Firm notification form (SUP 15)

Regulated firms and Insolvency Practitioners can complete this form to notify the FCA of an event that has occurred or will occur in the foreseeable future.

Please provide as detailed a notification as possible to ensure that the correct team is handling your case.

Before making your notification

1. Please note you should not include any inside information in this form or any attachments. If your notification relates to inside information, please notify the FCA by completing the market observation form via our Connect[1] system.

More information can be found on our How to report suspected market abuse as a firm or trading venue[2] and Best practice note - Identifying, controlling and disclosing inside information[3] pages.

If you have any other reporting queries, please email: [email protected].

2. Check if the firm or individual has ever been authorised, registered or approved by us. You can find this information on our Financial Services Register[4].

If a firm or individual is not authorised, registered or approved by us, please do not use this form but instead email [email protected] or call us on 0300 500 0597.

Please provide the following information:

* Fields with an asterisk beside their labels are mandatory.

Contact information
Firm details
Check the Financial Services Register[5] to confirm correct FRN.
Type of notification

What action you must take

Ensure the controller(s) submits the relevant controller form ('section 178 notice'), alongside the relevant supporting documentation: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/change-control[6].

Ensure the firm’s approved persons are up-to-date. A ‘Form C’ can be used to withdraw an approved person. A ‘Form A’ can be used to apply for an individual to perform a controlled function. These forms must be submitted electronically using our online Connect[7] system.

Why you must take this action

Regulated firms are obliged to notify us of proposed or actual changes in control (see SUP 11.4[8] in the Handbook). Dual-regulated firms (banks, building societies, credit unions etc) need to obtain approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority. It is a criminal offence under FSMA section 191F to:

• acquire or increase control without notifying us first

• fail to obtain prior approval in such circumstances

You may also be liable on indictment to a fine that exceeds the statutory minimum.

Further Help and Guidance

Our quick reference guide (PDF)[9] gives a definition of controllers, the various control bands and an example structure chart.

Information about the control thresholds and bands[10].

What action you must take

Ensure the firm’s approved persons are up-to-date. A ‘Form C’ can be used to withdraw an approved person. A ‘Form A’ can be used to apply for an individual to perform a controlled function. These forms must be submitted electronically using our online Connect[7] system.

Why you must take this action

The Supervision Manual (SUP) 10A.14.8[11] states that a firm must notify the FCA of material changes to Senior Management Functions within 10 business days after an approved person ceases to perform the function.

What action you must take

Ensure the firm’s approved persons are up-to-date. Consider submitting a 'Form C' to withdraw an individual’s Senior Management Function using our online Connect[11] system if the individual is an approved person.

Why you must take this action

The Supervision Manual (SUP) 10A.14.8[12] states that a firm must notify the FCA of material changes to Senior Management Functions within 10 business days after an approved person ceases to perform the function.

What action you must take

Ensure you submit a cancellation form if the firm will no longer trade. We usually require firms to complete and submit their cancellation application using our online Connect[13] system. However, if you do not have the firm’s login details available, please complete and return to us the cancellation form on our website[9].

Why you must take this action

Managing the insolvency of an FCA-regulated firm means you are subject to the FCA Handbook. Among others, Principle 11[10] requires you to be open and transparent with the regulator. It is important to us that when firms no longer require their permissions, they be relinquished to avoid misleading the marketplace by implying a firm may still perform those functions. You will find information about the firm’s regulated status and its permissions on the Financial Services Register[11].

Please ensure that you comply with the obligations under Part XXIV of FSMA in relation to insolvency procedures for authorised firms. If there is any reason you cannot comply with these obligations, you must notify us as soon as possible explaining why.

What action you must take

To recruit a new appointed representative (AR), you need to notify us by completing an 'add an appointed representative or tied agent' form on Connect[15], at least 30 calendar days before the AR appointment starts: https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/appointed-representatives-principals/recruit-change-terminate[9]

Why you must take this action

When you let ARs carry out regulated activities for your firm, anything they do (or don’t do) will be treated as if it were you. So you must make sure that the ARs you appoint can be effectively supervised and meet our standards[10].

You're also responsible for making sure any individuals you want us to approve at the ARs are fit and proper[11] and comply with our rules.

Documents
Please complete and attach the SUP 15 form[12].
Please note that there is a size limit of 7MB per attachment.
First published: 02/04/2024 Last updated: 28/03/2025

Source URL: https://edit-stager.fcatest.org.uk/firm-notification-form-sup-15

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