CP18/1: Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period

Consultation Paper
CP18/1
January 2018
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period

CP18/1 Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period We are asking for comments on this Consultation Paper (CP) by 5 February 2018. You can send them to us using the form on our website at: www.fca. org.uk/cp18-01-response-form Or in writing to:
Clare Vicary
Financial Conduct Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HS
Telephone:
0207 066 7606
Email:
cp18-01@fca.org.uk
How to respond Contents
1 Summary 3
2 Proposals for consultation 6
Annex 1
Questions in this paper 8
Annex 2
Compatibility statement 9
Appendix 1
Draft Handbook text
Appendix 2
Abbreviations in this document returns you to the contents list takes you to helpful abbreviations How to navigate this document onscreen

CP18/1
Chapter 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period 1 Summary Why we are consulting
1.1 Following consultation, including with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
(FSCS), we recently made changes to the FSCS funding arrangements as part of a broader review of FSCS funding. One of the changes was to align the FSCS compensation levy year with the financial year. We have since become aware that a practical implication of this change is a different allocation of costs to the life and pensions intermediation class which was not intended. We think it is reasonable to now consult on transitional provisions which delay the effect of this change meaning in effect that we maintain the status quo. The provisions will ensure that the life and pensions intermediation class will continue to benefit from support from the retail pool1 over the next few months, consistent with the FSCS’s public messaging on this. Who this applies to
1.2 This consultation will be of interest to all firms who are current or potential contributors
to FSCS funding.
1.3 Under current Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, FSCS contributions:

• are required from firms that provide investments, or intermediate investments,
  general insurance, life insurance and home finance
• may be required from firms that provide insurance, home finance or that accept
  deposits
• will be required from certain consumer credit firms from 1 April 2018
  1.4 The proposal we are consulting on does not directly affect financial services
  consumers. However, FSCS levies can indirectly affect the prices paid by financial services consumers. The wider context of this consultation
  1.5 The FSCS is the United Kingdom’s (UK) statutory compensation scheme of last resort.
  The FCA decides – for the financial activities we have responsibility for – how much protection the FSCS provides and how it is funded. 1 See para 2.3 for further explanation of how the retail pool works.

CP18/1
Chapter 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
1.6 In consultation paper (CP) 16/422
we explained that the FSCS compensation levy year runs from 1 July to the following 30 June.3 However, the separate management expenses levy – which firms pay at the same time as the compensation costs levy – is calculated from 1 April to 31 March. These different time periods make it more complicated for the FSCS to forecast the levy and make it difficult for firms to budget for the levy. To address this, we consulted on rules to allow these periods to be aligned with the financial year. The effect of the rules was to bring the start of the next compensation period forward by three months to 1 April 2018.
1.7 In CP 17/364
we explained that most respondents supported the proposal to align the compensation levy year with the management expenses levy year and we made final rules that will come into effect from April 2018. What we want to change
1.8 We are consulting on transitional provisions to:

• allow the 2017/18 compensation levy year to run to its original timeframe
• require the FSCS to run a nine-month compensation levy year for the period 1 July
  2018 to 31 March 2019 with pro-rated class thresholds
• delay the introduction of arrangements for firms who pay fees on account by one
  year until 1 April 2019
  1.9 We are also consulting on minor clarifications to the new rule about levy paying
  arrangements for firms who pay fees on account.
  Outcome we are seeking
  1.10 The new rules bring the start of the next compensation levy year forward by three
  months to 1 April 2018, aligning it with the financial year. Since making the rules, we have become aware that the change in the compensation levy year is likely to cause a different allocation of costs to the life and pensions intermediation class, causing it to lose some of the support it would otherwise have had from the retail pool within this and the next financial year. This was not our intention when we made the rules.
  1.11 Firms in the life and pensions intermediation class have already been charged levies up
  to the class threshold of £100m for 2017/18.5 In April 2017, the FSCS told the industry that the forecast costs for the life and pensions intermediation class were expected to be higher than the £100m threshold.6 As a result, the FSCS may need to raise an additional supplementary levy on the retail pool later in the year if this is needed. 2 https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp16-42.pdf 3 The compensation levy year is from July to June because, while the FSCS generally announces the amount of the levy each April, a firm actually only pays it around July. 4 https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/consultation/cp17-36.pdf 5 https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/FEES/6/Annex2.html 6 https://www.fscs.org.uk/globalassets/publications/12april2017_outlook_final.pdf

