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Presented by:
Ian Fletcher FCA
www.the2020group.com
FCA Update – September 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
The current requirements with which an authorised person, and an approved person, must comply are set out
in the Financial Services and Market Acts 2000, the regulations made under that Act and the rules in the FCA
Handbook. Under that Act, FCA are given the power to give guidance – and they do so extensively in the
Handbook. FCA call this ‘general guidance’. FCA also give guidance to particular firms in their particular
circumstances. They call this ‘individual guidance’.
The information which we will give to you on this webinar is for training purposes only. It is not guidance in
either of these two senses. I hope you will appreciate that I am not in a position to give you, or your firms,
individual guidance. The purpose of this session is to give you a better understanding of FCA provisions and to
enable you to apply them to your circumstances.
The slides and notes for this webinar should be read in conjunction with the detailed legislation or regulations.
No responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material
contained in this programme can be accepted by the authors or 2020 Innovation Training Limited.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Training disclaimer
Please contact the office on 0121 314 2020 for booking and prices or see www.the2020group.com for further information
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Forthcoming FCA Webinars
To provide an overview of regulation and legislation
To review common problem areas
To provide guidance on the audit and accounting work of an FCA authorised entity
New CASS rules and guidance
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Objectives
New CPs and PSs
CASS – Audit programme and guidance
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Content
Reminder of key areas
• Register
• CP and PS in “YOUR FCA”
• Dear CEO letters
• News sections
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
FCA Website Review – NEW LAYOUT !
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
FCA Website Review
Consultation Paper Update
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Recent CPs
CP15/20: Investing in authorised funds through nominees
CP15/21: Reform of the legacy Credit Unions Sourcebook
CP15/22 Strengthening accountability in banking: Final rules
CP15/23: Ring-fencing: Disclosures to consumers by non-ring-fenced bodies
CP15/24: Cash savings remedies
CP15/25: Changes to the Approved Persons Regime for insurers not subject to Solvency II
CP15/26: PSR regulatory fees 2015/16
CP15/27: UCITS V implementation and other changes to the Handbook affecting investment funds
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/28: Quarterly Consultation Paper No. 10
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Recent CPs
FCA propose to revoke rules and guidance in the COBS that are currently scheduled to come into force at the end of this year.
They apply to certain firms (defined as ‘intermediate unitholders’) that hold units in authorised Investment funds on behalf of consumers who are the beneficial owners of the units. The rules require certain disclosures and interactions between the firm and the beneficial owners, in respect of their holdings.
the FCA is considering the effectiveness of disclosures required under the rules due to come into force and that they will be conducting a market study in this area, FCA propose to revoke the rules and guidance in COBS 14.4.1R to 14.4.9R (inclusive) that relate to notifications to beneficial owners about short reports, unitholder voting rights and other fund information.
FCA intend to reconsider the substance of these rules and guidance in 2016 in the light of feedback from the discussion paper, their subsequent consultation on removing some specific disclosures, and any issues emerging from the market study.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/20:Investing in authorised funds through
nominees
At this stage, the FCA is not proposing to make significant changes to its version of CREDS. Its changes are mainly consequential on those being made by the PRA.
Details of the changes proposed by the PRA are set out in
section 2 and those proposed by the FCA in Section 3.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/21: Reform of the legacy Credit Unions Sourcebook
Final rules for a new accountability framework for individuals working in banks, building societies and credit unions
Senior managers can be held accountable for any misconduct that falls within their area of responsibility, the regime aims to hold individuals working at all levels in banks and other relevant firms to appropriate standards of conduct
New certification routine
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/22 Strengthening accountability in banking: Final rules (including feedback on CP14/31 and CP15/5) and consultation on extending the Certification Regime to wholesale market activities
FCA required to establish a ring-fencing regime from the Government’s intended start date of 1 January 2019. This is likely to be applicable to a number of the largest UK banking groups. The legislation aims to isolate retail banking activities from investment banking activities. The core objective is to reduce the likelihood of disruption of key retail services by insulating ring-fenced bodies (RFBs) from risks arising elsewhere in their own groups or in the wider financial system.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/23: Ring-fencing: Disclosures to consumers by non-ring-fenced bodies
FCA are working with industry to deliver seven day switching for the vast majority of cash-ISA transfers (except for those involving the very smallest providers), from January 2017.
