Rule · FCA · 1 Dec 2023
The Financial Conduct Authority issued Policy Statement PS24/7 to finalize rules and guidance for the Overseas Funds Regime, enabling equivalent overseas funds to market to UK retail investors. The document establishes requirements for recognition applications, ongoing change notifications, and enhanced disclosures regarding limited access to the FSCS and FOS. These measures aim to balance streamlined market access with consumer protection by allowing the FCA to assess risks and refuse recognition for funds posing potential harm.
Policy Statement
PS24/7
Implementing the Overseas Funds
Regime
Feedback to CP23/26 and final rules
July 2024
This relates to
Consultation Paper 23/26 which is available on our website at www.fca.org.uk/publications Email:
cp23-26@fca.org.uk
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Contents
Chapter 1 Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Chapter 2 Applying for recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12
Chapter 3 Notification of changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
Chapter 4 Enhanced disclosures regarding lack of access to FSCS and FOS . Page 19
Chapter 5 Refusal of recognition, suspension or revocation of recognition
and public censure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23
Chapter 6 Other matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 24
Annex 1 List of non-confidential respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27
Annex 2 Abbreviations used in this paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 28
Annex 3 Data requirements for fund operators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 30
Appendix 1 Made rules (legal instrument)
Chapter 1
Summary
1.1 This Policy Statement (PS) sets out our response to the feedback we received to
Consultation Paper CP23/26, proposing rules and guidance necessary to implement the Overseas Funds Regime (OFR). It details the final rules and guidance that we are introducing following the consultation.
1.2 Many of the funds offered to investors in the UK are from outside the country. In 2021,
the Government legislated – through changes to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) – to create a new streamlined process to recognise overseas collective investment schemes, the OFR. The regime is based on principles of equivalence:
jurisdictions can be approved by the Government if they offer adequate co-operation arrangements between the FCA and relevant national competent authorities (NCAs), and if they provide equivalent investor protection outcomes to comparable UKauthorised schemes.
1.3 On 30 January 2024, the UK Government announced the first equivalence decision, in
relation to Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) established and authorised in states in the European Economic Area (EEA), including European Union (EU) member states. The Government has granted equivalence in respect of EEA UCITS (except for money-market funds), meaning that they can apply to the FCA for recognition to market to UK retail investors. Many of these UCITS are currently accessing the UK market through the Temporary Marketing Permissions Regime (TMPR). The TMPR is currently due to end in December 2025, but the Government can extend it further.
1.4 In May 2024, together with HM Treasury, we published a roadmap setting out the key
dates and processes for operators of overseas funds to apply for OFR recognition. We also published a webpage setting out when and how operators in scope of the Government’s decision should apply for recognition. We are working to open the gateway for EEA UCITS to apply for OFR recognition later this year.
1.5 If the UK Government decides to make any further equivalence determinations under
the OFR, we will also be able to recognise those funds in the future.
1.6 Our consultation covered proposed changes to our Handbook so that overseas funds
can be recognised following any equivalence determinations. In the Handbook we call these ‘OFR recognised schemes’, but in this PS we will use the term ‘OFR funds’.
1.7 We consulted on:
Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and whether any overseas compensation or alternative dispute resolution schemes are available
Competition
1.12 The final rules set out in this PS advance the FCA’s operational objective of promoting
effective competition in the interests of consumers. The OFR will allow retail investors in the UK to continue to access and choose from a wide range of funds, subject to the Government determining that the overseas regulatory regimes offer equivalent investor protection outcomes. Secondary international competitiveness and growth objective
1.13 The final rules also advance the FCA’s secondary objective of facilitating the
international competitiveness of the UK economy and its growth. Our rules will apply to funds domiciled in jurisdictions granted equivalence by the Government that wish to market to UK investors. This includes EEA UCITS (except for money-market funds) and funds from any other jurisdiction to which the Government may grant future equivalence under the OFR. We aim to create a streamlined regime, supported by a clear and proportionate regulatory framework, which attracts overseas funds to market in the UK.
1.14 In thinking about this objective, we are also considering the need to use our resources in
the most efficient and economical way, as well as our overall operational effectiveness. Fund operators will be able to submit a recognition application, notification of changes and relevant documents through an enhanced gateway system (see chapters 2 and 3) for greater operational efficiency.
1.15 Our new rules are consistent with the global asset management model, and support the
UK being an open financial centre.
What we are changing
1.16 These new rules set out the information we require to determine an application for
recognition. The requirements we are making are informed by our experience of authorising UK funds and the consultation feedback to CP23/26. We have sought to streamline the recognition process. We will be requesting information that allows us to spot outliers and funds with unusual features.
1.17 We will require OFR fund operators to notify us of certain changes to the fund. This
information will help us to assess any potential UK consumer harm arising from those changes. We would not be the fund’s primary supervisor, so we expect to have limited interaction on an ongoing basis with most OFR funds and their operators.
1.18 We are introducing measures so that UK consumers are given a clear explanation about
whether an OFR fund is covered by the FOS and FSCS in relation to their investment decisions.
1.19 Finally, we are finalising the rules and guidance for the FCA to make a public statement
about breaches of OFR regulatory requirements, or suspend or revoke an OFR fund’s
recognition as a result of any breaches, if it is desirable to do so to protect the interests of UK participants or potential participants.
1.20 Following the feedback to CP23/26, we have:
Outcomes and measuring success
1.25 We consider having a wide selection of good-quality funds available in the UK a success
of the regime. We expect that most funds currently using the TMPR that wish to continue marketing to UK investors will transition to the OFR. These will include funds that are marketed actively to UK investors, or that have been admitted to trading on public markets. Some funds that registered under the TMPR for historical reasons but never marketed actively to UK retail investors may choose not to seek OFR recognition.
1.26 Some TMPR funds may have an existing UK customer base even though they are not
actively marketing to new UK investors. It will usually be in the best interests of the current UK investors for the operator to apply for OFR recognition of the fund, even if it no longer intends to actively market the fund. Exiting the TMPR without seeking OFR recognition might have adverse consequences for UK investors. For example, the fund’s UK Individual Savings Account (ISA) eligibility may be lost, which would cause any UK investors holding its units within an ISA to disinvest. So a measure of success will be that ISA eligibility for overseas funds continues uninterrupted.
1.27 Conversely, so that we can meet our legal duty to refuse to recognise funds in the
interests of UK investor protection, or potential investor protection, the recognition process should help us to collect information and data on each fund to identify any inappropriate risks to UK investors. Refusing to recognise those funds should improve the quality of funds offered in the UK. We must also be able to publicly censure, and revoke recognition of, OFR funds that pose challenges to UK investor protection.
1.28 We therefore consider having an enhanced and comprehensive view of OFR funds that
are actively marketing to UK investors as a measure of success. We will actively monitor the number of funds applying for recognition. Summary of feedback and our response
1.29 We received 25 responses in total and are grateful to all those who submitted a
response. A list of non-confidential respondents is included in Annex 1.
1.30 As part of our consultation, we asked respondents to give comments, including
examples of potential unintended consequences of the changes we proposed. Question 1: What, if anything, do you consider to be unintended consequences of our proposed intervention?
1.31 We received 14 responses to this question. Although most respondents were
supportive of our overall policy proposals, a number expressed concern that application requirements which go beyond those of the TMPR could create barriers to entry to the UK market. One respondent felt that we had not clarified the grounds for approval for a fund.
1.32 There were concerns that the FCA is going beyond its scope. One respondent
encouraged us to ensure that we follow a transparent and pragmatic approach which recognises that funds applying for recognition under the OFR have already been authorised in another jurisdiction.
1.33 A number of respondents expressed concerns around the implementation timelines.
Some felt that we were not providing long enough for firms to prepare for the new regulations, and also that they needed more clarity on these timelines.
1.34 Respondents requested further clarity on defining certain terms, as well as options to
ensure that UK investors are made fully aware of their redress options. This includes likely limited access to FSCS and FOS but also any redress arrangements in home states. We discuss this feedback in the relevant chapters below.
1.35 We received no comments in relation to our Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA).
Our response
We understand that overseas funds applying for OFR recognition are approved by their home-state regulator and are deemed to operate under similar principles and standards to the UK. Nevertheless, the OFR is different to the TMPR and previous passporting arrangements, because funds must apply to the FCA and be assessed for recognition. As such, we intend to create a proportionate regime that allows us to rely on the overall equivalence determination made by the UK Government, while gathering and assessing information we need to assist our obligation to protect UK investors. We have adjusted our proposals in the light of feedback received. We consider these final proposals to be proportionate as they offer streamlined market access and ensure we receive an appropriate amount of information to grant or reject recognition. Though we would expect very few funds to be rejected, we have a legal duty to refuse recognition if we consider it desirable to do so to protect the interests of UK participants or potential participants. The timelines related to operationalising the OFR, including when the transition of TMPR funds must be completed, are set by the Government. Equality and diversity considerations
1.36 We consulted on whether there are any equality and diversity issues that may arise from
the proposals in CP23/26. Overall, we did not consider that the proposals materially impact any of the groups with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
1.37 We asked:
Question 2: Do you consider that proposals made in this consultation raise any particular diversity and equality issues? Please provide further details if so, including details of any suggested actions that we could take to address them.
