How we implement the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
FOIA gives the public a right of access to recorded information held by public authorities and sets out exemptions from that right. For the purpose of FOIA, the Government has designated the FCA as a public authority.
Anyone can make a request for information we hold. This right applies to any information we hold including that of the FCA’s predecessor bodies. We’re also required to publish a publication scheme guide to information (the Guide).
FOIA is regulated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)[1], an independent body.
Making a request for information
This page is designed to help you make a request for information under FOIA by completing the online request form[2]. It’s not a guide to FOIA itself.
All requests must be in writing and include your name and an address (either postal or email).
We’ll acknowledge all requests. Please be aware we may need to contact you to discuss your request, using the contact details you provide.
Submission
To make a request for information not published in our Guide, please:
- complete and submit the ‘right to know’ online request form[2] or
- download a printable copy[3], complete by hand and send it to us at the address at the bottom of this page
Please be as specific as possible about the information you’d like. To help us with our searches, please give any additional information you think might be helpful, such as the subject matter and a time frame.
If you need more advice on filling out the form, please contact the Information Disclosure Team or call 0800 111 6768 (free phone) or 0300 500 8082 from the UK, or +44 207 066 1000 from abroad.
Processing by the FCA
The law allows us 20 working days to respond to a request, from the date we receive it. The exceptions to this are where:
- a qualified exemption applies and the public interest test needs to be considered
- clarification is required
Under FOIA, information can be withheld when an appropriate exemption[4] can be applied. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000[5] (FSMA) also imposes restrictions on disclosure of information received as part of carrying out our duties. Information we receive during our regulatory duties is not disclosable under section 348 of FSMA.
Find out more about what information we can share with you[6].
Requests for personal information[7] about yourself should be made under the Data Protection Act 1998, as personal data is exempt from FOIA. If the information you request is held by another public authority, we’ll let you know.
Payment
We won’t charge for finding information for requests costing less than £450. But if we estimate that it would cost more than £450 (18 hours working time) to find the information, we’re entitled to refuse the request. Please see our fees statement[8] for further details.
Internal review
If you’re not satisfied with our response, you’re entitled to request an internal review. We aim to deal with internal reviews within 20 working days. Please see our internal review process[9] for further details.
If you’d like an internal review, please either email or write to us at the address below. If you’re not content with the outcome of the review, you also have the right to appeal to the ICO.
Contact us
By post
Information Disclosure Team
Financial Conduct Authority
12 Endeavour Square
London E20 1JN
By email
[email protected]
By phone
0800 111 6768 (free phone) or 0300 500 8082 from the UK, or +44 207 066 1000 from abroad