Consultation · FCA · 7 Sep 2016
The Financial Conduct Authority proposes a 12-month transitional provision for calculating FCA periodic fees and Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies for the 2017/18 fee year. This approach requires that tariff data for both directive and non-directive insurers be based on the same figures used for the 2016/17 calculation, specifically data from the firm’s financial year ending in 2015. The proposal includes adjustments for firms undergoing Part VII transfers or entering run-off, with notifications and resubmissions required by 28 February 2017. This consultation seeks comments on these draft rules by 9 November 2016.
Financial Conduct Authority
Consultation Paper
September 2016
CP16/23*
FCA Regulated fees and levies:
Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 1
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23 Abbreviations used in this paper 3 1 Overview 5 2 Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 fees and levies 8
Annex
1 Compatibility statement 12
Appendix
1 Fees (Tariff data for insurers in 2017/18) 15 Instrument 2016 [draft rules] Contents
We are asking for comments on this Consultation Paper by 9 November 2016. You can send them to us using the form on our website at:
www.fca.org.uk/cp16-23-response-form.
Or in writing to:
Peter Cardinali
Finance and Business Services
Financial Conduct Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS
Telephone: 020 7066 5596
Email: cp16-23@fca.org.uk
We have developed the policy in this consultation paper in the context of the existing UK and EU regulatory framework. We will keep the proposals under review to assess whether any amendments will be required due to changes in the UK regulatory framework, including as a result of any negotiations following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. 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 0790 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
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 3
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23 Abbreviations used in this paper AFR Annual funding requirement CJ Compulsory jurisdiction CP Consultation Paper FEES FEES manual FSCS Financial Services Compensation Scheme PGL Pensions guidance levy PRA Prudential Regulation Authority PS Policy Statement VJ Voluntary jurisdiction
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 5
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23 1. Overview Introduction
1.1 In this Consultation Paper (CP) we set out proposals for a transitional provision covering
insurers’ tariff data. This will be used to calculate insurers’ FCA periodic fees and the Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies for 2017/18. The Financial Ombudsman Service proposes to mirror the FCA’s proposed changes to the Compulsory Jurisdiction (CJ) tariff blocks for its Voluntary Jurisdiction (VJ), so where relevant ‘we’ (below) refers both to the FCA and the Financial Ombudsman Service. Who does this consultation affect?
1.2 The consultation affects insurers falling into:
6 September 2016 Financial Conduct Authority
CP16/23 FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 Context
1.5 Consultation on our periodic fees, the Financial Ombudsman Service general levy, Money
Advice Service money advice levy and the PGL usually follows this annual cycle:
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 7
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23
1.11 We are therefore proposing a 12-month transitional provision whereby the calculations of fees
and levies for both directive and non-directive insurers are based on the same tariff data used to calculate 2016/17 fees and levies. This is subject to two adjustments relating to Part VII transfers and firms in run-off.
1.12 Overall we consider the proposed approach to be proportionate. In particular it means that
relevant insurance firms will not need to maintain the previous regime’s reporting systems. The approach we are proposing will enable us to maintain the current timetable for calculating 2017/18 fees and levies and we will have data within the transitional period (received by May 2017) on which to carry out an impact assessment of the proposed revised tariff data under Solvency II on directive and non-directive insurers’ fees and levies. We expect to publish a second CP, in Q3 2017, setting out these proposals for implementation in 2018/19.
1.13 Details of the proposed transitional provision are covered under Chapter 2 and the draft rules
are in Appendix 1.
What do you need to do next?
1.14 We want to know what you think of our proposed approach to insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18
and further consultation in 2017.
1.15 Please let us have your comments by 9 November 2016.
How?
1.16 Use the online response form on our website or write to us at the address on page 2.
What will we do?
1.17 We will consider your comments and, subject to FCA Board approval in December, we plan to
publish a PS in December 2016, which will include feedback on those comments and final rules. Comments will also be considered by the Financial Ombudsman Service and the final VJ rules will be subject to approval by their Board in December 2016.
8 September 2016 Financial Conduct Authority
CP16/23 FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 2. Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 fees and levies (FEES 4, FEES 5 and TP13 transitional provisions draft rules in Appendix 1)
2.1 In this chapter we set out proposals for a transitional provision covering insurers’ tariff data
that will be used to calculate FCA periodic fees and the Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies for 2017/18.