1.38 We received no feedback that this consultation raised diversity and equality issues.
However, one respondent reminded us to consider the needs of vulnerable customers, such as those who are partially sighted, when designing disclosure regimes. Environmental, social & governance considerations
1.39 We asked:
Question 3: Do you consider that proposals made in this consultation raise any particular environmental, social and governance considerations? Please provide further details below if so, including details of any suggested actions that we could take to address them.
1.40 Out of 10 respondents, 2 expressed concern that our proposal on inappropriate or
misleading names (paragraph 3.17 of CP23/26) could prevent funds with sustainabilityrelated goals from being recognised under the OFR. These respondents were concerned that, while the fund could be in compliance with its home state’s sustainability-related disclosure requirements, it may not translate to the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements and labelling regime (SDR) and would therefore be refused recognition on the basis of a misleading name.
1.41 The SDR does not currently apply to OFR funds, but the Government has announced
that it will consult on whether the UK SDR and labelling regime should be extended to OFR funds. Following consultation, if the Government chooses to extend the regime to OFR funds, the FCA expects that it would need to consult on rules reflecting that decision. Next steps What you need to do next
1.42 The OFR gateway is expected to open later this year. We recently published our roadmap
setting out implementation timelines, including landing slots for operators of overseas funds in the TMPR looking to apply for recognition. We will continue to update the OFR pages on our website.
1.43 Operators with funds currently in the TMPR should consult their landing slot on the FCA
website for details of when they can apply for OFR recognition. What we will we do next
1.44 We set out the final Handbook text in Appendix 1. The new Handbook rules and
guidance will come into force on 31 July 2024.
Chapter 2
Applying for recognition
2.1 This chapter summarises feedback we received relating to the categories of information
we intend to collect from OFR fund operators as part of the recognition process. We set out our responses to the issues raised. Consultation proposal
2.2 We need basic information to enable us to recognise funds under the OFR, including
exchange traded funds (ETFs). We also have a legal duty to refuse recognition, if it is desirable to do so to protect the interests of UK investors. Since funds applying for OFR recognition will have been approved by the NCA of a jurisdiction which the UK Government has deemed equivalent, we proposed collecting data focussing on areas posing risk to consumers, to enable us to fulfil our legal duties. This includes:
2.4 We asked:
Question 4: Do you agree with the proposed set of data to be required from overseas schemes at the OFR recognition stage? If not, please explain why not and indicate what alternative approach you would suggest. Question 5: Is there any data that you do not think would be appropriate for ETFs to submit as part of the OFR recognition process? If so, please provide examples and explain your answer. Question 6: Do you have any comments on our approach to setting fee rates? Feedback received
2.5 We received 17 responses to these proposals. Respondents broadly agreed with our
proposal to collect data to inform our recognition. Some fund operators and investment managers suggested that certain data requested from OFR funds goes beyond the requirements for UK authorised funds, such as detail about annual fees retained by the management company. A couple of respondents also argued the FCA does not need to know the amount of assets under management (AUM) attributable to UK investors and said this is difficult data to obtain from distributors and intermediaries.
2.6 Some respondents have requested clarity on certain terms and definitions used in our
proposed data set (eg “person with significant influence in the design or management of the scheme” and “any other relevant fee or charge”). Some respondents have also requested further details on the FCA’s approach for assessing an identical, misleading, or inappropriate fund name.
2.7 Some respondents raised the inapplicability of certain proposed data items to ETFs,
due to their specificities compared to other types of funds. They said our proposals for dealing frequency, minimum investment amount, and fees and charges may not be necessary for ETFs. Furthermore, at the time of application the AUM may be zero.
2.8 We received 13 responses on our fee proposals. Ten respondents supported them.
Three stated our proposed application fees were too high and above the amount schemes paid when the UK was part of the EU. One asked whether the Category 4 fee would apply to each sub-fund or whether it would be payable at the umbrella level only. Our response To assess applications for recognition under the OFR, we must evaluate potential risks of harm to UK investors. Having reflected on the feedback, we still consider that our proposed dataset is proportionate.
Categories of information
Basic information regarding a fund’s structure is necessary for assessing whether we should refuse to recognise it in cases where the FCA considers it desirable to do so, to protect the interests of UK investors. We believe that the information we are requesting as part of the application is necessary for assessing whether it meets the requirements under the OFR and therefore can be marketed to UK investors. We will publish an “OFR how-to guide” providing further guidance on information expected as part of the application process and clarifying some terms and definitions in the dataset. We acknowledge that certain information may be difficult to obtain and we aim to reduce the burden on operators by allowing estimates to be provided for some items. For quantitative information such as AUM attributable to UK investors, we expect the data provided to be at least a reasonable estimate; we expect qualitative information, such as distribution and marketing, to be truthful and accurate. While we anticipate that the information requested upon application can be easily obtained by firms, operators with specific issues in obtaining data will be able to raise these issues as part of the application process. We currently ask for information from UK authorised funds about annual fees retained by the management company, but the additional supervisory oversight over those funds means this data is gathered in a different way. Case officers reviewing UK fund authorisation applications typically ask for the breakdown of the investment management charge if it is included in the annual management charge. In cases of UK fund applications involving a sponsor, we typically ask whether the sponsor is taking any fees out of scheme property. We think it is fair and proportionate to ask for similar information concerning OFR funds. Fund names We expect any fund name to be appropriate, clear, fair and not misleading. Fund names should not imply that the fund has merits or qualities that cannot be justified. Fund names should not be inconsistent with a fund's investment objective and policy. A fund name should not mislead investors into thinking that persons other than the operator are responsible for the fund. We have considered the situation where a recognised fund has an identical name to a UK authorised fund. Provided that the fund meets all other application requirements, we will not reject an application on the basis of it having an identical name to a UK authorised fund. To reduce the risk of investor confusion, we will expect the overseas operator to confirm to us that it has taken reasonable steps to satisfy itself that the UK distribution channels for the fund will make each fund’s domicile sufficiently clear. This should reduce the risk that UK investors mistakenly select an OFR fund rather than the UK authorised fund with the same name.
ETFs
Operators of ETFs applying for recognition under the OFR will be required to use the same application form as for other funds, providing the same categories of information (see Annex 3). However, we recognise there may be questions of interpretation, and we will provide additional support through the “OFR how-to guide”, so firms will have clarity about how to complete the relevant form for an ETF. Fees We consider the proposed fees a reasonable contribution towards our costs of recognising overseas funds. While application fees for passporting recognised EEA UCITS prior to the UK’s exit from the EU were lower than the proposed fee and TMPR funds do not pay fees, the process relating to recognition is different to passporting. Our view remains that it is appropriate to align the application fees and periodic fees of OFR funds with those of UK authorised funds. This will help to ensure a level playing-field without creating substantial additional barriers to entry. Following separate consultation, we have increased the application fees for UK authorised funds so that the fee for a fund in category 4 rises from £2500 to £2720. This is set out in PS24/5: FCA regulated fees and levies 2024/25. We are now applying the same increase to applications under the OFR. This amount will be fixed for all funds in the TMPR that apply for OFR recognition when we direct them to, even if the direction is issued after any further general increases in fees for fund applications, so that the same fee will apply to all applicants transitioning funds from TMPR to the OFR. Although periodic fees for an umbrella are calculated based on the number of its sub-funds, there are no separate application or periodic fees at sub-fund level. Fees are only paid for stand-alone schemes and at the umbrella level. The periodic fees for all UK authorised funds have been reduced from 1 July 2024 and fixed at the rates set out in the instrument published in PS24/5. Since we proposed to align periodic fees for OFR funds with those of UK authorised funds, periodic fees for OFR funds will also be set at the new reduced rates compared to what we consulted on in CP23/26. Owing to an error, the draft instrument in CP23/26 did not give effect to the intended policy of doubling the application fee for an umbrella from £2500 to £5000, which we explained in paragraph 3.38 of CP23/26. We confirm that we intend to proceed with this doubled fee and have amended the final rule accordingly. Since the standard fee has now increased in line with the revised tariffs, applying a factor of 2 will give a new umbrella application fee of £5440.
Chapter 3
Notification of changes
3.1 This chapter summarises the feedback we received to our proposals for changes that
we would want to be notified of in relation to OFR funds. We set out our responses to the issues raised, including areas where we are changing our approach in response to feedback. Consultation proposal
3.2 Over time the characteristics of an OFR fund may change. To assess the impact of how
OFR funds change over time, we proposed notifications to allow us to identify changes that may present a risk of harm to UK investors. These include characteristics that may impact our continued recognition of the fund, or changes to the information that we publish about it on our Register.