CP18/1
Chapter 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
1.12 Our proposed transitional provisions will allow the FSCS to run the current
compensation levy year to its original timeframe, ending on 30 June 2018, and would pro-rate the compensation calculations and applicable levy limits in respect of all FCA classes - except for the debt management claims class - for the period from 1 July 2018 to 31 March 2019. The new debt management claims class will be levied on the basis of the year running from April 2018 to March 2019 because the class is new and therefore unaffected by the changes we recently made to align the levy and financial years. Protection for claims about the loss of client money in relation to the activities of debt counselling and debt adjusting will start from 1 April 2018.
1.13 The proposals relating to the arrangements for firms who pay on account are intended
to mitigate some of the complexity in the calculation of levies for the next financial year, while also addressing a potential ambiguity in the operation of the relevant rule. Wider effects of this consultation If we do not introduce the proposed transitional provisions, firms in the life and pensions intermediation class may have to pay more levies over time than they expected to.
1.14 As the FSCS explained in its publication in April 2017, firms in this class expected to
have access to the retail pool until June 2018.
Equality and diversity considerations
1.15 We have considered the equality and diversity issues that may arise from our
proposals.
1.16 Overall, we do not consider that the proposals adversely impact any of the groups with
protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. But we will continue to consider the equality and diversity implications of the proposals during the consultation period, and will revisit them when publishing the final rules.
1.17 In the meantime we welcome your input to this consultation on this issue.
Next steps
We would like your views on the proposal set out in this document.
1.18 Please send us your comments by 5 February 2018. You can use the online response
form on our website or write to us on the address on page 2.
We will consider your feedback and publish any final rules in the February Handbook notice.

CP18/1
Chapter 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period 2 Proposals for consultation
2.1 In this chapter we explain our proposal to introduce transitional provisions to:

• allow the 2017/18 compensation levy year to run to its original timeframe – to 30
  June 2018
• allow the FSCS to run a nine month compensation levy year for the period 1 July
  2018 to 31 March 2019 with pro-rated class thresholds
• delay the introduction of arrangements for firms who pay fees on account by one
  year until 1 April 2019
  2.2 We are also consulting on minor clarifications to the new rule about levy paying
  arrangements for firms who pay fees on account.
  2.3 FSCS compensation costs and specific costs – such as claims handling costs and other
  expenses related to paying claims - are funded by levies collected from individual firms. A participant firm’s permissions determine which funding class – or classes – it belongs to. A firm’s compensation costs levy or specific costs levy in the FCA funding classes is proportionate to the size of its annual eligible income and the amount of FSCS compensation that its funding class will have to pay.
  2.4 Each of the FCA funding classes is subject to a levy limit or class threshold to ensure
  that firms’ contributions to the FSCS are affordable and sustainable. If compensation costs in a particular funding class are so high that the class threshold is breached, the FSCS may allocate any costs above the threshold to the retail pool. If the retail pool is triggered in this way, the additional costs are distributed between firms in all of the other FCA classes (but only up to their respective class thresholds).
  2.5 Firms in the life and pensions intermediation class have already been charged levies up
  to the class threshold of £100m for 2017/18.7 In April 2017, the FSCS told the industry that the forecast costs for the life and pensions intermediation class were expected to be higher than the £100m threshold.8 As a result, the FSCS may need to raise an additional levy on the retail pool later in the current levy year to cover any shortfall that might arise.
  2.6 While it remains our intention to align the compensation levy year with the financial
  year, to do so at this point would alter the allocation of expected compensation costs. When we made final rules in CP 17/36, we did not intend to alter the FSCS’s plans to raise a supplementary levy, or reduce the support the life and pensions intermediation class would otherwise receive from the retail pool within this and the next levy year. However, in light of additional information we now consider that changing the start date of the next compensation levy year would have this effect. We are therefore proposing a transitional period between the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years that is intended to preserve the level of support the life and pensions intermediation class receives from the retail pool. 7 https://www.handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/FEES/6/Annex2.html 8 https://www.fscs.org.uk/globalassets/publications/12april2017_outlook_final.pdf