2.2 The fee-blocks used for calculating the Money Advice Service3
money advice levy and the
PGL are based on FCA fee-blocks. The proposed transitional provision for insurers’ tariff data relating to FCA periodic fees will therefore affect the calculation of the money advice levy under the equivalent A.3 and A.4 fee-blocks and the PGL under the equivalent A.4 fee-block for 2017/18. The rules covering tariff data in FEES 7 relating to the money advice levy and FEES 10 relating to the PGL are directly linked to FCA periodic fees rules in FEES 4. Therefore, the transitional provision we are proposing for FEES 4 will apply to FEES 7 and FEES 10. Background
2.3 We have previously used tariff data derived under ‘Solvency I’4
reporting requirements to calculate the fees and levies required for individual insurers. Solvency I was replaced by Solvency II on 1 January 2016. We therefore need to amend FEES 4 and FEES 5 rules to indicate to directive firms how their fees and levies will be calculated under Solvency II. Non-directive firms will continue to report regulatory data on a similar basis to previous years, as set out in PRA PS19/16 Reporting requirements for non-Solvency II insurance firms (June 2016).
2.4 The annual fee tariff data collection process begins in each December for the following financial
year. Firms respond between January and March and invoices are issued in July.5 This means that for 2017/18 we would have to consult on the revised Solvency II tariff data and finalise the rules by December 2016.
2.5 There are, however, a number of issues that need to be resolved before we can make proposals
for revised Solvency II tariff data for insurer fees:
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 9
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23
10 September 2016 Financial Conduct Authority
CP16/23 FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 Why are we proposing this?
2.10 We consider the proposed approach to be proportionate. In particular it means that relevant
insurance firms will not need to maintain the previous regime’s reporting systems. We recognise that our proposals to allow adjustments with respect to part VII of FSMA transfers (or other such transfers) and for firms going into run-off in 2016 will not accommodate changes driven by market movements (mathematical reserves) or customer behaviour (premiums). However, we believe that this approach balances the desire to recognise material changes in firm size with the potential burden of requiring relevant insurance firms to calculate data on a Solvency I basis. The proposed approach means that the current timetable for calculating fees for 2017/18 can be maintained while we develop a workable end-state solution for fees with the PRA.
2.11 The proposed approach also means that we will have data within the transitional period
(received by May 2017) on which we can base an impact assessment of potential end state solutions. That will allow us to develop the most appropriate approach for calculating directive firms’ fees using Solvency II data, as well as ensuring that the fees paid by non-directive firms remain proportionate.
2.12 In addition, directive and non-directive firms’ fees will be calculated on a consistent basis during
the transitional period. This eliminates the risk that the proportion of the fees paid by directive and non-directive firms is significantly (and possibly unfairly) altered by the introduction of Solvency II until the impact of those changes has been properly assessed.
2.13 By using data already available to us and that has already been validated the potential for data
quality issues in the first Solvency II reporting submissions that may lead to distortions in the distribution of fees between individual firms, will be reduced.
2.14 A firm’s volume of business moves year-on-year, therefore, to keep the fees as fair as possible,
the calculation should be based on the latest data wherever possible. Transitional arrangements covering only the 2017/18 fee year is the shortest period available while maintaining a realistic prospect of a new approach being developed by the end of the transitional period. Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies
2.15 The Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies are calculated under rules set out in FEES 5
through the following industry blocks:
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 11
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23 New entrants and extension of permissions
2.18 Our fees and levies rules already contain provisions setting out how newly authorised firms (and
firms that extend their permissions) should calculate their tariff data. We propose to modify these rules to enable us to continue to use such firm’s tariff data projections for the purpose of calculating 2017/18 fees and levies. Insurers tariff data for 2018/19 fees and levies
2.19 We expect to publish a second CP, in Q3 2017, setting out the proposals for 2018/19. To assist
us with developing these policy proposals we have included a rule in the transitional provision requiring insurers to meet reasonable requests from us for data in respect of their financial years ending in 2016 and 2017. Q1: Do you have any comments on the proposed transitional provision covering insurers’ tariff data for calculating FCA periodic fees and the Financial Ombudsman Service annual levies?