3.3 Our proposals for post-recognition notification fell into two categories: changes to
the fund’s features, for example name amendments; and events that affect a fund, for example suspension of dealing. We proposed the FCA should be notified of changes in different times and ways, depending on the type of change.
3.4 We asked:
Question 7: Do you agree with our proposal to be notified of ad-hoc changes to OFR recognised schemes, including ETFs? If not, please explain your reason. Question 8: Do you agree with our proposal for the timing of notifications? If not, please explain your reason. Feedback received
3.5 We received 19 responses to our proposals for notifying the FCA of certain postrecognition changes and events. We received feedback about the importance of
differentiating between changes that would directly or indirectly affect UK investors, and changes that would not. We proposed that OFR fund operators should notify us of changes that are fundamental or material to assess whether changes to a fund would impact UK investors. A few respondents requested clarification on the definition of those terms, with one questioning whether a direct impact on UK investors would be material. Specifically, one respondent queried whether a material increase in fees would be detrimental to UK investors if the fees were low to begin with.
3.6 Some queried the relevance of notifying changes that do not directly affect investors;
for example, investment managers outlined that having to notify changes to a fund’s legal entity identifier (LEI) may increase costs to investors but provide limited benefit.
3.7 Some queried the operational impact of the notification timing (30 days before the
change could take effect in the UK if it occurs after the local regulator’s approval). A range of respondents highlighted that during times of unexpected market events or distress, it is unlikely to be practical to inform the FCA 30 days before approval.
3.8 Some respondents implied in their response that they had interpreted our request for an
early notification as a requirement to seek approval from the FCA for certain changes.
3.9 The question of consistency between UK authorised funds and OFR funds was also
raised. Respondents outlined that UK authorised funds are required to inform us of changes as soon as reasonably practicable, not 30 days in advance. Changes to an OFR fund would have been approved by the home-state regulator and one respondent questioned whether the FCA is proposing to challenge such changes or whether only a notification is required. Our response Protecting UK investors’ interests We consider that the post-recognition data we are requesting would enable the FCA to determine whether to suspend or revoke recognition of an OFR fund when it is desirable to do so to protect the interests of UK investors. Whilst we expect revocations and suspensions of marketing to be rare, we will consider risks of consumer harm when considering changes to the fund. We want to ensure that changes and events most relevant to, or that directly affect, UK investors are disclosed. It is not feasible for us to publish an exhaustive list of changes and events that we expect to be notified of, so the list in Annex 3 is an indicative list. Categories of changes We have revisited that indicative list in light of the feedback received and amended it to make some of the requirements clearer, but we have not removed any of them. We expect to be notified of changes to a fund’s unique identifiers and LEIs so that we can continue to accurately identify the fund in our systems. Because the list in Annex 3 is indicative and not exhaustive, OFR fund operators will therefore need to make judgments about what changes are ‘fundamental’ or ‘significant’. For UK authorised funds, changes that are ‘fundamental’ or ‘significant’ are defined in the Collective Investment Schemes sourcebook (COLL) of the FCA Handbook under COLL 4.3.4R and 4.3.6R respectively. Guidance in COLL 4.3.5G and 4.3.7G gives examples of changes that are likely to be fundamental or significant. While these rules and guidance do not apply
to OFR funds, the expectations they set should be regarded as a useful framework by operators in determining whether a change should be notified to the FCA. Timing of notifications We have also reconsidered our position on the timing of notifications, to recognise that many changes to OFR funds will have been approved by the NCA of a regime deemed equivalent by the Government. We understand it is impractical to give us 30 days’ notice prior to the change taking effect in the UK. So OFR fund operators will not require approval from the FCA for the change and need not give advance notification where it is impractical to provide. We now propose that for changes that the operator has identified as notifiable to the FCA:
Chapter 4
Enhanced disclosures regarding lack of access to FSCS and FOS
4.1 This chapter summarises the feedback we received to our proposal to make it clearer to
consumers whether or not they can access the FOS and FSCS for an investment in an OFR fund and/or whether they can access redress arrangements outside the UK. Consultation proposal
4.2 Our proposals aim to increase transparency concerning the availability to UK investors of
FOS or FSCS and other redress arrangements. This is intended to address the potential harm arising of UK investors choosing products despite not understanding their lack of eligibility for UK redress, or options for redress outside the UK.
4.3 Our proposals covered three areas:
Question 11: Do you agree that the supplementary UCITS information provided to retail investors at point of sale should provide the same information as the prospectus, concerning complaints and compensation rights? Please explain any alternative disclosure proposal. Question 12: Do you agree that we should carry out further work to develop proposals for enhanced digital disclosure of redress arrangements for OFR recognised schemes? If so, do you have any views on the content and format of information to be communicated to investors and how the disclosure could be effectively integrated into digital interactions with consumers? Question 13: For firms that sell overseas schemes to retail investors, what would be the likely costs of developing these digital disclosures, and how long would you need to put them in place? Feedback received
4.5 Of 22 separate responses, there was broad agreement with our proposed disclosures
on the potential lack of access to FOS and FSCS. A number of respondents asked how disclosure in the fund prospectus would work, given that a prospectus is approved by the fund’s home state authority, and suggested the disclosures could be added to a UK supplement to the OFR fund’s prospectus.
4.6 One respondent recommended including additional information in the new disclosures
(ie setting out the options for redress under a fund’s home state rules and any process consumers would need to go through to claim) via a hyperlink. One respondent queried the obligation of UK distributors to check the accuracy of statements about redress when communicating a financial promotion issued or approved by another regulated firm. They suggested that UK distributors should be able to rely on information provided to them regarding redress options available to UK investors, as existing provisions cover firms relying on information provided by another authorised party.
4.7 One respondent indicated the current proposals may not account for scenarios where
there might be FSCS protection. In cases where the portfolio management is delegated to a UK authorised investment manager, claims against that authorised investment manager may be covered by FSCS. This is known as the ‘look-through provision’ for collective investment schemes (CIS). The ‘look-through’ allows the FSCS to treat each of the eligible registered unitholders as separate claimants, instead of the CIS, operator, manager or depositary / trustee who is the actual claimant, meaning that in these circumstances UK investors could be eligible for FSCS compensation in respect of actions of the UK authorised investment manager.
4.8 The 11 respondents who commented on possible enhanced digital disclosures had
mixed views. Some supported the idea in principle, provided less technologically aware investors are not disadvantaged, and several emphasised the need for any proposals to work in the wider context of the Future Disclosure Framework review. There was some concern that we might apply more prescriptive standards to OFR funds than to UK funds. Some respondents were also sceptical about the benefits of risk warnings that create ‘friction’ in the consumer journey, such as pop-up warnings. Several raised the point that differences in prescribed disclosures would increase costs for non-UK product providers, although they did not attempt to quantify these costs. Our response Disclosures within a supplement to the prospectus We consider it is reasonable to add the prescribed disclosures to a UK supplement to the OFR fund’s prospectus. Under UK rules, the supplement is an integral part of the prospectus even if published as a stand-alone document. We agree the prescribed redress disclosures in the prospectus and the supplementary point-of-sale information could include the additional information on home state compensation frameworks that one respondent suggested. This extra information would not be appropriate for warnings in financial promotions, which should be more succinct. We have accommodated this proposal by providing additional guidance in COLL 9.5.7G, on the rules that require information to be disclosed in the prospectus and the supplementary point-of-sale information. The guidance gives examples of information that operators should consider disclosing to satisfy the rule requirements, such as whether there may be costs to UK investors in accessing an overseas redress arrangement. The current consumer point-of-sale disclosure regime is under review as part of the UK’s wider Future Disclosure Framework review, including the upcoming Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime. We anticipate that the new regime will give greater flexibility and, in due course, we may therefore propose replacing the existing COBS 13 requirements for disclosure of redress arrangements. If so, any proposals will reflect the intention of the rules we are now proceeding to make. The ‘look through’ provision In our consultation we proposed that a financial promotion relating to an OFR fund should clearly state that any claims for losses relating to the operator and depositary of the fund are unlikely to be covered by the FSCS. We acknowledge the feedback regarding the FSCS ‘look through’ provision, in relation to claims for losses relating to a UK authorised investment manager to which an OFR fund operator has delegated portfolio management. For the FSCS to be able to pay compensation to an investor in a fund using the ‘look-through’ provisions, a number of conditions would need to be satisfied. Whether this is the case will depend on the specific facts.