CP18/1
Chapter 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
2.7 The transitional provisions that we are proposing will enable the FSCS to run the
currently compensation levy year to its original end point on 30 June 2018. The practical effect of this is that the FSCS would be able to raise a supplementary levy on the retail pool to cover compensation costs for the 2017/18 compensation levy year if it needs to do so and as it had originally planned.
2.8 The proposed transitional provisions will require the FSCS to implement a nine-month
compensation levy year running from 1 July 2018 to 31 March 2019, with pro-rated annual levy limits. This aims to ensure that the life and pensions intermediation class (and other classes that can be supported by the retail pool) retain the same level of support from the retail pool they would have otherwise had.
2.9 We are also proposing to delay the introduction of new arrangements for firms that pay
fees on account. Firms subject to FEES 6.7.-1R would be required to pay an estimated half of their share of annual levies in April of each year (based on the previous year’s levy), and the balance in September. We consider that the transitional period we are proposing would add complexity to the operation of FEES 6.7.-1R, making the calculation of levies less transparent to firms and generating significant administrative costs to the FCA. Delaying the introduction of these new arrangements by one year will reduce the number of invoices that the FCA will need to issue to firms. This will reduce costs and the administrative burden on firms, the FCA and the FSCS. From 1 April 2019 the FSCS compensation levy year and the management expenses levy year will be aligned and firms will be levied accordingly.
2.10 We have also identified a potential ambiguity in FEES 6.7.-1R, in that it would appear to
apply to interim levies. This would undermine the ability of the FSCS to raise funds as necessary to meet its ongoing compensation and specific costs. We are consulting on amendments to clarify that FEES 6.7.-1R does not apply to interim levies. Q1: Do you agree with our proposal to allow the current compensation levy year to run to its original timeframe to 30 June 2018? Q2: Do you agree with our proposal for a nine-month levy year with pro-rated class thresholds for the financial year of 2018/19 – 1 July 2018-31 March 2019? Q3: Do you agree with our proposal to delay the introduction of the aligned twelve month levy year until 1 April 2019? Q4: Do you agree with our proposed clarification to FEES 6.7.- 1R? Q5: Do you have any alternative proposals?

CP18/1
Annex 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
Annex 1
Questions in this paper
Q1: Do you agree with our proposal to allow the current compensation levy year to run to its original timeframe to 30 June 2018? Q2: Do you agree with our proposal for a nine-month levy year with pro-rated class thresholds for the financial year of 2018/19– 1 July 2018–31 March 2019? Q3: Do you agree with our proposal to delay the introduction of the aligned twelve month levy year until 1 April 2019? Q4: Do you agree with our proposed clarification to FEES 6.7.-1R? Q5: Do you have any alternative proposals?

CP18/1
Annex 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
Annex 2
Compatibility statement
Compliance with legal requirements

