kingdom if these can be justified in the interests of the "general good" and are imposed in a non-discriminatory way. This general proposition is subject to the following in relation to activities passported under the Single Market Directives:

(1)

the Single Market Directives expressly reserve responsibility for the prudential supervision of a MiFID investment firm, BCD credit institution, UCITS management company or passporting insurance undertaking to the Firm's Home State regulator. The Insurance Mediation Directivereaches the same position without expressly referring to the concept of prudential supervision. Accordingly, the FSA, as Host State regulator, is entitled to regulate only the conduct of the firm's business within the United Kingdom;

(2)

there is no "general good" provision in MiFID. Rather, MiFID states exactly what the Host State regulator regulates (see paragraphs 8 - 10);

(3)

for a BCD credit institution , the FSA, as Host State regulator, is jointly responsible with the Home State regulator under article 41of the Banking Consolidation Directive for supervision of the liquidity of a branch in the United Kingdom;

(4)

for a MiFID investment firm including a BCD credit institution which is a MiFID investment firm), the protection of clients' money and clients' assets is reserved to the Home State regulator under MiFID; and

(5)

responsibility for participation in compensation schemes for BCD credit institutions and MiFID investment firm is reserved in most cases to the Home State regulator under the Deposit Guarantee Directive and the Investor Compensation Directive.

It is necessary to refer to the case law of the European Court of Justice to interpret the concept of the "general good". To summarise, to satisfy the general good test, Host State rules must come within a field which has not been harmonised at a Community level, satisfy the general requirements that they pursue an objective of the general good, be non-discriminatory, be objectively necessary, be proportionate to the objective pursued and not already be safeguarded by rules to which the firm is subject in its Home State.

Application of SYSC 2 and SYSC 3

SYSC 2 and SYSC 3 do not apply to a UK MiFID investment firm. They only apply to an EEA MiFID investment firm on a limited basis. This is explained more fully in PERG 13.7 Q. 70 (systems and controls). See paragraph 8 below for a discussion of how the common platform requirements apply to an EEA MiFID investment firm. The FSA considers that it is entitled, in the interests of the general good, to impose the requirements in SYSC 2.1.3 R to SYSC 2.2.3 G (in relation to the allocation of the function in SYSC 2.1.3 R (2)) and SYSC 3 on an incoming EEA firm and an incoming Treaty firm; but only in so far as they relate to those categories of matter responsibility for which is not reserved to the firm's Home State regulator.

Should the FSA become aware of anything relating to an incoming EEA firm or incoming Treaty firm (whether or not relevant to a matter for which responsibility is reserved to the Home State regulator), the FSA may disclose it to the Home State regulator in accordance with any applicable directive and the applicable restrictions in Part XXIII of the Act (Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation).

This Annex represents the FSA's views, but a firm is also advised to consult the relevant European Community instrument and, where necessary, seek legal advice. The views of the European Commission in the banking and insurance sectors are contained in two Commission Interpretative Communications (Nos. 97/C209/04 and C(1999)5046).

Examples of how the FSA considers that SYSC 3 will apply in practice to an incoming EEA firm are as follows:

(1)

The Prudential Standards part of the Handbook (with the exception of INSPRU 1.5.33 R on the payment of financial penalties and the Interim Prudential sourcebook (insurers) (IPRU (INS)) (rules 3.6 and 3.7) do not apply to an insurer which is an incoming EEA firm. Similarly, SYSC 3 does not require such a firm:

(a)

to establish systems and controls in relation to financial resources (SYSC 3.1.1 R); or

(b)

to establish systems and controls for compliance with that Prudential Standards part of the Handbook (SYSC 3.2.6 R); or

(c)

to make and retain records in relation to financial resources (SYSC 3.2.20 R).

(2)

The Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS) applies to an incoming EEA firm. Similarly, SYSC 3does require such a firm:

(a)

to establish systems and controls in relation to those aspects of the conduct of its business covered by applicable sections of COBS (SYSC 3.1.1 R);

(b)

to establish systems and controls for compliance with the applicable sections of COBS (SYSC 3.2.6 R); and

(c)

to make and retain records in relation to those aspects of the conduct of its business (SYSC 3.2.20 R).

See also Question 12 in SYSC 2.1.6 Gfor guidance on the application of SYSC 2.1.3 R (2)

Application of the common platform requirements in SYSC

Whilst the common platform requirements (located in SYSC 4 - SYSC 10) do not generally apply to incoming EEA firms, EEA MiFID investment firms must comply with the common platform record-keeping requirements in relation to a branch in the United Kingdom.

Requirements under MiFID

Article 31(1) of MiFID prohibits Member States from imposing additional requirements on a MiFID investment firm in relation to matters covered by MiFID if the firm is providing services on a cross-border basis. Such firms will be supervised by their Home State regulator.

10.

Article 32 of MiFID requires the FSA as the Host State regulator to apply certain obligations to an incoming EEA firm with an establishment in the UK. In summary, these are Articles:

(1)

19 (conduct of business obligations);

(2)

21 (execution of orders on terms most favourable to the client);

(3)

22 (client order handling);

(4)

25 (upholding the integrity of markets, reporting transactions and maintaining records);

(5)

27 (making public firm quotes); and

(6)

28 (post-trade disclosure).

The remaining obligations under MiFID are reserved to the Home State regulator.

11.

MiFID is more highly harmonising than other Single Market Directives. Article 4 of the MiFID implementing Directive permits Member States to impose additional requirements only where certain tests are met. The FSA has made certain requirements that fall within the scope of Article 4. These requirements apply to an EEA MiFID investment firm with an establishment in the United Kingdom as they apply to a UK MiFID investment firm.

11L

Under article 34(2) of the MCD, ensuring compliance with the obligations in articles 7(1), 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22 and 39 of the MCD by incoming EEA branches is the responsibility of the Host State. Responsibilities for ensuring compliance with all other obligations are the responsibility of the Home State.

11M

Ensuring compliance with the obligations in articles 7(1), 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22 and 39 of the MCD by EEA firms providing cross border services is the responsibility of the Home State.

12.

Further guidance on the territorial application of the Handbook can be found at PERG 13.6 and PERG 13.7.

01/11/2007