12 September 2016 Financial Conduct Authority
CP16/23 FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18
Annex 1
Compatibility with the general duties of the FCA
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 13
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23
7. In the case of the Financial Ombudsman Service, the proposals in this consultation will
contribute to the raising of the general levy to fund its activities in 2017/18 and enable it to meet its statutory function of providing a scheme for the quick and informal resolution of disputes between financial services firms and their customers. The proper functioning of the Financial Ombudsman Service also helps the FCA to meet its consumer protection objective.
8. In preparing the proposals set out in this consultation, we have had regard to the regulatory
principles set out in s.3B FSMA. The most relevant regulatory principles are considered below:
The need to use our resources in the most efficient and economical way
14 September 2016 Financial Conduct Authority
CP16/23 FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 Equality and diversity
11. 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 (EIA) to ensure that the equality and diversity implications of any new policy proposals are considered.
12. We believe the proposed transitional provision for insurers does not raise equality or diversity
questions.
13. However, we would welcome comments on any equality and diversity issues you believe may
arise from our proposals.
Financial Conduct Authority September 2016 15
FCA Regulated fees and levies: Insurers’ tariff data for 2017/18 CP16/23
Appendix 1
Fees (Tariff data for insurers in 2017/18)
Instrument 2016 [draft rules]
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
FEES (TARIFF DATA FOR INSURERS IN 2017/18) INSTRUMENT 2016 Powers exercised by the Financial Ombudsman Service A. The Financial Ombudsman Service Limited makes and amends the scheme rules relating to the payment of fees under the Compulsory Jurisdiction, and fixes and varies the standard terms for VJ participants relating to the payment of fees under the Voluntary Jurisdiction in Part 2 of the Annex to this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) paragraph 14 (The scheme’s operator’s rules) of Schedule 17; (2) paragraph 15 (Fees) of Schedule 17; and (3) paragraph 18 (Terms of reference to the scheme) of Schedule 17. B. The making (and amendment) of scheme rules and the fixing and variation of standard terms by the Financial Ombudsman Service Limited is subject to the consent and approval of the Financial Conduct Authority. Powers exercised by the Financial Conduct Authority
C. The Financial Conduct Authority makes Parts 1 and 2 of the Annex to this instrument
in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the following sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) section 137A (The FCA’s general rules);
(2) section 137T (General supplementary powers); (3) section 139A (Power of the FCA to give guidance);and (4) paragraph 23 (Fees) of Part 3 (Penalties and Fees) of Schedule 1ZA (The Financial Conduct Authority). D. The rule-making powers listed above are specified for the purpose of section 138G(2) (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. E. The Financial Conduct Authority consents to the making and amendment of the scheme rules, and approves the fixing and variation of the standard terms, by the Financial Ombudsman Service Limited which are set out in Part 2 of the Annex to this instrument. Commencement F. This instrument comes into force on [date].
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
Amendments to the Handbook
G. The Fees manual (FEES) is amended in accordance with the Annex to this instrument. Notes H. In the Annexes to this instrument, the “notes” (indicated by “Note:”) are included for the convenience of readers but do not form part of the legislative text. Citation
I. This instrument may be cited as the Fees (Tariff Data for Insurers in 2017/18)
Instrument 2016.
By order of the Board of the Financial Ombudsman Service Limited [date] By order of the Board of the Financial Conduct Authority [date]
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
Annex
Amendments to the Fees manual (FEES)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text.