FCA will take forward the convenience remedy through implementation of the Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) from 2017. They expect firms to move towards implementing PSD2 requirements in time for the 2017 implementation date.
FCA intend to trial publishing information on the lowest interest rates firms pay on open and closed easy access and easy access cash-ISA savings accounts. They will trial publishing this information for 18 months during which time they will evaluate the remedy’s effectiveness.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/24: Cash savings remedies
This document sets out amendments to the arrangements for small NDFs they proposed in CP15/15 taking into account feedback they received;
Consults on a reformed regime for larger NDFs; and
Consults on changes to forms necessary for the implementation of the reformed regime for all NDFs, as well as transitional arrangements for implementing the reforms.
Chapter 7 sets out changes to the Handbook that are consequential to these reforms.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/25: Changes to the Approved Persons Regime for insurers not subject to Solvency II: reforms for larger Non-Directive Firms, feedback on CP 15/15, forms, consequential and transitional aspects
This document sets out FCA decision to allocate PSR fees between payment systems based on equal allocation across regulated pan-UK payment systems (with the two regional cheque systems, C&C and NICC, counted as a single system for fee allocation purposes).
This document also includes the consultation on calculating and collecting fees from participants in each regulated payment system.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/26: PSR regulatory fees 2015/16
In Part I FCA consult on rules and guidance to give effect to a new set of changes to the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) Directive. These changes are informally referred to as UCITS V; they require amendments to both primary and secondary legislation, as well as the FCA Handbook. HM Treasury (Treasury) and the FCA are working together as part of the implementation process. This paper covers those UCITS V provisions that fall to the FCA to transpose. The Treasury will consult separately on changes to primary and secondary legislation.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/27: UCITS V implementation and other changes to the Handbook affecting investment funds
In Part II of this paper FCA consult on changes to the Handbook to ensure the EU Regulation introducing European long-term investment funds (ELTIFs) will operate effectively. As with the implementation of UCITS V, changes to primary and secondary legislation are required and FCA are working with the Treasury to set a framework for ELTIFs to be authorised in the UK.
In Part III FCA take the opportunity to consult on a number of changes to the Handbook to keep the rules and guidance for authorised investment funds up to date.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/27: UCITS V implementation and other changes to the Handbook affecting investment funds (Cont.)
Here FCA include a number of Handbook changes.
Please see notes for details.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CP15/28: Quarterly Consultation Paper No. 10
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
POLICY STATEMENT UPDATE
PS15/13: Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance: competition remedy
PS15/14: Restrictions on the retail distribution of regulatory capital instruments
PS15/15: FCA regulated fees and levies 2015/16
PS15/16: Strengthening the alignment of risk and reward: new remuneration rules
PS15/17: Pension Wise – recommendation policy
PS15/18: FCA Competition Concurrency Guidance and Handbook amendments: Feedback on CP15/01, finalised guidance and rules
PS15/19: Improving complaints handling
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Recent Policy Statements
PS15/20: Implementation of the Mortgage Credit Directive: Consequential Changes to the Consumer Credit Sourcebook (CONC)
PS15/21: Changes to the Approved Persons Regime for Solvency II firms: Final rules
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Recent Policy Statements
Firms distributing GAP insurance in connection with the sale of a motor vehicle (add-on GAP) will be required to:
provide customers with prescribed information to help them shop around and be more engaged when making decisions about purchasing the product
introduce a deferral period, which means GAP insurance cannot be introduced and sold on the same day
FCA expect to see better customer outcomes from more informed purchasing decisions and improved competition between add-on and standalone distribution channels as a result of these measures.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/13: Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance: competition remedy
In this paper FCA set out the rules they are implementing following their consultation on restrictions on the retail distribution of regulatory capital instruments (contingent convertible securities (CoCos) and mutual society shares).
Novel types of regulatory capital instruments are being issued in large amounts as institutions transition their capital position to meet the new prudential requirements under the Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV) and Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) package of measures.
