regulatory matters may / june event - 2014

Regulatory Matters May / June Event - 2014

Sesame Bankhall Group Ltd. Commercially confidential 2012. www.bankhall.co.uk

Regulatory Matters

Agenda

1. Compliance Bulletin and Regulatory Analysis Update

2. Delivering Independent Advice

3. Regulatory Landscape

4. Questions

Compliance Bulletin and Regulatory Analysis Updates


Bankhall issue three types of Compliance Communication:

Weekly Regulatory Update (RU) ‘High-level’ summary of regulatory information drawn from FCA, FOS etc Every Monday as part of ‘Bankhall Weekly’

Monthly Compliance Bulletin Summary of important information issued via the weekly regulatory

updates within the month; A summary of all new and amended compliance guidance published within

the month. Last Thursday of each month

Ad-hoc Regulatory Analysis Further in depth analysis when required on key topics

Rag rated (Red, Amber, Green) to highlight issues that we feel are particularly important

In response to your feedback, we have returned to issuing a more comprehensive monthly Compliance Bulletin, via email on the LAST THURSDAY of each month. These contain a round up of: * Information relevant to investment, mortgage & GI firms;* A summary of the important information issued via the weekly Regulatory Updates within the month;* Further in depth Regulatory Analysis, where required, including guidance on what you need to consider and/or do differently, following regulatory changes; and* A summary of all new and amended compliance guidance published within the month.

Information is drawn from FCA, FOS and various regulatory publicationsDesigned to help you identify anything that has come to light that week which may have implications on your business.

The REGULATORY UPDATE also provide information about the next steps to be taken, for example if further analysis and guidance will follow within a Compliance Bulletin, it will say so.

The REGULATORY UPDATE also provide a summary of all new and amended compliance guidance published within the previous week, including the reasons for the change; and any other information we think you need to know.

It’s a general WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

IT IS WORTH NOTING AT THIS POINT THAT ALL ARTICLES PUBLISHED ARE RAG RATED – [RED, AMBER AND GREEN] TO HIGHLIGHT THE ISSUES THAT WE FEEL ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT OR REQUIRE ATTENTION

In response to your feedback, we have returned to issuing a more comprehensive monthly Compliance Bulletin, via email on the LAST THURSDAY of each month. These contain a round up of: * Information relevant to investment, mortgage & GI firms;* A summary of the important information issued via the weekly Regulatory Updates within the month;* Further in depth Regulatory Analysis, where required, including guidance on what you need to consider and/or do differently, following regulatory changes; and* A summary of all new and amended compliance guidance published within the month. Finally a REGULATORY ANALYSIS is issued on an ad hoc basis whenever

Regulatory Matters Regulatory Update


Mortgage Market Review Implementation date 26th April 2014

Key changes:

Affordability now responsibility of lenders – know their criteria!

‘Key message’ disclosures – new IDD?

Introduction of ‘customer groups’ – update new business log

Adding fees to loans – ‘positive consent declaration’

Interest only mortgages – credible repayment strategy

Dedicated suite of templates within Bankhall website

On site compliance support available if required

AMI / CML / IML joint guide published

New FCA consumer guide

CB 21/14 provides round up



Consumer Credit Regulation

1st April - Consumer credit regulation transferred from the OFT to the FCA.

Interim permission required to continue consumer credit activities

Interim permission will continue until application for full authorisation

Firms with interim permission must apply for full FCA authorisation or a VoP within their own specific application period.

FCA will contact from 1 May 2014 with details of their own specific application period.

FCA indicated that an ‘authorisation pack’ will be made available to firms before they need to apply for full authorisation.

RA30/14 contains more detail in regard to the Final Rules



Post Budget Pension Reforms

19 March 2014 - Chancellor announced substantial changes to pension legislation in the Budget.

Some changes came into effect on 27 March 2014

Further changes are in consultation and are proposed to be introduced in April 2015

FCA has issued a Final Guidance paper, setting out its expectations of firms during this interim period to April 2015.

All firms should read this paper to ensure fair outcomes for those clients that have recently purchased an annuity, or are approaching retirement in the next year.