1. This Annex records the FCA’s compliance with a number of legal requirements
   applicable to the proposals in this consultation, including an explanation of the FCA’s reasons for concluding that our proposals in this consultation are compatible with certain requirements under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).
2. The proposed transitional provisions are aimed at addressing unintended
   consequences to the allocation of compensation and specific costs to the retail pool in this and the next financial year, but do not affect the overall amount of compensation (or specific) costs which the FSCS incurs or funds through levies. We consider that any increase in costs will be of minimal significance. On that basis, under s. 138L(3) of FSMA we are exempt from the requirement to carry out and publish a cost benefit analysis.
3. When consulting on new rules, the FCA is required by section 138I(2)(d) FSMA to
   include an explanation of why it believes making the proposed rules is (a) compatible with its general duty, under s. 1B(1) FSMA, so far as reasonably possible, to act in a way which is compatible with its strategic objective and advances one or more of its operational objectives, and (b) its general duty under s. 1B(5)(a) FSMA to have regard to the regulatory principles in s. 3B FSMA. The FCA is also required by s. 138K(2) FSMA to state its opinion on whether the proposed rules will have a significantly different impact on mutual societies as opposed to other authorised persons.
4. This Annex also sets out the FCA’s view of how the proposed rules are compatible with
   the duty on the FCA to discharge its general functions (which include rule-making) in a way which promotes effective competition in the interests of consumers (s. 1B(4)). This duty applies in so far as promoting competition is compatible with advancing the FCA’s consumer protection and/or integrity objectives.
5. In addition, we have also considered the recommendations made by the Treasury
   under s. 1JA FSMA about aspects of the economic policy of Her Majesty’s Government to which we should have regard in connection with our general duties.
6. This Annex includes our assessment of the equality and diversity implications of these
   proposals.
7. Under the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (LRRA) the FCA is subject to
   requirements to have regard to a number of high-level ‘Principles’ in the exercise of some of our regulatory functions and to have regard to a ‘Regulators’ Code’ when determining general policies and principles and giving general guidance (but not when exercising other legislative functions like making rules). This Annex sets out how we have complied with requirements under the LRRA.

CP18/1
Annex 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period Designing a compensation scheme: s213 of FSMA
8. The proposed rule is designed to ensure that the scheme remains sufficiently funded.
The FSCS told firms in April 2017 that the forecast costs for the life and pensions intermediation class were expected to be higher than the £100m threshold and that the FSCS may need to raise an additional levy on the retail pool later in the year. Creating these transitional provisions ensures that the life and pensions intermediation class are not required to pay more than they would have done before the rule changes we made in October 2017. The FCA’s objectives and regulatory principles: Compatibility statement
9. The proposals set out in this consultation are compatible with the FCA’s strategic
objective of ensuring that the relevant markets function well. The availability of compensation increases consumer confidence when engaging with financial services. The proposals also advance the FCA’s consumer protection objective.
10. We consider these proposals are compatible with the FCA’s strategic objective of
ensuring that the relevant markets function well because firms in the Life and Pensions Class expected to be able to access the retail pool until the end of June 2018. For the purposes of the FCA’s strategic objective, “relevant markets” are defined by s. 1F FSMA.
11. In preparing the proposals set out in this consultation, the FCA has had regard to the
regulatory principles set out in s. 3B FSMA.
The need to use our resources in the most efficient and economic way
12. The technical amendment is meant to be a more efficient and economic proposal than
implementing the aligned levy years in April 2018 as previously planned. Delaying the introduction of arrangements for firms who pay fees on account until 1 April 2019 will reduce the number of invoices that the FCA will need to issue to firms. This will reduce costs and the administrative burden on firms, the FCA and the FSCS. The principle that a burden or restriction should be proportionate to the benefits
13. The technical amendment is intended to ensure that firms in the Life and Pensions
Intermediation Class are required to pay a proportionate share of the levy over time and can access the retail pool for the time period they expected after the FSCS publication in April 2017. The principle that we should exercise of our functions as transparently as possible
14. The reasons for the proposals are set out in detail in the consultation paper.
Additionally, in formulating these proposals, the FCA has had regard to the importance of taking action intended to minimise the extent to which it is possible for a business carried on (i) by an authorised person or a recognised investment exchange; or (ii) in contravention of the general prohibition, to be used for a purpose connected with financial crime (as required by s. 1B(5)(b) FSMA). However, the proposals and issues under discussion do not have a direct bearing on financial crime.
15. In formulating these proposals, the FCA has had regard to the importance of taking
action intended to minimise the extent to which it is possible for a business carried on (i) by an authorised person or a recognised investment exchange; or (ii) in contravention