The rules FCA have introduced will limit the scope for distribution that exploits information asymmetries and other consumer behavioural weaknesses, which are a particular concern where complex, risky instruments are offered to non-sophisticated retail investors of ordinary means. In doing so, the new rules should limit the scope for consumer harm from inappropriate retail investment
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/14: Restrictions on the retail distribution of regulatory capital instruments
FCA are publishing the 2015/16 periodic regulatory fees and levies rules for the:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Pensions guidance levies
Financial Ombudsman Service (ombudsman service) general levy, and
Money Advice Service
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/15: FCA regulated fees and levies 2015/16
This policy statement includes feedback, final rules, and guidance in relation to proposals under CP 15/14 ‘Strengthening the alignment of risk and reward: new remuneration rules’(1) published jointly by the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The consultation proposed changes to existing remuneration requirements and considered options to implement the remuneration recommendations of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards (PCBS) report ‘Changing banking for good’.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/16: Strengthening the alignment of risk and reward: new remuneration rules
In the 2014 Budget the Government announced reforms to retirement options. This included a proposal that all consumers with Defined Contribution (DC) pensions should be entitled to access free impartial guidance at retirement about their options when accessing their pension savings. This was launched by Treasury under the brand Pension Wise and became operational from 6 April 2015.
In November, the FCA published standards for the Treasury’s designated guidance providers to meet in delivering Pension Wise.
FCA are required to monitor the designated guidance providers’ compliance with the standards and, where providers have breached them, they may make recommendations to the designated guidance providers and the Treasury, where appropriate.
FCA consulted on their recommendation policy in CP-15/12 Pension Wise – recommendation policy with the consultation period ending on 8 May. This Policy Statement summarises the feedback received and publishes the final policy.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/17: Pension Wise – recommendation policy
FCA are publishing three documents:
final guidance on their functions and procedures under Competition Act 1998 (CA98) issued under section 52 CA98
final guidance on their market studies and market investigation reference functions and procedures under Enterprise Act 2002 (EA02) and the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) issued under section 139A FSMA
final legislative instrument to introduce minor amendments to the FCA Handbook as adopted by the FCA Board In this Policy Statement, FCA set out their views on the responses to the consultation, and publish comparison versions in the annexes which show the changes to the versions of the guidance and legislative instrument on which they consulted.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/18: FCA Competition Concurrency Guidance and Handbook amendments: Feedback on CP15/01, finalised guidance and rules
In this policy statement, FCA confirm the following new requirements for firms:
a) extending the ‘next business day rule’, where firms are permitted to handle complaints less formally, without sending a final response letter, to the close of three business days after the date of receipt
b) reporting all complaints, including those handled by the close of three business days after the firm receives them
c) raising consumer awareness of the ombudsman service, by sending a ‘summary resolution communication’ following the resolution of complaints handled by the close of the third business day after receipt
d) revised rules limiting the cost of calls consumers make to firms to a maximum ‘basic rate’, including all post-contractual calls and all complaints calls
e) The new ‘complaints return’ which requires firms to send FCA data twice a year on the number of complaints they receive.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/19: Improving complaints handling, feedback on CP14/30 and final rules
In February 2015 FCA published CP 15/61, which set out proposed amendments to their Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC) to implement the Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD). In this Policy Statement they summarise the feedback they received on the MCD elements of the consultation and their response. In general, respondents agreed with their proposed amendments and FCA are publishing final rules, the majority of which come into effect on 21 March 2016. FCA response to the non-MCD changes to CONC we consulted on in CP15/6 will be published later this year.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/20: Implementation of the Mortgage Credit Directive: Consequential Changes to the Consumer Credit Sourcebook (CONC)
The paper covers:
Changes to the scope of the FCA’s approved persons regime. These will ensure more robust oversight and continued enforcement powers over key individuals who can significantly impact FCA objectives, whilst maintaining a proportionate approach.
Changes to fitness and propriety assessments of candidates for FCA regulated Significant Influence Function (SIF) roles to reflect the Solvency II framework and European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) guidelines. These will support the implementation of the fitness and propriety requirements of Solvency II in a way that minimises the burden on firms, by avoiding them having to make further submissions to the PRA as the lead regulator for the transposition of these requirements.
New Conduct Rules for approved persons in Solvency II firms to encourage appropriate behaviour by staff, in particular through an enhanced focus on treating customers fairly and responsible delegation by senior staff.