We note that the operator of an OFR fund could also later decide to delegate portfolio management to an investment manager which is not authorised in the UK, thereby affecting the FSCS position. We have considered whether firms could include information about the ‘lookthrough’, but have decided not to allow this as we remain concerned by the risk that investors would assume they will have FSCS protection in circumstances where that might not be the case. Reliance on statements provided by OFR recognised operators The obligation for UK distributors of OFR funds to check the accuracy of statements concerning redress, when communicating a financial promotion approved by another regulated firm, is addressed by our existing rules and guidance in section 2.4 of the Conduct of Business sourcebook. Firms should generally be able to rely on information provided by another authorised firm in these specific circumstances and this guidance should extend to information provided by OFR-recognised funds. However, UK firms should assess, in line with the existing rules mentioned above, whether there are reasonable grounds to question the accuracy of the redress information provided. We encourage UK distributor firms to assess whether the information is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Further information about what firms need to do to approve financial promotions for unauthorised persons is set out on our website. Digital disclosures We note the diversity of views concerning enhanced disclosure through digital means. We agree that this should not be considered in isolation from the Future Disclosure Framework, including the upcoming CCI regime review, and we will consider further how to integrate information about the availability of FOS and FSCS (and any overseas alternatives) into the CCI regime.
Chapter 5
Refusal of recognition, suspension or revocation of recognition and public censure
5.1 This chapter outlines the feedback we received on our proposed changes to our
Glossary, the Decision Procedure and Penalties Manual (DEPP) and the Enforcement Guide (EG) in order to be able to exercise our supervisory powers in relation to OFR funds. Consultation proposal
5.2 We proposed that FCA staff, acting under executive procedures, will take decisions
under sections 271H, 271M, 271N, 271O or 271R of FSMA to give supervisory, warning or decision notices as part of the process for:
Chapter 6
Other matters
6.1 This chapter summarises the feedback we received on other matters we consulted on
which are relevant to the operation of the OFR, including our proposals in relation to Handbook references to OFR; provision of facilities to UK investors; and schemes of arrangement involving OFR funds. Consultation proposal
6.2 We proposed to simplify the Glossary definition of ‘recognised scheme’ to ensure it is
clear and works consistently throughout the Handbook. To distinguish between the two types of recognised scheme, we will refer in the Handbook to those recognised under s.271A as ‘OFR recognised schemes’.
6.3 We proposed that the operator of an OFR fund must prepare and make available to
investors a prospectus that complies with the requirements of COLL 4.2, including the list of prescribed contents.
6.4 We proposed to require the operators of OFR funds to continue providing UK investors
with access to a UK representative of the operator, as was the case previously where an EEA UCITS was sold cross-border in the UK under UCITS Directive passporting arrangements.
6.5 We also proposed to maintain the ability of UK AFMs to propose a scheme of
arrangement between a UCITS scheme and a recognised EEA UCITS, if the Government decides to designate some or all EEA UCITS equivalent under the OFR process. We proposed modifying this rule to include any EEA UCITS recognised under s.272.
6.6 We asked:
Question 15: Do you have any comments on the rules and guidance explaining the operation of the OFR? Are there any similar matters we should address within the Handbook? Question 16: Do you have any comments on our proposals for maintaining UK facilities for investors in OFR recognised schemes under the OFR? Do you agree that we should review the rules on providing UK facilities for schemes recognised under s.272? Question 17: Do you agree that it should continue to be possible for a UK UCITS scheme to be merged with an EEA UCITS recognised under the OFR (if this is permitted) and under section 272?
Question 18: Do you agree that a proposal for a scheme of arrangement with an OFR recognised scheme should set out the consequences for UK investors in relation to their rights to make complaints and receive redress? Feedback received
6.7 Respondents were supportive of our proposals on the operation of the OFR and
those concerning the merger of UK and EEA UCITS (COLL 7.6.2R) but highlighted the possibility of UK investors losing their redress rights. Indeed, in line with our proposals, respondents agreed with the need to make UK investors aware of changes to their redress rights.
6.8 Some respondents disagreed with our proposal concerning the general contents of
the prospectus. They said that the list in COLL 4.2.5R includes information that is not required in some jurisdictions, eg concerning the use of benchmarks or a ‘total return’ investment strategy, or information that may be incompatible with the disclosures required by the home-state regulator.
6.9 Respondents broadly supported our proposal for maintaining facilities for UK investors
in OFR funds and welcomed the option to offer facilities online. However, some understood this to mean they would need to obtain express individual consent from each investor to establish online facilities. Respondents agreed with our proposal to review the facilities rules for schemes under s.272. Our response We will make the rules and guidance on defining a ‘recognised scheme’ and other consequential changes to COLL 9 as consulted on. We will also make the changes to COLL 7.6.2R as consulted on. We have modified COLL 9.5.5R to clarify which UK requirements concerning the fund prospectus also apply to the prospectus of an OFR fund. The rule now requires disclosure of information required by COLL 4.2.5R, to the extent this information would be compatible with the basis upon which the prospectus is approved in its Home State. A statement would be incompatible if it conflicts with other statements in the prospectus that have already been approved by the NCA of the fund. For example, it would be incompatible to include information that modifies the investment objective, policy or strategy of the fund where this further information has not been approved by the NCA for inclusion in the prospectus. Regarding the provision of UK facilities, we will make the rules broadly as consulted on. We did not intend to require OFR fund operators to ask for explicit individual consent from new investors before providing online facilities, where the operator is already communicating electronically with existing investors. Similarly, where an existing investor has already
consented to receiving communications from the operator through electronic media, that consent is sufficient for the purpose of the new rule. Therefore, we have slightly reworded COLL 9.5.14R (1) to make it clearer that OFR fund operators can rely on any pre-existing contractual consent for communicating with investors through electronic media.
Annex 1
List of non-confidential respondents
Acadian Asset Management
Amundi Asset Management
Association Française de la Gestion financière (AFG) Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI) BlackRock CMS LLP European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) Federated Hermes Financial Services Consumer Panel Invesco Investment Association (IA) Investment Company Institution (ICI) Global Kroll Advisory Limited Macfarlanes LLP Momentum Global Investment Management Personal Investment Management & Financial Advice Association (PIMFA)
Annex 2
Abbreviations used in this paper
Abbreviation Description
AUM Assets under management
CBA Cost Benefit Analysis
CCI Consumer Composite Investments
CIS Collective Investment Scheme
COBS Conduct of Business sourcebook
COLL Collective Investment Schemes sourcebook DEPP Decision Procedure and Penalties Manual EEA European Economic Area EG Enforcement Guide ETF Exchange Traded Fund EU European Union FCA Financial Conduct Authority FOS Financial Ombudsman Service FSCS Financial Services Compensation Scheme FSMA Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ISA Individual Savings Account LEI Legal Entity Identifier NCA National Competent Authority OFR Overseas Funds Regime PS Policy Statement SDR Sustainability Disclosure Requirements
Abbreviation Description
TMPR Temporary Marketing Permissions Regime UCITS Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities
Annex 3
Data requirements for fund operators
Table 1: Information that operators of UCITS in TMPR must check immediately and
prior to submitting applications for recognition Information Action required Contact information Check current contact information is up-to-date on the FCA Register and email recognisedcis@fca.org.uk if any changes are needed Fund population Check on the FCA Register and email recognisedcis@fca. org.uk if any changes are needed. If you require a copy of your fund population, email recognisedcis@fca.org.uk
Table 2: Information required to be submitted by fund operators when applying for
recognition under OFR
Information category Specific requirements Information identifying the fund Fund name, including sub-fund names Product Reference Number for funds in the TMPR LEI, including sub-fund LEIs Country / jurisdiction of fund domicile Legal structure and fund type Name and contact details of fund operator Information on the fund’s profile Investment objective, policy and strategy as stated in the prospectus Value of total assets under management at a recent date and the proportion specifically attributable to UK investors Reason for any suspension of dealing in the past 5 years Fund category and main categories of asset class (lists will be provided in the application form) Information on use of derivatives Geographic location of portfolio assets Use of benchmarks Whether actively or passively managed Whether the fund is an ETF or not Dealing frequency Target investors (retail, institutional or both) Any particular ESG focus
Information category Specific requirements Fees and charges at fund and unit / share class level Initial and exit / redemption charges payable to fund operator / its associate Ongoing charges figure Performance fees Any other relevant fee or charge Amount of annual management charge retained by the management company / operator Characteristics of unit / share classes to be promoted in the UK Name / designation Identifiers, including LEI or ISIN Minimum initial investment amount Whether tokenised or not Accumulation or income Name and LEI of parties connected to the fund Management company / operator Depositary Delegated portfolio manager, and any sub-delegates appointed UK representatives UK authorised person approving financial promotions on behalf of the fund Any sponsor or other person influencing the fund’s design or management Information about marketing and distribution Details of any promotional payments to entities associated with marketing or distributing the fund
Table 3: Changes to funds and other events that operators of OFR funds must
notify to the FCA
When is the notification required?