CP18/1
Annex 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period of the general prohibition, to be used for a purpose connected with financial crime (as required by s. 1B(5)(b) FSMA). This is not relevant to the proposals in this CP. The general principle that consumers should take responsibility for their decisions
16. Our proposals do not alter the position of the FSCS as a compensation scheme of last
resort. They are therefore compatible with the principle that consumers should take responsibility for their own decisions. Expected effect on mutual societies
17. The FCA does not expect the proposals in this paper to have a significantly different
impact on mutual societies.
Compatibility with the duty to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers
18. In preparing the proposals in this consultation, we have had regard to the FCA’s duty to
promote effective competition in the interests of consumers.
Equality and diversity
19. We are required under the Equality Act 2010 to ‘have due regard’ to the need to
eliminate discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity in carrying out our policies, services and functions. As part of this, we conduct an equality impact assessment to ensure that the equality and diversity implications of any new policy proposals are considered. Whilst the imposition of FSCS levies in general may be a barrier to entry for some firms, we consider it is justified by the consumer protection benefits. The proposed transitional provisions do not affect the overall cost to the industry from FSCS levies.
20. The outcome of the assessment in this case is stated in paragraph 1.16 of the
Consultation Paper.
Treasury recommendations about economic policy
21. The proposal set out in this paper is relevant to the ‘better outcomes for consumers’
aspect of the Government’s economic policy. The transitional provision will help to ensure that the scheme remains sufficiently funded.

CP18/1
Appendix 1
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
Appendix 1
Draft Handbook text

FCA 2018/XX
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPENSATION SCHEME (TRANSITIONAL LEVY PROVISIONS) INSTRUMENT 2018 Powers exercised A. The Financial Conduct Authority makes this instrument in the exercise of the powers and related provisions in:
(1) the following sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(a) section 137A (The FCA’s general rules);
(b) section 137T (General supplementary powers); (c) section 139A (Power of the FCA to give guidance); (d) section 213 (The compensation scheme); (e) section 214 (General); and (2) the other powers and related provisions listed in Schedule 4 (Powers exercised) to the General Provisions of the Handbook. B. The rule-making powers listed above are specified for the purpose of section 138G (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. Commencement
C. The transitional provisions in Part 1 of Annex B come into force on [23 February
2018].
D. The remainder of this instrument comes into force on [1 April 2018]. Amendments to the Handbook E. The Glossary of definitions is amended in accordance with Annex A to this instrument. F. The Fees manual (FEES) is amended in accordance with Annex B to this instrument. Citation G. This instrument may be cited as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (Transitional Levy Provisions) Instrument 2018. By order of the Board [date]

FCA 2018/XX
Annex A
Amendments to the Glossary of definitions
Insert the following new definitions in the appropriate position. The text is not underlined. annual levy the first management expenses levy and the first compensation costs levy in any one financial year of the compensation scheme. interim levy a levy imposed by the FSCS, other than an annual levy.

FCA 2018/XX
Annex B
Amendments to the Fees manual (FEES)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text.
Part 1: Comes into force on [23 February 2018]
FEES TP 18 (Transitional provisions relating to changes to the FSCS levy arrangements taking effect in 2018/19) is amended as follows. TP 18 Transitional provisions relating to changes to the FSCS levy arrangements taking effect in 2018/19 (1) (2) Material to which the transitional provision applies (3) (4) Transitional Provision (5) Transitional provision:
dates in force
(6)
Handbook
Provisions coming into force
Reporting requirements
18.1 FEES 6.5.13R R … … …
Managing investments in relation to structured products
18.2 FEES 6 Annex
3AR
R … … …
Matters arising before 1 April 2018
[To follow from 1 April 2018]
2017/18 financial year: compensation levies
18.4 FEES
6.3.1R(3),
6.1.6G, and
6.1.14G
R In relation to an interim compensation costs levy within the 2017/18 financial year of the compensation scheme, the FSCS must take into account the FSCS’s expenditure in respect of compensation costs expected in the period until 30 June 2018 instead of expenditure expected in the periods in the provisions in column (2). From 23 February 2018 to 31 March 2018 Already in force