Changes to governance arrangements, particularly to support enhanced accountability of senior staff in firms.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
PS15/21: Changes to the Approved Persons Regime for Solvency II firms: Final rules (including feedback on CP14/25, CP15/5 and CP15/16), and consequentials relating to CP22/15 on strengthening accountability in banking
This policy statement makes changes to the rules in Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS).
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
The New CASS Rules
The changes affect around 1,500 FCA-regulated firms that carry out investment business, from the largest investment banks to the smallest investment adviser, who collectively hold over £100 billion of client money and £10 trillion of custody assets.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
The New CASS Rules
Brief Reminder of Old Rules
CASS 7
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Old Rules – CASS 7
MiFID rules apply to all DIF firms
Principle based
S & C – Segregation and Identification
Separate account
Bank account rules
Prompt and accurate payments into and out of account
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Old Rules – CASS 7
Regular reconciliations
Supervision and review of reconciliations
Accounting records
Auditors report
Gabriel reporting
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Summary of changes in CASS 7 rules
These changes are designed to clarify and enhance the regime to ensure the best protection of client money held in relation to investment business.
RULE CHANGES – 1 June 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
1 July 2014 – certain rules and guidance came into force providing clarifications to existing requirements, introducing optional arrangements with which firms may choose to comply and limiting the placement of client money in new unbreakable term deposits. These include clarifications of application provisions and the introduction of the option to operate multiple client money pools
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
1 July 2014
1 December 2014 – certain rules and guidance came into force relating to the provision of information to or obtaining the agreement of new clients and the documenting of agreements and arrangements with any new counterparties with whom firms deposit or otherwise place custody assets or client money, these include requirements to notify the client of certain matters if operating the banking exemption and mandating the use of template acknowledgment letters with new client bank accounts and client transaction accounts.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
1 December 2014
Acknowledgement Letters
CASS 7.8 (now 7.18) requires firms to exchange usual letters with banks on Trust status, set off etc.
FCA notes variety of methodologies in applying rule
New rules – Standard template letters to be used Removal of 20 days grace period and applies to UK and foreign accounts opened Firms required to perform due diligence on authorisations etc.
ALL EXISTING letters to be re done in template form
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Templates
June 2015 – all of the remaining rules and guidance came into force and firms need to ensure they fully comply with all of the new rules –See Handbook for changes
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
1 June 2015
Application and exemptions 7.1 - 7.3 NOW 7.10 -7.11
Segregation 7.3 - 7.4 NOW 7.12 – 7.13
Receipt 7.2 NOW 7.11
Withdrawal 7.2 NOW 7.11
CM Calculations and Regular reconciliations 7.6 NOW 7.15
NEW 7.16 – The standard methods of internal client money reconciliation
7.18 – Acknowledgement letters
Note : EXTRACTS only of Mercia programme
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Overview of todays webinar training – new rules and suggested audit tests (CASS 7)
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
7.10 Application and purpose
Review the organisational arrangements that the firm has in place to minimise the risk of the loss or diminution of client money and reach a conclusion as to whether those arrangements appear adequate given the size and nature of its business.
Note whether the firm intends to opt-in all other relevant client money to the MiFID rules and if not, whether it uses any “Opt-outs” for professional clients or non-IMD business.
For Credit institutions or approved bank, firms that hold coins, solicitors, long term insurers and friendly societies, holds client money in relation contracts of insurance or in respect of life assurance business or is a Trustee firm confirm whether the client elects to comply with the client rules. If so follow this programme.
Check whether the firm holds or receives money from an affiliated company in respect of MiFID business, if so follow this programme
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Application and purpose – Overview work
Check whether the firm holds or receives money from an affiliated
company in respect of MiFID business, if so follow this programme.
Confirm the client is MiFID regulated. Non MiFID firms are not subject to CASS 7 rules ( MGI firms are subject to CASS 5 rules).
Enquire whether the firm intends to exempt client money under title transfer collateral arrangements. Note exceptions for retail clients and obligations under contracts for differences or rolling forex contracts, whether or not arranged by the firm.
