Rule · FCA · 25 Sep 2016
The Financial Conduct Authority extends the Code of Conduct sourcebook (COCON) to standard non-executive directors in banks, building societies, credit unions, dual-regulated investment firms, and insurance firms. These directors become subject to the five FCA Individual Conduct rules and the Senior Conduct rule requiring disclosure of information to regulators, while specific senior conduct rules remain inapplicable unless the director is also a senior conduct rules staff member. Affected firms must ensure appropriate training for these directors and report COCON breaches resulting in disciplinary action to the FCA using Form H6, with the first reporting period covering breaches from 3 July 2017 to 31 August 2017. The rules come into force on 3 July 2017.
Policy Statement
PS17/8*
3 May 2017
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors
returns you to the contents list takes you to helpful abbreviations How to navigate this document onscreen Consultation Paper 16/27 which is available on our website at www.fca.org.uk/publications Comments or queries can be sent to:
Giulia Pecce
Strategy and Competition
Financial Conduct Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS
Email:
cp16-27@fca.org.uk
PS17/8 Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors This relates to Contents 1 Overview 3 2 Feedback on responses to CP16/27 7
Annex 1
List of non-confidential respondents 10
Annex 2
Abbreviations used in this paper 11
Appendix
Made rules (legal instrument)
PS17/8
Chapter 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors 1 Overview Introduction
1.1 This Policy Statement (PS) introduces final rules to extend our conduct rules in the
Code of Conduct sourcebook (COCON) to standard non-executive directors (NEDs) in banks, building societies, credit unions and dual-regulated investment firms (‘banks’) and insurance firms1 .
1.2 ‘Standard NEDs’ are defined in our Handbook as those NEDs who don’t hold
Senior Management Functions and, therefore, are not subject to regulatory preapproval under:
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors PS17/8
Chapter 1
Context
1.6 In May 2016, the Government introduced the Bank of England and Financial Services
Act 2016 which made changes to the SM&CR for banks and extended it to all Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) authorised firms.
1.7 One of the key changes is the new power for the Regulators (the FCA and the PRA) to
apply individual rules of conduct to all directors, irrespective of whether they perform a Senior Manager role or another Controlled Function.
1.8 As a result, in September 2016 we consulted on extending the application of COCON
to standard NEDs in banks and insurance firms.
1.9 We proposed:
PS17/8
Chapter 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors Summary of feedback and our response
1.11 We received 14 responses, all supportive of our proposals except for one.
1.12 The feedback we received focused on three main areas:
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors PS17/8
Chapter 1
What you need to do next
1.20 If your firm is affected by these changes, you will need to:
PS17/8
Chapter 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors 2 Feedback on responses to CP16/27
2.1 In this section, we summarise the feedback we received to our proposals and explain
how we have taken this feedback into account in the final rules. Terminology: standard vs notified NEDs
2.2 Some respondents said they would like the PRA and the FCA to use the same term
when referring to NEDs not holding Senior Management Functions to alleviate any confusion. Our response ‘Standard’ NEDs under FCA rules and ‘notified’ NEDs under PRA requirements both refer to the same group of people: those NEDs not holding Senior Management Functions. We will keep the different terminology in the short term but we will update it to match PRA when we consult on introducing notification requirements for standard NEDs in FCA solo regulated firms. What triggers reporting of breaches
2.3 Some respondents pointed out that not all NEDs are employees of firms and so firms
are limited in their ability to take internal disciplinary action. As such, they suggested that the triggers for reporting breaches should be adapted to reflect the different employment status of NEDs. Our response Our reporting requirements for COCON breaches are based on section 64C of FSMA defining ‘disciplinary action’ as the issuing of a formal written warning, the suspension or dismissal of the person, or the reduction or recovery of any of the person’s remuneration.
Section 64C of FSMA applies to individuals holding Senior Management
Functions, employees and directors.