FCA 2018/XX
2018/19 financial year: levies and levy limits
18.5 FEES
6.3.1R(3),
6.1.6G and
6.1.14G
R In relation to a compensation costs levy for the 2018/2019 financial year of the compensation scheme, the FSCS must take into account:
(1) the FSCS’s expenditure in respect of compensation costs expected between 1 July 2018 and 31 March 2019; or, if greater (2) 75% of one third of the compensation costs expected in the 36 months following 1 April 2018, instead of expenditure expected in the periods in the provisions in column (2). From 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 Amended from 1 April 2018
18.6 FEES 6.3.5R,
6.5A.1R,
6.5A.4R,
6.5A.5R, 6
Annex 2R, and
6 Annex 5R
R In the 2018/19 financial year of the compensation scheme, the maximum aggregate amount of compensation costs and specific costs that may be allocated to a particular class, whether directly or (where relevant to that class) through the retail pool, is:
(1) 75% of the amount of the limit for each class as set out in FEES 6 Annex 2R; and (2) for FCA provider contribution classes, 75% of the amount of the retail pool levy limit for each class as set out in FEES 6 Annex 5R. From 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 Amended from 1 April 2018
18.7 FEES
6.3.1R(3),
6.1.6G and
6.1.14G,
6.3.5R,
6.5A.1R,
6.5A.4R,
6.5A.5R, 6
Annex 2R, and
6 Annex 5R
R TP 18.5 and 18.6 do not apply in respect of levies imposed on the debt management class. From 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 From 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019

FCA 2018/XX
18.8 FEES 6.7.1-1R R FEES 6.7.-1R does not apply to
levies imposed in the 2018/2019 financial year of the compensation scheme. From 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 Amended from 1 April 2018
Part 2: Comes into effect on [1 April 2018]
[Editor’s note: the following provisions in FEES 6, as amended by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (Funding and Scope) Instrument 2017 (FCA 2017/58) with effect from 1 April 2018, are amended as follows.] 6 Financial Services Compensation Scheme Funding …
6.3 The FSCS’s power to impose levies
…
6.3.2A G The FSCS will usually levy once in each financial year (the annual levy). However, if the compensation costs or specific costs incurred, or expected to be incurred, exceed the amounts held, or reasonably expected to be held, to meet those costs, the FSCS may, at any time during the financial year, do one or more of the following:
(1) impose an interim compensation costs levy or management expenses levy interim levy; or … …
6.7 Payment of levies
Payments on account by certain firms
6.7.-1 R Where a participant firm must pay its periodic fees for a fee year in accordance with FEES 4.3.6R(1C) to (1E), it must pay its share of any levy made annual levy imposed by the FSCS for the financial year of the compensation scheme which is the same as that fee year as follows:
(1) by 1 April an amount equal to 50%, or such lower percentage as the FSCS may determine, of the participant firm’s share of the levy annual levy payable for the previous financial year of the compensation scheme; and (2) by 1 September the balance of the levy annual levy due from the participant firm for the current financial year of the compensation scheme.

FCA 2018/XX
…
Payments of interim levies
6.7.3A R A participant firm’s share of any interim levy interim levy is due on, and payable within 30 days of, the date when the invoice is issued. …

CP18/1
Appendix 2
Financial Conduct Authority
Aligning the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy time period
Appendix 2
Abbreviations in this document
CP Consultation Paper
FCA Financial Conduct Authority
FSCS Financial Services Compensation Scheme
UK United Kingdom
We have developed the policy in this Consultation Paper 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. You can download this Consultation Paper from our website: www.fca.org.uk. 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 team, Financial Conduct Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS

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