Ascertain whether firm is using delivery versus payment transaction exemption arrangements. If so, review systems to ensure that the settlement system complies with the exemption requirements and that the firm retains written consent for these arrangements from the client where needed
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Application and exemptions – Overview work
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Segregation of Client Money 7.13
Segregation of Client Money 7.13 - OVERVIEW
Enhancements to rules to ensure all client money held in appropriate manner with a suitable institution
Requirement to consider diversification and do enhanced due diligence on the banks with which they deposit client money
Introduction of an explicit requirement for firms to make a record of each periodic review of a bank and to keep that record from the date it conducts the periodic review until five years after the firm ceases to use that bank to hold client money
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Where money is deposited in a credit institution, bank or money market fund (CBAs) ensure the firm has documented its selection criteria for any legal requirements, expertise and market reputation and performs periodic reviews to confirm the selection criteria.
Confirm the documentation of the selection criteria covers:
Diversification of risks;
The capital of the credit institution or bank;
The amount of client money placed as a proportion of the total capital and deposits;
The credit rating; and
The level of risk in the activities undertaken by the credit institution or bank
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Segregation – Audit tests
Ensure that if the firm deposits or holds funds with a group entity the funds do not at any point exceed 20 per cent of the balance on:
All client accounts in aggregate;
Each of its designated client accounts; and
Each of its designated client fund accounts.
Obtain an up to date list of all CBAs and ensure they in accounts identified as separate from accounts used to hold money belonging to the firm.
Confirm that the firm has agreed terms on all CBAs that allow it to make withdrawals of client money promptly and, in any event, within one business day of a request for withdrawal. Note any use of transitional provisions for notice periods of a maximum of 30 days notice
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Segregation – Audit tests
Physical Receipt and Allocation of Client Money
All client money MUST be received directly into a client account All client money to be banked no later than one business day following receipt
Cannot use client money until cleared
Unidentified receipts to be segregated until identified
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Client Money held by third parties
Necessary by nature of some transactions, rules say firm keeps fiduciary responsibility to client unless TP has direct relationship with client
Rules – Clarification, money remains client money and therefore include these amounts in client money calculations
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Unbreakable Client Money Deposits
Restriction on the use of term deposits and “Notice” accounts (30 days max.)
New rules enhance prompt withdrawals of client money rules
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Document and assess the adequacy of the firm’s internal controls to segregate client money from the firms’ money on receipt (including use of suitably trained and experienced staff, and a clear procedures manual). Confirm these procedures are adequate to identify and protect clients’ money
Establish whether the firm adopts the ‘normal’ approach or the ‘alternative’ approach to paying in client money (N.B. Alternative approach outside todays webinar)
Confirm that all client money is paid into a CBA no later than one business day after receipt. Ensure money is segregated into the correct sub-pool where relevant.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Physical receipt – audit tests
Establish, review, test and conclude on the procedures the firm has for dealing with:
mixed remittances; and
automated transfers.
Review lodgements to non-client money accounts and ensure these do not include client money.
Ensure any client entitlements are paid into a client account or in accordance with the client’s instruction.
Where a firm is liable to pay money to a client ensure that it is paid, within one business day after it is due into a CBS or to the client.
Where money was transferred to a third party confirm that retail clients have been notified and that the firm has agreements in place to ensure that the third party holds client money only for the purpose of transactions for a client and meets a clients obligation to provide collateral for a transaction. Confirm the firm has recorded such transactions in the CBA of the client
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Physical receipt / payment – audit tests
• Review contractual arrangements between the firm and its clients particularly when money due and payable to the firm is taken.
• Review any commission rebate arrangements to ensure that it was not treated as client money until the rebate became due and payable to the client per the contract between the parties.
• Conclude!
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Physical receipt / payment – audit tests
Client Money Reconciliations and Recordkeeping – 7.15
Firms must carry out internals daily, externals regularly (per MiFID)
FCA – some firms fail to do this, wide variety in methodology and MiFID interpretation of regularly
New rules – Internals daily, externals no less than monthly. Firms to justify timing of externals. Guidance on how reconciliations should be done -AP
Technical proposals to improve clarity and address inconsistencies (a number of provisions made into rules) –AP’s
Non standard methodologies to be agreed in advance - AP
More detailed record keeping requirements - overarching requirement firm can determine how much money it holds for each client - AP
Notification – concept of materiality introduced, breach and MUST notify FCA - AP
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Client Money Reconciliations and Recordkeeping – 7.15
Review the systems for carrying out internal reconciliations and ascertain whether the client uses a standard or an alternative method to perform its internal reconciliations. IMPORTANT: A firm wishing to adopt a non-standard approach needs, from 1 December 2014, an assurance report from the firm’s auditor.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Client Money Reconciliations
Confirm the firm conducted daily internal reconciliations between its internal accounts and records and those of any third parties by whom the client money is held.