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors PS17/8
Chapter 2
We recognise that for individuals who are not employees, certain human resources and/or employment law procedures may not apply. For example, as NEDs in banks cannot be awarded variable remuneration, they cannot have such remuneration reduced or recovered8 . However, regardless of their employment status, directors may face the equivalent of disciplinary actions in respect of breaches of duties and obligations under statute (such as the Companies Act 2006 in the UK) or provisions set out in other documents or arrangements, such as those set out in the Company’s Articles of Association. These may lead to actions being taken against the director, such as their dismissal from office. Firms should notify us if any (equivalent) disciplinary action is taken against standard NEDs as a result of a COCON breach, whether or not those NEDs are employees of the firm. Firms are also required to:
PS17/8
Chapter 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors Timeframes for reporting breaches
2.4 One respondent encouraged the Regulators to adopt a consistent approach to
timeframes for reporting breaches: while the FCA consulted on annual notification for breaches of COCON by standard NEDs (via Form H), the PRA consulted on notifications within seven business days of the relevant internal disciplinary action (via Form L). Our response:
Given the number and diversity of firms the FCA regulates, we believe annual reporting remains appropriate in the light of the extension of the SM&CR to all FSMA authorised firms. The reporting requirements in SUP15.11 on notification of COCON breaches and disciplinary actions complement and do not override existing rules in PRIN 11 and in SUP15.3 outlined above. Also, staff subject to COCON who aren’t Senior Managers (for example, material risk takers – MRTs)9 are already subject to annual notification requirements, unlike MRTs in the PRA’s Certification Regime who must report breaches of COCON within seven business days of the relevant internal disciplinary action. As stated in CP16/27, the PRA will share information with us, where needed. 9 But also the wider population of certification employees under the Certification Regime and other ‘employees’ listed in section 1.1.2.R of COCON 1.
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors PS17/8
Annex
Annex 1
List of non-confidential respondents
Association of British Credit Unions
Association of British Insurers (ABI)
Association of Financial Mutuals
Building Societies Association
Company Worksmart Limited
Company Retail Banking Academy: Chartered Banker Institute Financial Services Consumer Panel Irish league of credit unions
PS17/8
Annex 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors
Annex 2
Abbreviations used in this paper used in this paper The Bank of England Act Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 COCON Code of Conduct sourcebook CP Consultation Paper FCA Financial Conduct Authority FSMA Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 MRTs Material Risk Takers NED Non-Executive Director PRA Prudential Regulation Authority PS Policy Statement The Regulators The FCA and the PRA SIMR Senior Insurance Managers Regime SM&CR Senior Managers & Certification Regime SMR Senior Managers Regime We have developed the policy in this Policy Statement in the context of the existing UK and EU regulatory framework. The Government has made clear that it will continue to implement and apply EU law until the UK has left the EU. We will keep the proposals under review to assess whether any amendments may be required in the event of changes in the UK regulatory framework in the future. We make all responses to formal consultation available for public inspection unless the respondent requests otherwise. We will not regard a standard confidentiality statement in an email message as a request for non-disclosure. Despite this, we may be asked to disclose a confidential response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We may consult you if we receive such a request. Any decision we make not to disclose the response is reviewable by the Information Commissioner and the Information Rights Tribunal. All our publications are available to download from www.fca.org.uk. If you would like to receive this paper in an alternative format, please call 020 7066 9644 or email publications_graphics@fca.org.uk or write to Editorial and Digital Department, Financial Conduct Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS
PS17/8
Appendix
Financial Conduct Authority
Applying our conduct rules to non-executive directors in the banking and insurance sectors
Appendix
Made rules (legal instrument)
FCA 2017/23
INDIVIDUAL CONDUCT RULES (NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS) INSTRUMENT 2017 Powers exercised A. The Financial Conduct Authority makes this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) section 64A (Rules of conduct);
(2) section 64C (Requirements for relevant authorised persons to notify regulator of disciplinary action); (3) section 137A (The FCA’s general rules); (4) section 137T (General supplementary powers); and (5) section 139A (Power of the FCA to give guidance). B. The rule-making powers listed above are specified for the purpose of section 138G(2) (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. Commencement