How should the notification be made?
4. The table below indicates which notifications should be made using the Connect system
and which should be made by sending an email. There will be a separate Connect form for notifying a termination of a scheme or sub-fund in its home jurisdiction. Further details will be published on the FCA website. Type of change / event to be notified via Connect Fund’s name Fund’s legal structure LEIs and unique indicators at fund level Fundamental change to a fund’s investment objective, policy or strategy For example, a change of the predominant investment from equities to bonds Any change to a benchmark against which fund performance is tracked or compared Matters that would be likely to cause a significant negative effect on UK investors at fund or class level Fund’s target UK investors – whether retail, institutional or both – at fund or class level Material change to fund’s minimum investment applicable to UK investors at class level. Specifically, if the minimum investment will equal or exceed £50,000 Replacement of the fund operator Appointment or replacement of connected parties: depositary, delegated investment manager, fund sponsor, UK representative of the operator or the UK financial promotions approver Change of name of the fund operator or any connected party Change of address of the fund operator, depositary, the UK representative of the operator or the place in the UK for services of notices A request to de-recognise the stand-alone scheme / umbrella / sub-fund when it will remain in existence, but the operator no longer wishes it to be marketed in the UK Termination of a stand-alone scheme / umbrella / sub-fund in its home jurisdiction Type of change / event to be notified via email The fund operator becomes aware that it has contravened or expects to contravene any requirement imposed on it by FSMA Supervisory sanctions imposed on the operator / fund itself by the home state regulator(s), once in the public domain. Any restrictions on their activities that have been voluntarily agreed by them Suspension of dealing in fund’s units / shares FCA Fund Supervision should be notified of these changes
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Appendix 1
Made rules (legal instrument)
FCA 2024/22
COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES (SCHEMES AUTHORISED IN APPROVED COUNTRIES) INSTRUMENT 2024 Powers exercised A. The Financial Conduct Authority (“the FCA”) makes this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions:
(1) the following sections of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(a) section 137A (The FCA’s general rules); (b) section 137R (Financial promotion rules); (c) section 137T (General supplementary powers); (d) section 139A (Power of the FCA to give guidance); (e) section 238(5) (Restrictions on promotion); (f) section 271E (Power to impose requirements on schemes); (g) section 271F (Application for recognition to the FCA); (h) section 271I (Obligations on operator of a section 271A scheme); (i) section 271J (Provision of information to the FCA); (j) section 271K (Rules as to scheme particulars); (k) section 283 (Facilities and information in the UK); (l) section 347 (The record of authorised persons etc.); (m) section 395 (The FCA’s and PRA’s procedures); and (n) paragraph 23 (Fees) of Part 3 (Penalties and fees) of Schedule 1ZA (The Financial Conduct Authority); and (2) the other rule and guidance making powers listed in Schedule 4 (Powers exercised) to the General Provisions of the FCA’s Handbook. B. The rule-making provisions listed above are specified for the purposes of section 138G(2) (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. Commencement
C. This instrument comes into force on 31 July 2024.
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). (1) (2) Glossary of definitions Annex A Fees manual (FEES) Annex B Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS) Annex C Decision Procedure and Penalties manual (DEPP) Annex D Collective Investment Schemes sourcebook (COLL) Annex E
FCA 2024/22
Amendments to the material outside the Handbook E. The Enforcement Guide (EG) is amended in accordance with Annex F to this instrument. F. The Perimeter Guidance manual (PERG) is amended in accordance with Annex G to this instrument. Notes G. In the Annexes to this instrument, the notes (indicated by “Note:” or “Editor’s note:”) are included for the convenience of readers, but do not form part of the legislative text. Citation H. This instrument may be cited as the Collective Investment Schemes (Schemes Authorised in Approved Countries) Instrument 2024. By order of the Board 27 June 2024
FCA 2024/22
Annex A
Amendments to the Glossary of definitions
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text, unless otherwise stated. Insert the following new definition in the appropriate alphabetical position. The text is not underlined. OFR recognised a scheme recognised under section 271A of the Act (Schemes scheme authorised in approved countries), or a sub-fund recognised under
section 271A of the Act, as applied by section 271S of the Act
(Recognition of parts of schemes under section 271A).
Amend the following definitions as shown. breach in DEPP:
…
(10A) a contravention in respect of which the FCA is empowered to take action pursuant to section 271R (Public censure) or
section 282B (Public censure) of the Act;
…
EEA key investor a document that:
information document …
(b) complies with the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) No 583/2010 as it had effect in the United Kingdom immediately before exit day; and … Home State … (17) … (18) (in relation to the operator or depositary of an OFR recognised scheme) the country or territory in which the operator or depositary (as applicable) of the OFR recognised scheme is authorised. (19) (in relation to an OFR recognised scheme, and other than a scheme in (10)), the country or territory in which the scheme is authorised.
FCA 2024/22 operator (1) (except in EG):
…
(ba) (in relation to any other OEIC which is an undertaking for collective investment in transferable securities within the meaning of the UCITS Directive and which has appointed a person to manage the scheme) the manager; [deleted] (c) (except in relation to a recognised scheme) (in relation to any other collective investment scheme that is a unit trust scheme with a separate trustee) any person who, under the trust deed establishing the scheme, is responsible for the management of the property held for or within the scheme; (ca) (except in relation to a recognised scheme) (in relation to any other collective investment scheme that is a contractual scheme) any person who, under the constituent instrument, is responsible for the management of the property held for or within the scheme; (d) (except in relation to a recognised scheme) (in relation to any other collective investment scheme that is an open-ended investment company) that company or, if applicable, any person who, under the constitution or founding arrangements of the scheme, is responsible for the management of the property held for or within the scheme; (e) (except in relation to a recognised scheme) (in relation to any other collective investment scheme) any person who, under the constitution or founding arrangements of the scheme, is responsible for the management of the property held for or within the scheme; (ea) (in relation to a recognised scheme) in accordance with
section 237(2) of the Act, the legal entity with overall
responsibility for the management and performance of the functions of the scheme; … … public censure … (5) a statement published under section 271R (Public censure) or
section 282B (Public censure) of the Act.
FCA 2024/22 recognised scheme
(1) (other than in LR) a scheme that is:
[deleted]
(b) [deleted]
(c) recognised under section 272 of the Act (Individually recognised overseas schemes); or (d) (in COBS 14 and for the purposes of the definitions of non-mainstream pooled investment and packaged product) an EEA UCITS scheme recognised under Part 6 of The Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. (2) (in LR) a scheme recognised for the purpose of part XVII of the Act.
FCA 2024/22
Annex B
Amendments to the Fees manual (FEES)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 3 Application, Notification and Vetting Fees …
3.2 Obligation to pay fees
…
3.2.7 R Table of application, notification, vetting and other fees payable to the FCA
Part 1A: Application, notification and vetting fees
(1) Fee payer (2) Fee payable (£) by reference to the pricing category in FEES 3 Annex 1AR. Due date … (da) Persons making an application or notification in relation to applications set out in FEES 3 Annex 2R:
(i) authorisation order an application for or recognition an order declaring a scheme to be recognised under
section 271A or
section 272 of the
Act of a collective investment scheme;
…
Category applicable to the application or notification set out in FEES 3 Annex 2R On or before the date the application or notification is made … …
FCA 2024/22
…
3 Annex Application and notification fees payable in relation to collective investment 2R schemes, recognised schemes, LTIFs, money market funds and AIFs marketed in the UK Legislative provision Nature and purpose of fee Payable by Applicable pricing category in FEES 3
Annex 1AR or
amount of fee
(£)
Umbrella factor (note
1)
…
Part 2 (Application fees payable for firms to be subject to COLL)
(1)
Regulation
12 of the
OEIC
Regulations, application for order declaring a scheme to be an ICVC On application for an order, where the scheme is a:
An applicant
UCITS scheme Category 4
Non-UCITS retail scheme
Category 4
Qualified investor scheme
Category 5
Long-term asset fund
Category 5
(2) Section
242 of the
Act, application for order declaring a scheme to be an AUT On application for an order declaring a scheme to be an AUT, where the scheme is a:
An applicant
UCITS scheme Category 4
FCA 2024/22
(3) Section
261C of the
Act, application for order declaring a scheme to be an ACS, whether it is established as a coownership scheme or a limited partnership scheme Non-UCITS retail scheme Category 4 Qualified investor scheme Category 5 Long-term asset fund Category 5 (1), (2) and (3) also apply to funds where an application is also made to be authorised under the Money Market Funds Regulation
Section
261C of the Act
This section also applies to funds where an application is also made to be authorised under the Money Market Funds Regulation On application for an order declaring a scheme to be an ACS, whether it is established as a co-ownership scheme or a limited partnership scheme, where the scheme is a:
An applicant
UCITS scheme Category 4 non-UCITS retail scheme Category 4
FCA 2024/22 qualified investor scheme
Category 5
Long-term asset fund
Category 5
Section 271A
of the Act
On application for an order declaring a scheme to be recognised, where the scheme was:
An applicant recognised under regulation 62 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations immediately before the application £2,720 2 not recognised under regulation 62 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations immediately before the application Category 4 2
Section 272 On application An
of the Act for an order declaring a scheme to be recognised applicant
FCA 2024/22 where the scheme is:
a non-UK AIF or AIF equivalent to a
UK UCITS, non-UCITS retail scheme, a qualified investor scheme or a long-term asset fund Category 6 2 Where funds of any kind set out in Part 2 exist prior to 21 July 2018, a flat fee will be payable on an application for authorisation under the Money Market Funds Regulation Category 1 … … 4 Periodic fees … 4 Annex Periodic fees in relation to collective investment schemes, recognised 4R schemes, AIFs marketed in the UK, small registered UK AIFMs and money market funds payable for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Part 1 - Periodic fees payable
Scheme type Basic fee (£) Total funds/subfunds aggregate Fund factor Fee (£)
FCA 2024/22
ICVC,
AUT,
ACS,
LTIFs,
Money market funds with effect from 21 July 2018, schemes recognised under section 271A of the Act … … … … … … Schemes set up under section 264 of the Act are charged according to the number of funds or sub-funds which a firm is operating and marketing into the UK as at 31 March immediately before the start of the period to which the fee applies. For example, for 2010/11fees a reference to 31 March means 31 March 2010. Umbrellas recognised under sections 271A or 272 of the Act are charged according to the number of sub-funds which are recognised under section 271A or 272 of the Act (subject to the note below) as at 31 March immediately before the start of the period to which the fee applies. For example, for 2024/25 fees, a reference to 31 March means 31 March 2024. In the event that an umbrella were to have both sub-funds that are recognised under section 271A of the Act and sub-funds that remain recognised under regulation 62 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 for the time being, the calculation of the periodic fees charged to the umbrella will take into account all of those sub-funds. For the avoidance of doubt, in this scenario only one fee will be payable for both FEES 4 Annex 4R
Part 1 and FEES 4A Annex 2R Part 1 purposes.
