In CASS 7 there are references to rules that apply to a MiFID business and those that carry out designated investment business which are not MiFID businesses. CASS 7.10.1 sets out that CASS 7 applies with regards to the following firms:
- MiFID business; and/or
- designated investment business; and/or
- stocks and shares ISA business; and/or
- innovative finance ISA business; and/or
- lifetime ISA business.
It is important to be clear whether a company carries out MiFID business, one that does will not be eligible for small company exemptions under the Companies Act and by extension will not be exempt from the requirement to obtain a statutory audit.
When is an investment business a MiFID business?
A MiFID firm is one that is:
- An investment firm with its head office in the UK; or
- A CRD credit firm providing investment services; or
- A collective portfolio management investment firm.
In this context an investment firm is defined as:
‘Anypersonwhose regular occupation or business is the provision of one or moreinvestment services (listed below)to third parties and/or the performance of one or more investment activities on a professional basis.’
What do Investment services include?
- Reception and transmission of orders in relation to one or more financial instruments.
- Execution of orders on behalf of clients.
- Dealing on own account.
- Portfolio management.
- the making of a personal recommendation.
- Underwriting of financial instruments and/or placing of financial instruments on a firm commitment basis.
- Placing of financial instruments without a firm commitment basis.
- Operation of an MTF (Multilateral trading facility)
- Operation of an OTF (Organised trading facility)
A collective portfolio management investment firm would include sub-threshold and full scope AIFMs that are authorised to conduct MiFID investment services (per the list above).
What should you consider?
Consider permissions with FCA
The key takeaway here is that firms must carefully consider the permissions they have with the FCA and which of these they actually require.
May require statutory audit or financial statements
If a firm is providing any of the investment services above (or has permission do so) they are likely to require a statutory audit and to prepare full FRS 102 financial statements, both of which involve significantly more work (and therefore cost) than if they were not a MiFID firm.
A financial services compliance consultant can assist with reviewing permissions to ensure that the correct ones are in place and confirming the requirements that these place on a firm.
For further information, or to discuss your specific circ*mstances, please contact ourAudit and Compliance team or via the below contact form.
Whilst the above is intended to reflect what is included in the FCA Handbook, reading this is not a substitute for reading the Handbook itself and cannot be relied upon in assessing whether the rules covered have been correctly interpreted and followed. Please always ensure the appropriate professional advice is obtained to ensure compliance. The FCA Handbook contains the detailed rules and can be accessedhere. This information is correct as at the 5thDecember 2022.
Posted in Blog
As an expert in financial regulations and compliance, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to elucidate the complex concepts embedded in the provided article. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook, as well as practical insights into the intricacies of MiFID business and designated investment business.
The article revolves around the regulatory framework outlined in CASS 7, specifically focusing on the application of rules to entities engaged in MiFID business or designated investment business. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
CASS 7 and Applicable Firms:
- CASS 7 refers to a specific section of the FCA Handbook that applies to certain firms. These include:
- MiFID business
- Designated investment business
- Stocks and shares ISA business
- Innovative finance ISA business
- Lifetime ISA business
- CASS 7 refers to a specific section of the FCA Handbook that applies to certain firms. These include:
-
MiFID Business Eligibility and Small Company Exemptions:
- The article emphasizes the importance of determining whether a company engages in MiFID business. Firms involved in MiFID business are not eligible for small company exemptions under the Companies Act and are consequently not exempt from the requirement to obtain a statutory audit.
-
MiFID Business Definition:
- MiFID firms are defined as:
- Investment firms with their head office in the UK
- CRD credit firms providing investment services
- Collective portfolio management investment firms
- MiFID firms are defined as:
-
Investment Firm Definition:
- An investment firm is broadly defined as any person whose regular occupation or business involves providing investment services or performing investment activities on a professional basis.
-
Investment Services Include:
- Reception and transmission of orders
- Execution of orders on behalf of clients
- Dealing on own account
- Portfolio management
- Making personal recommendations
- Underwriting and placing of financial instruments
- Operation of MTF or OTF
-
Collective Portfolio Management Investment Firm:
- Encompasses sub-threshold and full-scope AIFMs authorized to conduct MiFID investment services.
-
Consideration of FCA Permissions:
- Firms must carefully assess the permissions granted by the FCA and determine their actual requirements.
-
Statutory Audit and Financial Statements:
- Firms engaging in MiFID business or holding relevant permissions are likely to require a statutory audit and prepare full FRS 102 financial statements, incurring additional costs.
-
Financial Services Compliance Consultant:
- Suggests consulting a financial services compliance consultant to review permissions, ensuring compliance with FCA requirements.
In conclusion, the article provides a nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape, emphasizing the need for firms to navigate FCA permissions diligently. This involves a careful consideration of whether they fall under the purview of MiFID business and the subsequent implications for statutory audits and financial statements. It underscores the importance of seeking professional advice and referencing the FCA Handbook for accurate interpretation and compliance.