Examine and consider whether the frequency of external reconciliations performed by the firm is adequate and whether the firm considered the risks which the business is exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity of the business and where and with whom the client money is held.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Regular internal and external reconciliations
Obtain a bank certificate from each bank at which CBAs are held made to the reporting date. Check (on a sample basis to include this date) the reconciliations carried out by the firm in respect of:
reconciling the total of the client bank account balances with the client’s account balances;
reconciling the clients’ bank account balances with the balances recorded on the bank statement; and
tracing outstanding items to client’s accounting records and bank statements.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Reconciliations
Ensure that there is evidence of independent review of these reconciliations and that any differences on reconciliations are corrected as soon as possible.
Verify that none of the bank accounts (per statement or cash book) have been overdrawn in the year and that no debit balance on an individual client balance is netted against other client balances when calculating the money that should be held on the client account.
Review any internal or external compliance reports for evidence of material non compliance with the rules of CASS 7.6.1,7.6.2,7.6.9 and if having carried out a reconciliation it has not complied materially with CASS 7.6.13 to CASS 7.6.15. Where material non compliance arose, confirm the firm informed the FCA without delay.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Reconciliations
Alternative Approach
Money paid in and out of firm’s own account rather than client accounts
Relevant for multi currency and multi product companies
FCA research in 2012 indicated some firms using approach inappropriately
New rules - Clarify when alternative approach relevant - AP
New rules - Notify FCA no less than 3 months before adopting - AP
New rules - Risk justification to be made on why alternative approach necessary, adequate systems and controls, buffer requirement, AUDITOR REPORT to FCA BEFORE adoption -AP
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Both those firms currently using the alternative approach and those wishing to use it for a business line in the future will be required to obtain a report from their auditor before operating the alternative approach to client money segregation. For those firms already using the alternative approach the reasons for this stem from the fact that the amended rules impose new requirements on these firms - AP
RAR report following FRC guidelines - AP
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
POLICY STATEMENT - RULES
SUMMARY
CASS rules changed
Auditors need to be fully ready for new reporting and programme – obtain copy of PS and discuss changes with client IN ADVANCE of commencing audit
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
FRC – Consultation Providing Assurance on Client Assets to the FCA
May 2015, closed July
Standard applies to all reports commencing on or after 1 Jan 2016.
Early adoption permitted.
https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Publications/Audit-and-Assurance-Team/Consultation-Providing-Assurance-on-Client-Assets.aspx
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
FRC CONSULTATION
RAR, LAR, Hybrid and CASS 5 audit reports
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Scope of the FRC Standard
Obtain understanding of the firm’s business model and the permissions it has received from the FCA
Ethical requirements
Engagement acceptance
Engagement letter
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to all Client Asset Engagements
Use SUP 3 Annexe 1R template.
Appendices 2 to 8 give illustrative reports for variations
Follow QC guidelines
Professional scepticism, judgement and requisite mind-sets
Documentation
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to all Client Asset Engagements
Written representations
Planning and performing the audit
Duty to report to the FCA – material significance
Right to report
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to all Client Asset Engagements
Focus on assurance engagement risk
Do an overview of the process to form an opinion
Assess risk
Determine nature and extent of risk assessment procedures
Respond to the risk assessment
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to CASS RARs
Obtain evidence
During period did they comply with CASS rules?
At year end?
Content of report defined including breaches schedule
Engagement quality control review
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to CASS RARs
Outlines circumstances – para 146 et seq.
Written representation
Forming the LAR opinion
Content of opinion
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Requirements applicable to CASS LARs
Guidance given in these areas
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Hybrid opinions and special reports
Para 176 et seq.
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
CASS 5 REPORTS
OVERVIEW – Appendix 1
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
Illustrative reports – appendix 2
Safe Custody assets – CASS 6
Collateral and mandates – CASS 3 & 8
TPA – programme
Sundry areas
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
OTHER CASS RULE CHANGES
© 2020 Innovation Training Limited - 2015
FCA Update – September 2015
Presented by:
Ian Fletcher FCA
www.the2020group.com