…
…
4A Temporary Permissions Regime (TPR) and Financial Service Contracts Regime (FSCR) – periodic fees …
FCA 2024/22
4A TPR funds periodic fees for the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025
Annex
2R
Part 1
Scheme type Basic fee (£) Total funds/sub-funds aggregate Fee (£) EEA UCITS scheme recognised under
Part 6 of The
Collective
Investment
Schemes
(Amendment etc.)
(EU Exit)
Regulations 2018
… … …
Note:
Schemes Schemes are charged according to the number of funds funds or subfunds sub-funds which a TP firm TP UCITS qualifier is operating and marketing in the UK UK as at 31 March immediately before the start of the period to which the fee applies. For example, for 2024/2025 fees a reference to 31 March means 31 March 2024. In the event that an umbrella were to have both sub-funds that are recognised under section 271A of the Act and sub-funds that remain recognised under regulation 62 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 for the time being, the calculation of the periodic fees charged to the umbrella will take into account all of those sub-funds. For the avoidance of doubt, in this scenario only one fee will be payable for both FEES 4 Annex 4R
Part 1 and FEES 4A Annex 2R Part 1 purposes.
…
FCA 2024/22
Annex C
Amendments to the Conduct of Business sourcebook (COBS) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text, unless otherwise stated. Insert the following new section, COBS 4.15 (Promotion of OFR recognised schemes), after COBS 4.14 [deleted]. The text is not underlined.
4.15 Promotion of OFR recognised schemes
Application
4.15.1 R (1) Subject to (2), this section applies to a firm in relation to the
communication or approval of a financial promotion relating to an OFR recognised scheme. (2) This section does not apply to the extent that the financial promotion is an excluded communication. Financial promotions of OFR recognised schemes
4.15.2 R A firm must not communicate or approve a financial promotion relating to
an OFR recognised scheme unless the financial promotion clearly states that:
(1) the scheme is authorised overseas, but not in the United Kingdom; (2) (subject to COBS 4.15.3R) the Financial Ombudsman Service is unlikely to be able to consider complaints related to the scheme, its operator or its depositary; (3) any claims for losses relating to the operator and the depositary of the scheme are unlikely to be covered under the compensation scheme; and (4) a prospective investor should consider getting financial advice before deciding to invest and should see the prospectus of the scheme for more information.
4.15.3 R To the extent that the Financial Ombudsman Service is likely to be able to
consider a complaint relating to the operator or the depositary of a particular recognised scheme, the financial promotion must contain a clear statement to that effect, and to that extent only COBS 4.15.2R(2) does not apply.
4.15.4 G In relation to COBS 4.15.3R, and by way of example, the operator of a
recognised scheme may be a VJ participant, and so it may be possible for
FCA 2024/22 a complaint against the operator to be dealt with under the Voluntary Jurisdiction. Amend the following as shown. 14 Providing product information to clients …
14.2 Providing product information to clients
…
The provision rules for products other than PRIIPs
14.2.1 R A firm that sells, or (where relevant) gives effect to:
…
(7) a unit in a UCITS scheme, or in an EEA UCITS scheme which is a recognised scheme (other than a scheme in (7A)), to a client, must:
…
(b) where the client is a retail client, provide separately (unless already provided) the information required by COBS 13.3.1R (2) (General requirements) and, if that client is present in the United Kingdom, the information required by (5A)(b).; and (7A) a unit in an OFR recognised scheme to a client, must provide the documents and information specified in COBS 14.2.1-BR. … 14.2.1-A G … 14.2.1-B R For the purpose of COBS 14.2.1R(7A), in relation to a unit in a scheme which is an OFR recognised scheme, the specified documents and information are as follows:
(1) Where the scheme is an EEA UCITS scheme, the firm must provide a copy of the scheme’s EEA key investor information document to that client. (2) Where the client is a retail client, the firm must provide separately (unless already provided):
(a) the information required by COBS 13.3.1R(2)(a) and (b) (General requirements);
FCA 2024/22
(b) if the client is present in the United Kingdom, the information required by COBS 14.2.1R(5A)(b); and (c) information that clearly explains:
(i) whether the Financial Ombudsman Service is likely to be able to consider complaints against the scheme, its operator or its depositary; and (ii) what arrangements, if any, exist that would enable investors in the United Kingdom to have a complaint against the scheme, its operator or its depositary considered by an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the relevant Home State; (iii) that the activities of the scheme's operator and its depositary are unlikely to be covered by the compensation scheme and investors might not be protected under the regulatory system if either person should become unable to meet its liabilities to them; and (iv) what arrangements, if any, exist in the Home State(s) of the scheme’s operator or its depositary for the payment of compensation to investors in the United Kingdom if either person should become unable to meet its liabilities to them. 14.2.1-C G A firm should consider including further information likely to be useful to investors (including the information set out in COLL 9.5.7G(2)). Where the documents and information specified in COBS 14.2.1-BR are provided electronically, such information could be provided in the document itself or via a hyperlink to a website or another document. …
FCA 2024/22
Annex D
Amendments to the Decision Procedure and Penalties manual (DEPP) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 2 Statutory notices and the allocation of decision making …
2.5 Provision for certain categories of decision
…
Modified procedures in collective investment scheme and certain other cases …
2.5.13 G The decisions referred to in DEPP 2.5.12 G are:
…
(1A) …
(1B) the decision to give a supervisory notice pursuant to section 271M(3), (6) or (7) of the Act; … (4B) … (4C) the decision to give a warning notice or decision notice pursuant to section 271N(2) or (3), or 271R(3) or (4)(a) of the Act. … 2 Annex 1 Warning notices and decision notices under the Act and certain other enactments …
Section of the
Act
Description Handbook reference
Decision maker
…
269(1)/(2) …
271H(2)/(3) when the FCA is proposing or deciding to refuse an COLL 9 Executive procedures
FCA 2024/22 application for recognition of a collective investment scheme under section 271A 271N(2)/(3)(a) when the FCA is proposing or deciding to revoke an order made under section 271A in relation to an OFR recognised scheme COLL 9 Executive procedures 271O(4)/(5)(a) when the FCA is proposing or deciding to refuse a request for the revocation of an order under section 271A in relation to an OFR recognised scheme COLL 9 Executive procedures 271R(3)/(4)(a) when the FCA is proposing or deciding to publish a statement censuring the operator of an OFR recognised scheme COLL 9 Executive procedures … … 2 Annex 2 Supervisory notices
Section of the
Act
Description Handbook reference
Decision maker
…
268(3)/ (7)(a)
268(3)/(7)(a) or (9)(a) (as a result of
(8)(b)/(13))
… … …
271M when the FCA gives a direction under section 271L COLL Executive procedures … …
FCA 2024/22
…
6A The power to impose a suspension, restriction, condition, limitation or disciplinary prohibition … 6A.5 Collective investment schemes: the interaction between the power to suspend or revoke recognition and the power to issue public censures 6A.5.1 G Under sections 271L, 271N, 271R, 279, 281 and 282B of the Act, the FCA can suspend or revoke recognition of an OFR recognised scheme or a scheme recognised under section 272 and/or issue the operator with a public censure. Following the approach in DEPP 6A.4.1G and DEPP 6A.4.2G(3), where the FCA considers it appropriate to impose both sanctions, it will decide whether the combined impact on the operator is likely to be disproportionate in respect to the breach and the deterrent effect of the sanctions.