Part 1
4.2 Obligation to pay periodic fees
…
Modifications for persons becoming subject to periodic fees during the course of a fee year …
4.2.7 R A firm (other than an AIFM qualifier, ICVC, or UCITS qualifier) which
becomes authorised or registered, or whose permission and/or payment service activities are extended, during the course of the fee year which is calculated by:
…
…
4.2.7B R (1) This rule deals with the calculation of:
…
[Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 4.2.7R and FEES 4.2.7BR for firms in activity groups A.3 and A.4 – see FEES TP 13]
4.3 Periodic fee payable by firms (other than AIFM qualifiers, ICVCs and
UCITS qualifiers)
…
Calculation of periodic fee (excluding fee-paying service providers and feepaying electronic money issuers)
4.3.3 R The periodic fee referred to in FEES 4.3.1R is (except in relation to the
Society, fee-paying payment service providers and fee-paying electronic money issuers) calculated as follows:
…
(6) …
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
[Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 4.3.3R for firms in activity groups A.3 and A.4 – see FEES TP 13] …
4.4 Information on which fees are calculated
4.4.1 R A firm (other than the Society and an MTF operator in relation to its MTF
business) must notify to the FCA (in its own capacity and, if applicable, in its capacity as a collection agent for the PRA) the value (as at the valuation date specified in Part 5 of FEES 4 Annex 1AR) of each element of business on which the periodic fee payable by the firm is to be calculated.
4.4.2 R A firm (other than the Society) must send to the FCA (in its own capacity
and, if applicable, in its capacity as collection agent for the PRA) in writing the information required under FEES 4.4.1R as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within two months, after the date specified as the valuation date in Part 5 of FEES 4 Annex 1AR in relation of fees payable to the FCA (or FEES 4.2.7BR where applicable). [Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 4.4.1R and FEES 4.4.2R for firms in activity groups A.3 and A.4 – see FEES TP 13] … 4 Annex 1AR FCA Activity groups, tariff bases and valuation dates …
Part 5
…
Activity group Valuation date
…
… …
A.3 Annual gross premium income (GPI), for the financial year ended in the calendar year ending 31 December. AND Gross technical liabilities (GTL) valued at the end of the financial year ended in the calendar year ending 31 December. [Note: Transitional provisions apply – see FEES TP 13] A.4 Adjusted annual gross premium income (AGPI) for the financial year ended in the calendar year ending 31 December.
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
AND
Mathematical reserves (MR) valued at the end of the financial year ended in the calendar year ending 31 December. [Note: Transitional provisions apply – see FEES TP 13] …
5.3 The general levy
…
5.3.8 R A firm’s general levy under the compulsory jurisdiction is calculated as
follows:
…
[Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 5.3.8R in relation to firms in industry blocks 2 and 4 – see FEES TP 13] …
5.4 Information requirement
5.4.1 R (1) A firm must provide the FCA by the end of February each year (or, if
the firm has become subject to the Financial Ombudsman Service part way through the financial year, by the date requested by the FCA) with a statement of the total amount of relevant business (measured in accordance with the appropriate tariff base(s)) which it conducted, as at or in the year to 31 December of the previous year as appropriate, in relation to the tariff base for each of the relevant industry blocks set out in FEES 5 Annex 1. [Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 5.4.1R(1) in relation to firms in Industry blocks 2 and 4 – see FEES TP 13] … …
5.8 Joining the Financial Ombudsman Service
5.8.1 R A firm which becomes subject to the Financial Ombudsman Service part
way through a financial year must pay a rateable proportion of the general levy as specified in the formula set out in FEES 4.2.6R.
5.8.2 R (1) This rule deals with the calculation of:
…
…
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
Application of FEES 5.8.2R
5.8.3 G The table below sets out the period within which a firm’s tariff base is
calculated (the data period) for second year levies calculated under FEES 5.8.2R. The example is based on a firm that acquires permission on 1 November 2014 and has a financial year ending 31 March. Where valuation dates fall before the firm receives permission it should use projected valuations in calculating its levies. … [Note: Transitional provisions apply to FEES 5.8.1R, FEES 5.8.2R and FEES 5.8.3G: see FEES TP 13]
Part 2
5 Annex
2R
Annual Levy Payable in Relation to the Voluntary Jurisdiction for 2016/17 Voluntary jurisdiction – annual levy for VJ participants Industry block and business activity Tariff basis Tariff rate Minimum levy … 2V VJ participants undertaking general insurance activities [Note: Transitional provisions apply – see FEES TP 13] … … … 3V VJ participants undertaking life insurance activities [Note: Transitional provisions apply – see FEES TP 13] … … … … … TP 13 Transitional provisions relating to the calculation of tariff bases for insurers
13.1 Application
13.1.1 R (1) FEES TP 13 applies to a firm in:
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
(a) activity groups A.3 and/or A.4 in FEES 4 Annex 1AR (FCA Activity groups, tariff bases and valuation dates); or (b) industry blocks 2 and 4 in FEES 5 Annex 1R; or (c) industry blocks 2V and/or 3V in FEES 5 Annex 2R (Annual Levy Payable in Relation to the Voluntary Jurisdiction for 2016/17). (2) FEES TP 13 modifies:
(a) FEES 4.2.7R and FEES 4.2.7BR;
(b) FEES 4.3.3R;
(c) FEES 4.4.1R and FEES 4.4.2R;
(d) FEES 4 Annex 1AR, Part 5;
(e) FEES 5.3.8R;
(f) FEES 5.4.1R;
(g) FEES 5.8.1R, FEES 5.8.2R and FEES 5.8.3G; and (h) FEES 5 Annex 2R.