FCA believes that some customers may be put at a disadvantage if they do not know about the Budget changes and cannot make an informed decision

All firms should review and revise their existing practices in light of this guidance



Post Budget Pension Reforms Key issues to note:

Many firms are already making changes to their processes and procedures and are highlighting the changes at Budget to their customers.

Providers and advisers should check that any recent purchases are still in the best interests of their customers, with providers advised to offer extended guarantee and cancellation periods

Ensure that clients understand the consequences of delaying buying an annuity purchase, stating that advisers should inform clients that the offered rate may drop if they wait until April 2015.

Firms should highlight to clients any guaranteed annuity rate they may be entitled to, and that not buying an annuity during the coming year may mean this is forfeited.

CU 14th April 2014



Financial Incentives Update FCA published Final Guidance on Financial Incentives January 2103

Results of thematic review undertaken now published (March 2014)

Key points: -

Significant progress made but not across the board

Some firms still need to ‘get better control’ of their incentive schemes

Cultural change required

Review internally – Schemes, Monitoring, MI, Risks

FCA Supervision 2014

Financial Incentives Tool within Bankhall website

CB 21/14 & 23/14 provides further detail



FCA Consulting on changes to GABRIEL FCA consultation paper published (CP14/5) setting out proposals for changes

to regulatory reporting requirements

Key changes proposed:

Clarification on labels used to make the data collection form easier to complete

Section K (Adviser Charging) to be an annual rather than six monthly return for investment firms

Section L (Consultancy Charging) to be removed

Annual questionnaire for APF’s to move into GABRIEL and reduce content by around 75%

Policy Statement expected late 2014

CB 23/14 and RA 31/4 for further details


Delivering Independent Advice


FCA Thematic Review Findings – Delivering Independent Advice

FCA Post RDR activities: Three stage thematic review First stage of thematic review – July 2013 FCA acknowledged progress Highlighted areas for improvement

FCA published findings of second stage thematic review – focused on 2 key areas:

Where firm describe themselves as independent – is this happening in practice?

Does the disclosure information provided to customers meet with regulatory requirements?

Regulatory MattersDelivering Independent Advice



FCA Thematic Review – Delivering Independent Advice

FCA - Second stage of thematic review findings:

113 firms included within review:• 88 firms stated that they offered independent advice• 30 either unclear or failed to offer independence• Further investigation undertaken

73% failed to provide correctly provide the required information on the cost of advice to consumers

Significant failings in providing cost of advice• Lack of clarity in up front documentation• Failure to document in monetary terms• No indication that costs would fluctuate

Third cycle of thematic reviews in Q3 2014 – FCA regulatory enforcement action ….



Delivering Independent Advice

‘Independent advice’ is defined in the FCA handbook (COBS 6.2A.3R) as follows: ‘A firm must not hold itself out to a retail client as acting independently unless the only personal recommendations in relation to retail investment products it offers to that retail client are:

• Based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of the relevant market; and• Unbiased and unrestricted ‘

Meeting FCA Independent standards • Comprehensive review across the market• NOT every product in the market has to be reviewed comprehensively• Consider all investment solutions in market place• Do not require detailed due diligence on every product

FCA require you to ….• Carry out research on WOM to identify solutions – customer best interests• Conduct detailed due diligence on the solutions recommended


Regulatory Matters‘Packaged Products v Retail Investment Products’

Key independence requirements:

The range of products that advisers must be willing and able to advise on has widened from ‘packaged products’ to a defined category of ‘retail investment products’ (RIPs) sold to retail clients.

Packaged Product• A life policy;

• A unit in a regulated CIS;

• A stakeholder pension scheme (including a group stakeholder pension scheme);

• A personal pension scheme (including a group personal pension scheme); or

• An interest in an investment trust savings scheme.

Retail Investment Products• A life policy;

• A unit;

• A stakeholder pension scheme (including a group stakeholder pension scheme);

• A personal pension scheme (including a group personal pension scheme);

• An interest in an investment trust savings scheme;

• A security in an investment trust;

• A structured capital-at-risk product; or

• Any other designated investment which offers exposure to underlying financial assets, in a packaged form which modifies that exposure when compared with a direct holding in the financial asset.