FCA 2024/22
Annex E
Amendments to the Collective Investment Schemes sourcebook (COLL) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text, unless stated otherwise. 7 Suspension of dealings, termination of authorised funds and side pockets …
7.6 Schemes of arrangement
…
Schemes of arrangement: requirements
7.6.2 R …
(2) For a UCITS scheme or a sub-fund of a UCITS scheme, (1) applies as if the reference to a regulated collective investment scheme also excludes any recognised scheme which is not authorised under the UCITS Directive in an EEA State but was not a ‘recognised scheme’ under section 264 of the Act (Schemes constituted in other EEA States) immediately before IP completion day. … (6) … (c) … (7) If it is proposed that the scheme property of an authorised fund or a sub-fund of an umbrella should become the property of a recognised scheme, the authorised fund manager of the authorised fund or subfund must ensure that the document it provides to unitholders setting out the proposal contains a prominent statement of the matters required to be disclosed by COLL 9.5.5R and COLL 9.5.6R (Preparation and maintenance of a prospectus relating to an OFR recognised scheme). … 9 Recognised schemes Application and general information Application 9.1
FCA 2024/22
9.1.1 R This chapter applies as follows:
(1) COLL 9.3 and COLL 9.4 apply to operators of recognised schemes schemes applying for recognition under section 272 of the Act and to operators of schemes making a notification in respect of them such schemes under Chapter V of Part XVII sections 277 and 277A of the Act (Recognised overseas schemes). (2) COLL 9.5 applies to operators of schemes applying for recognition as OFR recognised schemes and to operators making a notification in respect of such schemes under sections 271I and 271J of the Act. Purpose
9.1.2 G (1) This chapter applies in relation to 2 types of recognised scheme:
(a) a scheme which is individually recognised under section 272 of the Act; and (b) an OFR recognised scheme, which is a scheme recognised under section 271A of the Act. (2) If a scheme is eligible to apply for recognition as an OFR recognised scheme, it may not apply for recognition under section 272 of the Act, within (1)(a). (3) This chapter enables current and potential operators of recognised schemes to know what information and documents the FCA wish to receive requires to enable it to consider determine whether to recognise the scheme under the Act for marketing in the United Kingdom. (4) This chapter also sets out requirements relating to:
(a) the preparation and maintenance of a prospectus for a recognised scheme; and (b) the facilities that an operator of a recognised scheme must provide to enable current and potential participants in the scheme who are present in the United Kingdom to obtain information and exercise their rights without undue difficulty or expense. 9.1.2A G The effect of GEN 2.2.32R to GEN 2.2.36G and COLL TP 1.1R(65) is that the rules in COLL 9.4 on facilities continue to apply to a TP UCITS qualifier in relation to a scheme that is a recognised scheme under Part 6 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, until such time as that scheme ceases to be a recognised scheme under those Regulations.
FCA 2024/22
General information
9.1.3 G Further information about notifications for recognition is contained in
COLLG. The FCA website sets out further information about which categories of overseas collective investment scheme are eligible to apply to the FCA to be recognised schemes under sections 271A and 272 of the Act, how to apply for recognition, and how to give notifications concerning recognised schemes. https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/authorised-recognised-funds/apply-fundrecognition …
9.3 Section 272 recognised schemes
…
Additional information required in the prospectus for an application under section
9.3.2 R An operator of a recognised scheme scheme applying for recognition under
section 272 of the Act must ensure the prospectus:
…
Preparation and maintenance of prospectus
9.3.3 R (1) An operator of a recognised scheme scheme recognised under section
272 of the Act must comply with the requirements set out in COLL
4.2 (Pre-sale notifications).
(2) Where a recognised scheme scheme recognised under section 272 of the Act is managed and authorised in Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, the prospectus need not comply with the requirements of COLL 4.2.5R (Table: contents of prospectus), providing it contains corresponding matter required under the law in its home territory. Preparation of a key information document in accordance with the PRIIPs regulation
9.3.4 G …
(3) As a result, when a recognised scheme scheme recognised under
section 272 of the Act is made available to retail clients in the United
Kingdom the operator must draw up a key information document in accordance with the PRIIPs Regulation, unless the operator of such a scheme is otherwise exempt from such a requirement under the PRIIPs Regulation for the time being.
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…
9.4 Facilities in the United Kingdom for schemes recognised under section 272 of
the Act
General
9.4.1 R (1) The operator of a recognised scheme scheme recognised under
section 272 of the Act must maintain facilities in the United Kingdom
in order to satisfy the requirements of COLL 9.4.2R to COLL 9.4.6R. … Documents
9.4.2 R (1) The operator of a recognised scheme scheme recognised under
section 272 of the Act must maintain facilities in the United Kingdom
for any person, for inspection (free of charge) and for the obtaining (free of charge, in the case of the documents at (c), (d) and (e), and otherwise at no more than a reasonable charge) of copies in English of:
…
…
…
Insert the following new section COLL 9.5 (OFR recognised schemes) after COLL 9.4 (Facilities in the United Kingdom). The text is not underlined.
9.5 OFR recognised schemes
Information and documents to be provided in relation to an application for recognition under section 271A
9.5.1 G (1) Under the Act, the FCA has the power to direct how an application
for recognition of a scheme under section 271A of the Act must be made. The FCA also has the power to specify that the application contains, or is accompanied by, such information as the FCA may reasonably require for the purpose of determining it. (2) The application form for recognition of a scheme under section 271A of the Act, and guidance regarding documents and information which must be contained in (or provided together with) the application form, are available on the FCA website. https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/overseas-funds-regime-update-firms
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(3) The application form requires the operator that is applying for recognition of the scheme to provide documents and information falling within the following categories:
(a) the identity of the scheme;
(b) the scheme’s profile;
(c) the scheme’s fees and charges;
(d) characteristics of the scheme’s units; (e) parties connected to the scheme; and (f) the proposed marketing and distribution arrangements for the scheme.
9.5.2 G The FCA considers that the documents and information falling within the
categories set out in COLL 9.5.1G(3) are reasonably required for the purposes of:
(1) determining whether the conditions for recognition under section 271G(2) (Determination of applications) of the Act are met; (2) complying with its duty under section 271G(4) (Determination of applications) of the Act to refuse an application for recognition if the FCA considers it desirable to do so, in order to protect the interests of participants or potential participants in the scheme in the United Kingdom; and (3) complying with its duty to maintain a record of all recognised schemes under section 347 (The record of authorised persons etc.) of the Act, which is made public in the Financial Services Register.
9.5.3 D Any documents accompanying an application for recognition of a scheme
under section 271A must be:
(1) in English or be accompanied by a translation in English; and (2) certified by the operator to be true copies of the originals. Recognition of parts of a scheme
9.5.4 G (1) Section 271S of the Act (Recognition of parts of schemes under
section 271A) sets out that section 271A of the Act applies in relation
to part of a collective investment scheme as it applies in relation to such a scheme. In our view, this means that the FCA is able to recognise one or more sub-funds in an umbrella, without necessarily recognising all of them.
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(2) As a result, references to a scheme in COLL 9.5.9G to COLL 9.5.10G and to an OFR recognised scheme in Part 17 of the Act include references to a sub-fund in an umbrella. Preparation and maintenance of a prospectus relating to an OFR recognised scheme
9.5.5 R (1) The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must comply with the
following requirements in COLL 4.2 (Pre-sale notifications):
(a) COLL 4.2.2R(1);
(b) COLL 4.2.2R(2)(b) to (d);
(c) COLL 4.2.3R;
(d) COLL 4.2.3AR; and
(e) COLL 4.2.4R.
(2) The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must ensure that the prospectus of the scheme contains the information required by COLL 4.2.5R (Table: contents of the prospectus) to the extent that this information would be compatible with the basis upon which the prospectus is approved in the scheme’s Home State. (3) In relation to (2), information is to be treated as incompatible with the basis upon which the prospectus is approved in the scheme’s Home State if adding it to the prospectus conflicts with an existing statement that has already been approved by the regulatory body of the scheme’s Home State. (4) For the purposes of (1) and (2), as appropriate, a reference in COLL
4.2 to:
(a) an authorised fund manager is to be read as a reference to an operator of an OFR recognised scheme; and (b) an authorised fund, AUT, ACS, ICVC and UCITS scheme is to be read as a reference to an OFR recognised scheme.