C. This instrument comes into force on 3 July 2017.
Amendments to the Handbook
D. The modules of the FCA’s Handbook of rules and guidance listed in column (1) below are amended in accordance with the Annexes to this instrument listed in column (2) below:
(1) (2)
Glossary of definitions Annex A
Code of Conduct sourcebook (COCON) Annex B Supervision manual (SUP) Annex C Citation E. This instrument may be cited as the Individual Conduct Rules (Non-Executive Directors) Instrument 2017. By order of the Board 27 April 2017
FCA 2017/23
Annex A
Amendments to the Glossary of definitions Insert the following new definitions in the appropriate alphabetical position. The text is not underlined. board director (in relation to a firm) has the same meaning as “director” in section 64A(7) of the Act (Rules of conduct). standard nonexecutive director (in relation to a firm) any of the following:
(1) a board director of that firm who:
(a) has no responsibility for implementing the decisions or the policies of the board of directors, or if there is no such board, of the equivalent body responsible for the management of the firm; and (b) is not:
(i) an SMF manager; or
(ii) an approved person whose approval is to perform an FCA significant-influence function; or (iii) an approved person whose approval is to perform a senior insurance management function as defined in the PRA Rulebook; of that firm; or (2) a non-executive director of that firm who is an employee (as defined in paragraph (4) of the Glossary definition of employee) of that firm. Amend the following definition as shown. Underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. senior conduct rules staff member (in COCON) a person who is:
(a) comes within row (1) of the table in COCON 1.1.2R (an SMF manager);
FCA 2017/23
(b) comes within row (2) of the table in COCON 1.1.2R (an employee of a relevant authorised person who performs the function of an SMF manager as specified in COCON 1.1.2R(1)(b); or (c) meets the following conditions:
(i) they come within row (7) of the table in COCON 1.1.2R (an approved person performing a controlled significant-influence function (including a PRA controlled function) in a Solvency II firm (including a large non-directive insurer) or a small non-directive insurer); and (ii) that controlled function is a significant-influence function; or (d) comes within row (8) of the table in COCON 1.1.2R (a standard non-executive director of a relevant authorised person, a Solvency II firm (including a large non-directive insurer) or a small non-directive insurer). Delete the following definition. The text is not shown struck through. other conduct rules staff a person who:
(a) meets the requirement in COCON 1.1.2R(1)(b) (employee of a relevant authorised person who performs the function of an SMF manager); (b) meets the requirement in COCON 1.1.2R(1)(c) (employee of a relevant authorised person who would be an SMF manager but for SUP 10C.3.13R (The 12-week rule)); (c) meets the requirement in COCON 1.1.2R(1)(e) (employee of a relevant authorised person who would be a certification employee but for SYSC 5.2.27R(1) (Scope: emergency appointments)); or (d) comes within COCON 1.1.2R(1)(f).
FCA 2017/23
Annex B
Amendments to the Code of Conduct sourcebook (COCON) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 1 Application and purpose
1.1 Application
1.1.1 G Under section 64A of the Act, the FCA may make rules about the conduct
of approved certain persons and persons who are employees of relevant authorised persons working in firms. To whom does it apply? 1.1.1A R COCON applies to the persons set out in the table in COCON 1.1.2R.
1.1.2 R (1) COCON applies to: Table: To whom does COCON apply?
Persons to whom COCON applies Comments
(a)
(1) an An SMF manager; .
(b)
(2) an An employee (“P”) of a relevant authorised person who:
(i)
(a) performs the function of an
SMF manager;
(ii)
(b) is not an approved person to perform the function in question; and (iii) (c) is required to be an approved person at the time P performs that function; and . (c) (3) an An employee of a relevant authorised person who would be an SMF manager but for SUP 10C.3.13R (The 12-week rule); . (d) (4) a A certification employee employed by a relevant authorised person, . This applies even if the certification employee has not been notified that COCON applies to them or notified
FCA 2017/23 of the rules that apply to them; .
(e)
(5) an An employee of a relevant authorised person who would be a certification employee but for SYSC 5.2.27R(1) (Scope: emergency appointments) or SYSC 5.2.28AR (Scope: temporary UK role); . (f) (6) any other Any employee of a relevant authorised person not coming within another row of this
table, except: one listed in column
(2).
(2) For Swiss general insurers, references in this sourcebook to parts of the PRA Rulebook for ‘Solvency II firms’ are to be read as references to the corresponding parts of the PRA Rulebook applying to large non directive insurers. COCON This row does not apply to an employee of a relevant authorised person who only performs functions falling within the scope of the following roles:
(i) a non-executive director other than a senior conduct rules staff member; and (a) receptionists; (ii) an employee whose role is listed under COCON 1.1.2R(2); and (b) switchboard operators; (c) post room staff; (d) reprographics/print room staff; (e) property/facilities management; (f) events management; (g) security guards; (h) invoice processing; (i) audio visual technicians; (j) vending machine staff; (k) medical staff;
FCA 2017/23
1.1.2A R For Swiss general insurers, references in this sourcebook to parts of the PRA Rulebook for ‘Solvency II firms’ are to be read as references to the corresponding parts of the PRA Rulebook applying to large non-directive insurers. … (l) archive records management; (m) drivers; (n) corporate social responsibility staff; (o) data controllers or processors under the Data Protection Act 1998; (p) cleaners; (q) catering staff; (r) personal assistant or secretary; (s) information technology support (ie, helpdesk); and (t) human resources administrators /processors. (g) (7) an An FCA-approved person or PRA-approved person approved to perform a controlled function in a Solvency II firm (including a large non-directive insurer) or a small non-directive insurer. (3) COCON This row does not apply to approved persons approved to perform a controlled function in SUP 10A.1.15R to SUP 10A.1.16BR (appointed representatives). (8) A standard non-executive director of:
This row only applies to a UK domestic firm.