Regulatory MattersMain additions to RIP list - types of investments that are not RIPs

Main additions • Exchange traded funds (although

most are currently ‘packaged products’)

• Structured Products (not deposit based)

• Unregulated Collective Investment Schemes

• All investments in Investment Trusts (this will also cover VCTs)

Types of investments that are not RIPs • Direct shares• Structured deposits• Gilts• Corporate bond• National savings certificates• Deposit accounts• Cash ISAs


Regulatory MattersWhy is the RIP definition important?

In order to be independent, all personal recommendations to retail clients (in relation to retail investment products) must be:

Based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of the relevant market; and Unbiased and unrestricted

You must be consider all products that falls within the Retail Investment Product definition.

Some non RIP products must also be considered for general suitability

Except - Group Pension business Able to limit advice to employees on joining a group pension scheme (fund

choice / contribution levels etc.) without compromising independence.

RETAIL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS NON-RETAIL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

INDEPENDENCE


Regulatory MattersNon-product independence - DFM

The fact that a discretionary management service itself selects investments based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of the market does not mean that a decision to use a single discretionary manager for all your recommendations will meet the independence standard.

See ‘Using discretionary management services’ guide for more information

“If a firm is providing independent advice it should consider a wide range of investment solutions in the market before recommending a client uses a discretionary management service. Recommending a discretionary management service should not be used as a default solution”. FSA


Regulatory MattersNon-product independence - platforms

See ‘Getting started with platforms’ guide for more information

RETAIL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

INDEPENDENCE

PLATFORMS

“We think that it is likely to be very rare, if possible at all, that a firm could use one platform for all clients and meet the independence rule. A firm that wished to do so would have to find a platform that offered a range of products that covered the whole of the packaged product market (or the whole of a sector of that market). Furthermore, it would need to keep this range under continual review to ensure that it remained whole of market”.


Regulatory MattersConsidering non-RIPs

• Non-RIPs must also be considered in order to satisfy ‘suitability’ requirements

• Some products / advice require additional qualifications / additional permissions:

Equity Release Pension Transfer Long Term Care Securities

• You are able to exclude providing advice in these areas and/or refer clients elsewhere without compromising your independence

• If you identify a client needs advice in one or more of these areas, you must refer them to a specialist who can help.

SUITABILITY

RETAIL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS NON-RETAIL INVESTMENT PRODUCTS PRODUCTS REQUIRING

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

REFERRAL?


Regulatory MattersReferrals to other advisers

In order for an investment firm to hold itself out as being ‘independent’, all investment advisers within that firm must be able to provide independent advice.

‘Full’ client introductions still permitted

Not possible to refer clients for specific pieces of RIP business whilst retaining the client for other types of investment business.

Able to ‘seek input’ from 3rd party to assist with a recommendation

Able to refer advice requiring additional qualifications (equity release, long term care & pension transfer)

Able to refer non-DI business

‘Guide to referring investment business in a post RDR environment’ Link to Doc 326


Regulatory MattersNon-mainstream pooled investments (NMPI)

The FCA identified that a number of firms mistakenly believe that non-mainstream pooled investments (NMPIs), including unregulated collective investment schemes (UCIS), are not in scope of the RDR. NMPI should be considered, where appropriate in order to satisfy definition of independence & suitability.

Complex High risk Illiquid Difficult to value Less regulated Use ‘new’ investment strategies

“We expect UCIS to be suitable for very few retail clients. A firm’s independent status will not be impacted if they never sell these products because they deem them to be unsuitable for their clients…From the perspective of independent advice, the key point is that considering a product is clearly not the same as recommending a product.”


Regulatory MattersRules – January 2014

PS13/3 sets out the rules in relation to non-mainstream pooled investments (NMPI)

How this affects Bankhall firms:

Firms promoting products now classified as NMPIs to ‘retail’ customers; and Discretionary portfolio managers, who may include NMPIs in portfolios.

Products affected by the ban:

UCIS (or units within a UCIS); Traded Life Settlements; and Securities issued by special purpose vehicles pooling investment in assets,

other than listed or unlisted shares or bonds.

New rules do not affect the marketing of NMPIs to sophisticated / high-net worth investors, or indeed to professional clients.