9.5.6 R The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must ensure that the prospectus
of the scheme:
(1) explains how investors in the United Kingdom can make a complaint about the scheme, its operator or its depositary; (2) (a) explains whether the activities of the operator and depositary of the scheme are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service and the compensation scheme; and
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(b) where they are not covered, contains a clear warning explaining that a UK investor may not be able to seek redress under the UK regulatory system for a complaint, or compensation for a financial loss suffered as a result of the operator or depositary being unable to meet their liabilities to unitholders; (3) explains whether or not an investor in the United Kingdom has the right to access:
(a) an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in the Home State(s) of the scheme, its operator or its depositary in order to resolve a complaint; or (b) a compensation scheme in the Home State(s) of the operator or the depositary that can pay compensation to unitholders for losses incurred where those persons are unable to meet their liabilities to unitholders; and (4) explains, if the investor has the rights described in (3), how they may be exercised, including how further information may be obtained.
9.5.7 G (1) If the investor has any rights described in COLL 9.5.6R(3), operators
of OFR recognised schemes should consider including further information likely to be useful to investors. (2) Further information likely to be useful to investors would at least include details as to:
(a) whether investors are able to make a complaint or request for compensation in English to the respective bodies referred to in COLL 9.5.6R(3); (b) whether there is a cost to make a complaint or request for compensation to the respective bodies referred to in COLL 9.5.6R(3); (c) whether investors would be exposed to any requirement to pay costs by either of the respective bodies referred to in COLL 9.5.6R(3) – for example, if their complaint or request for compensation should be unsuccessful; (d) what the maximum financial limits are for awards of redress or compensation by the respective bodies referred to in COLL 9.5.6R(3); and (e) whether the decision by the body referred to in COLL 9.5.6R(3)(a), such as the amount of redress that should be paid
FCA 2024/22 in relation to the complaint, is binding on the operator or depositary (as applicable) if accepted by the investor. (3) Where the prospectus of the scheme is provided electronically, such further information could be provided via a hyperlink to a website or another document. Guidance on the UK retail disclosure regime
9.5.8 G [to follow]
Obligations on an operator of an OFR recognised scheme to notify the FCA
9.5.9 G (1) Section 271I(1) of the Act (Obligations of an operator of a section
271A scheme) requires an operator of an OFR recognised scheme to notify the FCA if it has contravened, or expects to contravene, a requirement imposed on it by or under the Act. (2) Section 271I(2) of the Act requires an operator of an OFR recognised scheme to notify the FCA of certain changes relating to the scheme, such as changes to the operator or depositary. This should be kept in mind when considering any proposed change. (3) Section 271I(3) of the Act requires a notification under (1) or (2) to be made in writing as soon as reasonably practicable.
9.5.10 G (1) Section 271J of the Act provides that the operator of an OFR
recognised scheme must provide to the FCA such information as the FCA may direct, and in such form and at such times as it may direct. The FCA will publish such directions on the FCA website. (2) The information must be provided as soon as reasonably practicable, in the manner directed on the website. In a few cases, listed on the website, the FCA’s direction requires the operator to notify the FCA by email at the address specified for that purpose. In all other cases, the information should be provided by submitting a standard form.
9.5.11 D The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must notify the FCA as soon as
reasonably practicable when the operator of an OFR recognised scheme:
(1) decides to terminate or wind up the scheme, or becomes aware that the scheme is or will be terminated or wound up; or (2) decides to cease marketing the scheme in the United Kingdom.
9.5.12 G Where COLL 9.5.11D(2) applies, the operator should request the FCA to
withdraw recognition as an OFR recognised scheme. The operator should ensure that UK investors are given adequate written notice of the decision before the date on which the request takes effect.
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Facilities for investors in the United Kingdom for OFR recognised schemes
9.5.13 R (1) The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must maintain facilities
for any person in the United Kingdom to:
(a) inspect (free of charge) up-to-date copies in English of:
(i) the instrument constituting the fund, as amended from time to time; (ii) the prospectus; (iii) the latest annual report and (if more recent) the halfyearly report; and (iv) the key investor information document or equivalent disclosure document; (b) obtain paper copies of any of the documents in (a), at no more than a reasonable charge in the case of (i), and free of charge in the other cases; and (c) obtain the latest prices of units in the scheme, or information about where they can be obtained free of charge. (2) The operator of an OFR recognised scheme must maintain facilities for any unitholder of the scheme in the United Kingdom to:
(a) submit orders to subscribe for and redeem units in the scheme in accordance with the terms of its prospectus; (b) obtain information about how any payment due to the unitholder will be made; (c) provide information to enable the operator to maintain a record of each unitholder’s full name and address and any other required details; and (d) submit a complaint about the operation of the scheme to the operator and obtain information about arrangements for the resolution of the complaint.
9.5.14 R (1) The operator may provide the facilities in COLL 9.5.13R through an
electronic medium where:
(a) the prospectus states that the operator will normally communicate with all unitholders and their representatives through such a medium; (b) unitholders have consented to the operator communicating with them in this way; and
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(c) all services to unitholders are provided in English, free of charge. (2) If the conditions in (1)(a) and (b) are not fulfilled, the operator may provide the facilities in COLL 9.5.13R through an electronic medium at the unitholder’s choice but must additionally provide those facilities at a place in the United Kingdom which is open to members of the public during business hours. (3) The operator may use its own place of business in the United Kingdom if it has one, or else it must appoint a person with a place of business in the United Kingdom to provide the facilities on its behalf. (4) The prospectus of the scheme must state the address of the place at which facilities are provided or explain how they can be accessed through an electronic medium. (5) In relation to notices and documents sent by operators and depositaries to and from the United Kingdom, COLL 4.4.12R (Notice to unitholders) and COLL 4.4.13R (Other notices) apply.
9.5.15 G (1) Under section 271F(1)(b) of the Act, the operator of an OFR
recognised scheme must notify the FCA of an address in the United Kingdom at which notices and other documents may be served on the operator. This may be the same address specified for the purpose of COLL 9.5.14R(2), or another address. (2) Where the operator of an OFR recognised scheme intends to communicate a financial promotion relating to the scheme, the financial promotion will need to be approved unless the financial promotion benefits from an exemption in the Financial Promotion Order. (3) If the financial promotion does not benefit from an exemption in the Financial Promotion Order, an authorised person will only be able to approve a financial promotion relating to an OFR recognised scheme if:
(a) that person is a permitted approver in relation to the financial promotion; or (b) an approver permission exemption applies. (4) Where a financial promotion relating to an OFR recognised scheme needs to be approved by an authorised person, that authorised person does not need to be the person who provides unitholder facilities, or whose address is notified for the service of notices. Amend the following as shown.
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…
TP 1 Transitional Provisions
TP 1.1
(1) (2)
Material to which the transitional provision applies (3) (4) Transitional provision (5) Transitional provision:
dates in force
(6)
Handbook provision:
coming into force
…
64 … … … … …
Amendments made by the Collective Investment Schemes (Schemes Authorised in Approved Countries) Instrument 2024 65 The amendments to COLL 9.4 R The amendments to the rules specified in column (2) do not apply to a TP UCITS qualifier in relation to a scheme recognised under Part 6 of the Collective Investment Schemes (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. From 31 July 31 July 2024
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Annex F
Amendments to the Enforcement Guide (EG)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text and striking through indicates deleted text. 7 Financial penalties and other disciplinary sanctions
7.1 The FCA’s use of sanctions
…
7.1.2 The FCA has the following powers to impose sanctions.
(1) It may publish a statement:
…
(eca) against an operator of a scheme recognised under section 271A or section 272 of the Act; … … … 14 Collective Investment Schemes …
14.4 Exercise of the powers in respect of recognised schemes: sections 271L,
271N, 271R, 279, 281 and 282B of the Act – powers to revoke recognition of schemes recognised under section sections 271A or 272, or issue the operators of such schemes with a public censure: the FCA’s policy …
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Annex G
Amendments to the Perimeter Guidance manual (PERG) In this Annex, underlining indicates new text. 9 Meaning of open-ended investment company
9.1 Application and Purpose
…
Other guidance that may be relevant
9.1.4 …
9.1.5 G Open-ended investment companies constituted overseas that are seeking to
market or promote their units to the general public in the United Kingdom, should refer to COLL 9 (Recognised schemes) for guidance on the requirements that apply to OFR recognised schemes and schemes recognised under section 272 of the Act (Individually recognised schemes).
© Financial Conduct Authority 2024
12 Endeavour Square London E20 1JN
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7066 1000
Website: www.fca.org.uk
All rights reserved
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