(a) a relevant authorised person;
(b) a Solvency II firm; or
(c) a small non-directive insurer.
Note: In accordance with the Glossary, Solvency II firm includes a large nondirective insurer.
FCA 2017/23
1.1.4 R (1) Rules SC1 to SC4 in COCON 2.2 apply to all senior conduct rules
staff members (subject to (2)).
(2) SC1 to SC3 in COCON 2.2 do not apply to a standard nonexecutive director unless, as well as being a standard non-executive director, they also fall into one of the other categories of senior conduct rules staff member.
1.1.5 G …
(2) The persons in COCON 1.1.2R(1)(a) and (b) are referred to as senior conduct rules staff members. An approved person performing a significant influence function (including a PRA controlled function) in a Solvency II firm or in a small non-directive insurer is also a senior conduct rules staff member. [deleted] … To what conduct does it apply? …
1.1.7 R For a person (P) subject to COCON who is not an approved person,
COCON applies to the conduct of P in relation to the performance by P of functions relating to the carrying on of activities (whether or not regulated activities) by:
(1) (in the case of a board director of a firm) that firm; or (2) (in any other case) P’s employer. [Note: sections 64A(4), (5)(ab) and (5)(b) of the Act (Rules of conduct)] …
1.1.14 G COCON 1 Annex 1 has guidance on the role and responsibilities of nonexecutive directors of relevant authorised persons to whom COCON
applies.
…
1 Annex
1G
Guidance on the role and responsibilities of NEDs for relevant authorised persons subject to COCON 1 Introduction
1.1 This annex applies to non-executive directors (NEDs) of: who are performing a
designated senior management function. It only applies where the individual performing that function is also a NED. (1) a relevant authorised person;
FCA 2017/23
(2) a Solvency II firm (including a large non-directive insurer); or (3) a small non-directive insurer. …
3.3 SYSC 4.3A.8R and SYSC 4.3A.9R deal with the nomination committee for
relevant authorised persons. There is no equivalent material for Solvency II firms. Although being the chair of the nomination committee is not a controlled function for a small non-directive insurer, paragraph 3.2 of this annex is still relevant to a small non-directive insurer if it has such a committee. …
4.3 Although NEDs who are subject to the senior management regime for SMF
managers or the approved persons regime for insurers have individual duties under that regime, the FCA views the regime and its application as consistent with the principle of collective decision-making. …
4.1 Specific guidance on individual conduct rules
…
Rule 2: You must act with due skill, care and diligence …
4.1.3 G …
Acting with due skill, etc as a manager (rule 2) …
4.1.8 G …
Acting with due skill, etc as a member of the Board (rule 2) 4.1.8A G Rule 2 in COCON 2.1.3R applies to a director (whether executive or nonexecutive) when taking part in the activities of the Board, other governing body or of its committees. This includes, for example, participating in meetings, preparing papers or other submissions for meetings and reporting to the body or committee. …
FCA 2017/23
Annex C
Amendments to the Supervision manual (SUP) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text.
15.11 Notification of COCON breaches and disciplinary action
Reasons for making a notification to the FCA
15.11.1 G Under section 64A of the Act, the FCA may make rules about the conduct
of approved persons and certain other persons who are employees of relevant authorised persons work for a firm.
15.11.2 G COCON sets out rules under section 64A of the Act and guidance about
the conduct of conduct rules staff on those rules for relevant authorised persons and insurers.
15.11.4 G Under section 64C of the Act, a firm must notify the FCA if it takes
disciplinary action against any conduct rules staff certain people working for a relevant authorised person and the reason for this action is a reason specified in rules made by the FCA (those rules are set out in SUP 15.11.6R).