Regulatory MattersRules – January 2014

• A number of products will fall out of scope of the marketing ban:

Exchange Traded Products;

Real Estate Investment Trusts;

Venture Capital Trusts; and

Overseas Investment Companies which meet the criteria for investment trust status if based in the UK and EISs and seed EISs, unless structured as UCIS.

The marketing of special purpose vehicles pooling investment primarily in

shares and bonds is also not restricted.


Regulatory MattersFCA’s decision tree


Regulatory MattersDemonstrating Independence & Suitability

FCA Thematic ‘independence’ Reviews

Bankhall has identified 66 main product types – which should you consider?

Bankhall has created a ‘Product Selection Tool’: RIP / non-RIP categorisation Product description ‘Suitability’ category – core, non-core & specialist Suitability comments Additional qualification requirements Additional permissions requirements Inclusion / exclusion from SBG Research’s panel

Don’t forget ……..You can also use it to create own firm panel


Regulatory MattersUsing the Product Selection Tool


Regulatory MattersProduct Selection Tool

Suitability classification:

Core – Products that are potentially suitable for all retail clients e.g. Investment Bond, Unit Trust, Personal Pension.

Non-Core – Products that are not ‘non mainstream pooled investments’, but are very unlikely to be suitable for retail clients e.g. VCT, Film Partnership, EIS, Share.

Specialist – Non mainstream pooled investments – can only be promoted to non-retail clients (e.g. Professional clients) or specialist types of retail clients (HNW, Sophisticated Investors). Examples of such products are UCIS, Traded Life Policy Investment, Special Purpose Vehicle.

Refer to FCA’s ‘decision tree’ for specific restrictions

Please note - Categories not always clear cut – sometimes depends on product structure


Regulatory MattersProduct Selection Tool

Non-core & specialist product suitability

Client eligibility: High level of investment sophistication – more than just investment experience Very wealthy – more than £250k assets? (excluding main residence, chattels)

• If investing for non-pension need, exclude pension funds?• If investing for pension need, exclude other investments?

Very high appetite for risk & capacity for loss

See: ‘Guide to assessing the suitability of non-core & specialist investments’


Regulatory MattersUse of ‘Independent’ Panels

The rules permit the use of ‘panels’ by firms (without this affecting the firm’s independence) so long as: The panel is based on a fair and comprehensive analysis of the relevant

market; The panel is regularly reviewed; If appropriate, there are robust reasons for excluding certain product types or

specific retail investment products; and If a client is not best served by the products available on the panel, a process

is in place to facilitate the provision of advice ‘off panel’ where appropriate.

Segmentation:

You should consider all retail investment products that are capable of meeting the investment needs and objectives of your clients.

You do not have to have non-core and specialist products on your panel if they are not suitable for any of your clients.

See: ‘Guide to Independence in a post-RDR environment’


Regulatory MattersExamples of Good and Bad Practice - Use of panel

o Panel created for use of majority recommendations

o Panel constructed by reviewing whole of market

o Contained a wide range of products and providers

o Panel contains list of pre-approved products and providers

o Adviser – ability to recommend ‘off panel’ solutions with clear instructions

o Firms conduct pre-sale checks and subject to research and due diligence checks.

o A panel of products constructed by firms who felt would meet ‘most’ client needs

o If adviser struggling to find a suitable product for customer – ‘would consider’ allowing to go off panel

o No process or guidance to help with this

o Firm may not be able to offer an appropriate investment solution to all customers


Reminder….. when using panels

Design of panel(s)• Use whole of market as a starting point

Systems and controls• Do you have robust systems and controls to manage this process? • How often will you review the panel?• How will you communicate this to your advisers?• How will you monitor and manage your advisers to ensure that they

consider ‘off panel’ solutions in order to meet the best interest of a customer?