13.1.2 G FEES TP 13 deals with transitional arrangements relating to the calculation
of tariff data for insurers for the fee year 2017/18 as a result of the implementation of the Solvency II Directive from 1 January 2016.
13.2 Calculation of tariff bases for fee year 2017/18
13.2.1 R Subject to FEES TP 13.2.2 firms under FEES 13.1.1(2)R will be dependent
on the following for the fee year 2017/18:
(1) subject to FEES 13.2.1R(2) and/or FEES 13.2.1R(3), periodic fees will be calculated using the tariff base data (as prescribed in FEES 4
Annex 1AR) reported by firms for their financial year ended in the
calendar year ending 2015;
(2) if a firm has acquired or disposed of insurance business by way of an insurance business transfer scheme under Part VII of the Act or Part VIII of the Friendly Societies Act 1992, during the period specified in FEES TP 13.2.3R, it must on or before 28 February 2017:
(a) notify the FCA that such a transfer has taken place; and (b) provide such information as the FCA may require to establish the extent to which the tariff base data, referred to in TP 13.2.1(1), has increased or decreased as a result of the transfer and the amended data provided will form the basis of
FCA 2016/xx
FOS 2016/x
\ the periodic fees calculation for the fee year commencing on 1 April 2017. (3) a firm in run-off which commenced during the period specified in FEES TP 13.2.3R may on or before 28 February 2017 resubmit adjusted 2015 tariff base data . [Note: Under FEES TP 13.2.1(2) and (3) firms within activity groups A.3 and/or A.4 make resubmissions to the FCA in its capacity as collection agent for the PRA]
13.2.2 R This rule deals with the calculation of periodic fees for firms who fall within
FEES 4.2.7R, FEES 4.2.7BR, FEES 5.8.1R, FEES 5.8.2R and FEES 5.8.3G.
(1) The periodic fees calculation based on projected valuations, for a firm’s first year, as provided in the course of the firm’s application will be applied to all firms whether in their first fee year, second fee year or a subsequent fee year. (2) The general levy calculation based on projected valuations for its first year of business will be applied to all firms whether in their first or second financial year.
13.2.3 R The period referred to in FEES TP 13.2.1R(2) and FEES TP 13.2.1R(3) is
the period:
(1) from the firms’ financial year ended in the calendar year ending 2015; to (2) the end of the calendar year ending 2016.
13.2.4 R To assist with the formulation of fees and general levy policy for the fee year
and financial year commencing on 1 April 2018 and subsequent fee years and financial years, firms will comply with the requests of the FCA for tariff data in respect of the firm’s financial years:
(1) ended in the calendar year ending 31 December 2016; and (2) ended in the calendar year ending 31 December 2017.
Financial Conduct Authority
PUB REF: 005308
© Financial Conduct Authority 2016
25 The North Colonnade Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7066 1000
Website: www.fca.org.uk
All rights reserved
Note from RegAlert. AI assistants can read this document in full, and search 70,000+ more, through the RegAlert MCP connector (https://mcp.regalert.today/mcp). Free with an account. How to connect ChatGPT, Claude or Cursor.
More like this from FCA
FCA published 10 documents in the last 30 days. We email you each new one the day it's published.
Source: Financial Conduct Authority — original document · Summary generated with machine assistance and reviewed before publication; the authoritative text is the regulator's original document. How RegAlert works
In RegAlert: added · updated