15.11.5 G Disciplinary action against a person is defined in section 64C of the Act as
the issuing of a formal written warning, the suspension or dismissal of a that person who is a member of a relevant authorised person’s conduct rules staff or the reduction or recovery of any of such person’s remuneration.
15.11.6 R If a reason for taking the disciplinary action is any action, failure to act or
circumstance that amounts to a breach of COCON, then the firm relevant authorised person is required to notify the FCA of the disciplinary action. 15.11.6A G The effect of section 64C of the Act and SUP 15.11.6R is that the reporting obligation in section 64C of the Act and in this section:
(a) only applies to relevant authorised persons; and (b) only covers persons who are subject to COCON (who are called conduct rules staff in the FCA Handbook) rather than to the whole workforce of a relevant authorised person. … Timing and form of notifications: certification employees and other conduct rules staff other than SMF managers
15.11.13 R (1) A firm must make any notifications required pursuant to section
64C of the Act relating to a certification employee or other
FCA 2017/23 conduct rules staff other than SMF managers in accordance with SUP 15.11.13R to SUP 15.11.15R. … …
15.11.14 R (1) A firm other than a credit union must make each notification
pursuant to SUP 15.11.13R (notifications about section 64C of the Act relating to a certification employee or other conduct rules staff other than SMF managers) by submitting it online through the FCA’s website using the electronic system made available by the FCA for this purpose. (2) A firm must use the version of Form H (named REP008 – Notification of Disciplinary Action) made available on the electronic system referred to in (1), which is based on the version found in SUP 15 Annex 7R. … …
15.11.15 R A credit union must make each notification pursuant to SUP 15.11.13R
(notifications about section 64C of the Act relating to a certification employee or other conduct rules staff conduct rules staff other than SMF managers) in accordance with the rules and guidance in SUP 15.7, using Form H as set out in SUP 15 Annex 7R. General guidance on notifications of rule breaches and disciplinary action
15.11.16 G A firm is required to submit nil return notifications about section 64C of
the Act in the case of certification employees and other conduct rules staff (see SUP 15.11.13R(5)). However, a credit union is not required to make a nil return. [deleted] … 15 Annex 7R Form H: The Notification of Conduct rules Breaches and Disciplinary Action Form for the notification of disciplinary action relating to conduct rules staff (other than SMF managers) in relevant authorised persons
FCA 2017/23
Form H
Notification of Conduct
Rules Breaches and
Disciplinary Action relating to certification employees and other conduct rules staff (other than SMF managers) in relevant authorised persons FCA Handbook Reference: SUP 15 Annex 7R 30 September 2016 3 July 2017 … Application number (for FCA/PRA use only)
FCA 2017/23
Disciplinary Action Details Section 4
For each individual that is the subject of a notification under this Form, please provide the details requested below, in so far as applicable. A B C D E F G H I J K L M Title Surname Forename(s) IRN (See note 1) Date of Birth (See note 1) National Insurance Number (See note 1) Passport Number (See note 1) Nationality (See note 1) Job Title / Position And Department / Division Has the person, at any time during the reporting period, been (a) certified for FCAspecified significantharm function (7) (material risk takers) or (b) a standard nonexecutive director? (See note 2) Please identify the relevant conduct rule(s) that have been breached which form the basis of the disciplinary action taken Refer to Conduct Rules Please provide more information in relation to the conduct rule(s) breached. Please also state here whether the firm is updating a previous notification or is making a new notification. Free text description (2000 characters only. Anything greater than this please provide an attachment.) (See note 2 3) Please provide information as to the disciplinary action taken:
issuing of a formal written warning
suspension or dismissal of the person
reduction or recovery of any of the person’s remuneration Free text description (2000 characters only. Anything greater than this please provide an attachment.) (See note 3 4) Note 1:
…
Note 2: If the answer is Yes, please state which of the listed functions the person performed. The term “standard non-executive director” is defined in the Glossary. If your answer to the question in column J is yes, please state which of the listed functions the person performed. The term “standard non-executive director” is defined in the Glossary of definitions section within the Handbook. Note 2 3: If the firm is updating a previous notification, please confirm this in this column but include the details in column M (see note 3 4).
FCA 2017/23
Note 3 4:
(a) If the person about whom the notification is being made is appealing against the firm’s decision, please include details here. (b) If the firm is updating a previous notification, please include the details in this column. This includes (1) any appeal made by the subject of the notification subsequent to a previous notification or (2) the outcome of any appeal previously notified. (c) The firm should specify which of the listed types of disciplinary action it has taken.
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