Regulatory MattersKey points when using panels


Regulatory Matters Examples of Good and Bad Practice - Use of one platform – majority of customers

o Firm mainly dealt with a defined category of client - remained mindful of products available across market

o If customer has particular needs and objectives – adviser able to recommend a product ‘off-platform’ as in best interests

o Example: platform based SIPP did not offer individual property purchase (other SIPPs in platform not competitive) adviser able to recommend another SIPP inline with needs and objectives

o Firms used a single platform but did not consider the customers that the platform only services would be appropriate for

o Used platform for all customers regardless of needs and objectives

o Could lead to unsuitable advice for some customers

o Example: platform has a flat fee, customers investment level low therefore the flat fee has a disproportionate impact on the overall costs

o Firm should have considered customers best interests


Reminder….. when considering using platforms

Have you undertaken appropriate research to support your choice? Can you evidence this? How often will you review the platform? What due diligence did you undertake? Have you revisited this recently? Does your due diligence take into account:

• RIPs without any bias • Remuneration for platform provider

Have you considered which platforms are appropriate for your customers and that some customers may need to go off-platform?

Do you understand any limitations of the platforms you have selected? What processes do you have in place to support advisers with ‘off-platform’

solutions?

Regulatory Matters Key points when considering use of platforms


Regulatory Matters Bankhall Support

Comprehensive suite of guidance documents covering this topic:Bankhall Online > Compliance & Technical > Compliance Manual > Document Library:

Using discretionary management services Getting started with platforms Guide to referring investment business in a post RDR environment Assessing the additional suitability considerations specific to Investment Trusts Product Selection Tool Guide to Independence in a post-RDR environment

We can provide different types of support to you …. bespoke support face to face remote basis

We can help you with product suitability, due diligence criteria, demonstrating independence


Reminder…..

CPD records are important Demonstrate competence in areas not regularly advised upon NMPI Include in adviser CPD Training Plan Review at regular 1:1 meetings Utilise MyLearning Tests Utilise Bankhall TV Assists with SPS renewal

Regulatory MattersCPD


Finally a word from the regulator ……

…..putting customers at the heart of your business, keeping an open mind, considering all options, then independence should follow naturally …….

Regulatory Matters

The Regulatory Landscape


FCA Business Plan & Risk Outlook 2014 / 15

Business Plan sets out how the FCA will: Shape its activities Integrate new responsibilities (CCL) Implement and improve its models and systems Develop its people and; Ensure that its priorities remain focused on achieving its objectives.

FCA’s Strategic objective: To ensure that the relevant markets function well

FCA’s Operational objectives: To secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers To protect and enhance the integrity of the UK financial system To promote effective competition in the interests of consumers

Should be read alongside the FCA’s Risk Outlook for 2014/15, as this provides details of the main risks identified by the FCA.

Regulatory Matters Regulatory Landscape


Regulatory Matters Regulatory Landscape

FCA Risk Outlook 2014 / 15

Sets out what main drivers the FCA believes will be a risk to its objectives Provides details of the key areas which will be subject to ‘supervisory focus’

over the coming year.

Key areas identified include: Poor culture and controls threatening market integrity Consumer credit growth leading to unaffordable debt Retirement income products delivering poor consumer outcomes Platform due diligence

Bankhall Support Retail Conduct Risk Framework and Assessment Tool Ongoing Compliance Communications

Ref:Bankhall RA35 & 36/14


Regulatory Matters ‘Hot Topics’ - 2014

Business Risk Awareness Workshops FCA – continuing BRAW workshops and assessments CF, LD, LL, NP, SA, SY, GL, HR, CH, CW postcodes being assessed now BRAW Specific support available Onsite visit or remote appointment facility

FCA thematic reviews MMR post implementation review and testing - Autumn 2014 Press reports – FCA will review platform due diligence


Regulatory Matters ‘Hot Topics’ - 2014

Don’t forget… support is available from:

Compliance Consultants CSU Regional Development Managers Bankhall Online

Questions?

Handset questions


Handset Questions

1. How satisfied are you with the information you have received during this afternoon’s event ?

• Very satisfied • Satisfied• OK• Unsatisfied • Very unsatisfied


Handset Questions

2. How likely are you to attend future sessions similar to this afternoon’s event?

• Very likely• Likely• Don’t know• Unlikely • Very unlikely

that all regulated firms should be familiar with the main requirements of this Business the three cornerstones of Governance, Control and Culture; therefore the requirements of BRAW in general should not be a new concept. However, this level of contact with the regulator can be quite daunting for a small firm facility. These services are designed to provide our clients with focus, direction and peace of mind in the run up to BRAW and the following regulatory review

Thank you and questions

regulatory matters may / june event - 2014

Documents