Supporting FCA solo-regulated firms prepare for SMCR implementation.

The Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) was introduced by the FCA on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards, following a review of the 2008 financial crisis.

The FCA was tasked with developing a new system of accountability, a replacement for the Approved Persons Regime, that is more focused on senior managers and individuals’ responsibility. The FCA wants the firms it regulates to operate a ‘culture of accountability’ throughout their organisations, with senior individuals accepting clearly defined and documented responsibilities for which they are personally accountable. The SMCR is the FCA’s drive for greater transparency and integrity within financial services, to mitigate the risk of another market crash and to restore public faith in the industry.

The SMCR has been in force for banks, building societies, credit unions and PRA-designated investment firms (Relevant Authorised Persons) since March 2016 and was extended to cover all FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) solo-regulated financial services firms on 9 December 2019.

The FCA has acknowledged that there are a range of different types of firm subject to the SMCR, and it is not ‘one size fits all’. As a result there are three categories of firm under the extended SMCR, each with differing levels of compliance requirement: ‘Limited Scope’, ‘Core’ and ‘Enhanced’. Firms need to determine which category applies to them and work to achieve the required level of compliance.

Collyer Bristow’s SMCR team can help with formulating and executing a plan for late implementation covering the key aspects of compliance, notably the regulatory and employment related issues such as:

  • Advising on optimisation of existing governance structures
  • Helping map current roles into the SMCR
  • Identifying key action points for implementation teams
  • Advising on interpreting and applying the new rules and guidance
  • Assisting in practical use of the transitional provisions and identify any necessary applications
  • Reviewing existing policies to identify potential gaps
  • Where appropriate, providing template documentation
  • Delivering ongoing bespoke training at our office or in-situ
  • Assisting in creating specialist in-house training programme suitable for each audience
  • Advising on the employment implications and consequential drafting
  • Drafting handbooks for affected staff
  • Assessing ongoing compliance

See below to download our guides supporting you in achieving SMCR compliance.

Read more

Important: FCA delays SMCR deadline due to Coronavirus

The deadline for certification requirements under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime has been delayed by four months, from December 2020 to 31 March 2021.

The FCA confirms the deadline for solo-regulated firms to have completed its first “fitness and propriety” assessment of certified persons had been delayed until 31 March 2021, to give firms significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic time to make the changes they need.

More on FCA website

8 steps towards achieving compliance

The Senior Managers and Certification Regime was extended to cover all FCA solo-regulated financial services firms on 9 December 2019. Is your firm compliant?

Download guide

What FCA solo-regulated firms need to know

The FCA acknowledges that solo-regulated firms vary considerably in terms of size and complexity, and so the SMCR compliance requirements also differ from firm to firm. Are you aware of your compliance requirements?

Download guide

View our SMCR compliance Lawyers:

Nigel Brahams

Nigel Brahams

Partner - Head of Financial Services

Talk to Nigel about Corporate & Digital & Financial regulatory & Private equity

Tania Goodman

Tania Goodman

Partner - Head of Employment

Talk to Tania about Employment law for employees & Employment law for employers

Subscribe

Please add your details and your areas of interest below

Specialist sectors:

Legal services:

Other information:

Jurisdictions of interest to you (other than UK):

Message us on WhatsApp (calling not available)

Please note that Collyer Bristow provides this service during office hours for general information and enquiries only and that no legal or other professional advice will be provided over the WhatsApp platform. Please also note that if you choose to use this platform your personal data is likely to be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the US. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information provided. All information will be deleted immediately upon completion of a conversation.

I accept Close

Close
Scroll up
ExpandNeed some help?Toggle

< Back to menu

I have an issue and need your help

Scroll to see our A-Z list of expertise

Get in touch

Get in touch using our form below.



    Business Close
    Private Wealth Close
    Hot Topics Close