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Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
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- UK Public General Acts
- 2000 c. 8
- Part V
- Certification of employees
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Changes over time for: Cross Heading: Certification of employees
Alternative versions:
- 25/07/2014- Amendment
- 07/03/2016- Amendment
- 07/03/2017- Amendment
- 13/09/2018- Amendment
- 29/11/2018- Amendment
- 10/12/2018- Amendment
- 01/04/2019- Amendment
- 18/07/2019- Amendment
- 09/08/2019- Amendment
- 09/12/2019- Amendment
- 10/12/2019- Amendment
- 07/12/2020- Amendment
- 31/12/2020- Amendment
- 31/03/2021- Amendment
- 07/12/2021- Amendment
Changes to legislation:
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, Cross Heading: Certification of employees is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 22 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes to Legislation
Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.
Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:
- Act power to apply conferred (temp. until 15.5.2039) by 2014 c. 21 s. 79(4)
- Act power to apply conferred (temp. until 15.5.2039) by 2014 c. 21 s. 81(10)
Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):
- Pt. 20C inserted by 2016 c. 14 s. 30(3)
- s. 31(1)(aa) inserted by 2021 c. 22 s. 22(2)
- s. 32A inserted by 2021 c. 22 s. 22(3)
- s. 32A power to apply (with modifications) conferred by 2021 c. 22 s. 23(10)
- s. 36A and cross-heading inserted by 2021 c. 22 s. 22(4)
- s. 71J and cross-heading inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 4
- s. 86(9A) inserted by S.I. 2019/707 reg. 8(9) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 8(6)-(10) omitted (6.9.2019) by virtue of S.I. 2019/1234, regs. 1(2), 13(c))
- s. 87A(11) inserted by S.I. 2019/707 reg. 10(5) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 10(4)(5) omitted (6.9.2019) by virtue of S.I. 2019/1234, regs. 1(2), 15(b))
- s. 124(10)(c)(i) word omitted by S.I. 2019/310 reg. 5(11)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 5(11)(b) omitted immediately before IP completion day by virtue of S.I. 2020/1385, regs. 1(4), 51(2)(e))
- s. 129(7)(a) word inserted by S.I. 2019/310 reg. 5(12)(a)(i) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 5(12)(a)(b) omitted immediately before IP completion day by virtue of S.I. 2020/1385, regs. 1(4), 51(2)(f))
- s. 129(7)(c) omitted and word by S.I. 2019/310 reg. 5(12)(a)(ii) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 5(12)(a)(b) omitted immediately before IP completion day by virtue of S.I. 2020/1385, regs. 1(4), 51(2)(f))
- s. 214(5A) inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 8
- s. 234I(9) inserted by 2024 c. 13 Sch. 29 para. 3(2)
- s. 234J(6) inserted by 2024 c. 13 Sch. 29 para. 3(3)
- s. 367A inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 10
- s. 395(13)(h)(i) inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 12(2)(c)
- s. 395(13)(bc)-(be) word inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 12(2)(b)
- s. 395(14) inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 12(3)
- s. 398(8) applied by S.I. 2024/102 reg. 34(7)reg. 34(8)(f)
- s. 427A(3) words substituted by 2002 c. 40 Sch. 17 para. 59 (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 does not contain a section 427A.)
- Sch. 1ZA para. 32(c) and word inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 8 para. 18
- Sch. 2A para. 19(2)(b)(iia) inserted by 2023 c. 29 Sch. 10 para. 19(a)
- Sch. 2A 2B power to apply (with modifications) conferred by 2021 c. 22 s. 23(10)
- Sch. 2A power to apply (with modifications) conferred by 2021 c. 22 s. 23(10)
- Sch. 2B inserted by 2021 c. 22 Sch. 7
- Sch. 2B power to apply (with modifications) conferred by 2021 c. 22 s. 23(10)
- Sch. 6 para. 4A(8) inserted by S.I. 2024/1083 reg. 10(b)
- Sch. 11A para. 5(3) inserted by S.I. 2019/707 reg. 38(5)(b) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 38(2)-(5)(7)(8) omitted (6.9.2019) by virtue of S.I. 2019/1234, regs. 1(2), 20)
- Sch. 17A para. 12 words substituted by S.I. 2019/662 reg. 13(1) (This amendment not applied to legislation.gov.uk. Reg. 13(1) substituted (25.6.2020) by S.I. 2020/646, regs. 1(2)(c), 11(3))
[F1Certification of employeesU.K.
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 63E, 63F inserted (25.7.2014 for specified purposes, 7.3.2016 for the insertion of s. 63F otherwise, 7.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 (c. 33), ss. 29, 148(5); S.I. 2014/1819, art. 2(2)(b); S.I. 2015/490, art. 2(1)(a)(2) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2015/492 (as amended by S.I. 2015/1660))
63ECertification of employees by F2... authorised personsU.K.
(1)[F3An] authorised person (“A”) must take reasonable care to ensure that no employee of A performs a specified function under an arrangement entered into by A in relation to the carrying on by A of a regulated activity, unless the employee has a valid certificate issued by A under section 63F.
(2)“Specified function”—
(a)in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by a PRA-authorised person, means a function of a description specified in rules made by the FCA or the PRA, and
(b)in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by any other authorised person, means a function of a description specified in rules made by the FCA.
(3)The FCA may specify a description of function under subsection (2)(a) or (b) only if, in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by [F4an] authorised person of a particular description—
(a)the function is not a controlled function in relation to the carrying on of that activity by [F4an] authorised person of that description, but
(b)the FCA is satisfied that the function is nevertheless a significant-harm function.
(4)The PRA may specify a description of function under subsection (2)(a) only if, in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by a F5... PRA-authorised person of a particular description—
(a)the function is not a controlled function in relation to the carrying on of that activity by a F5... PRA-authorised person of that description, but
(b)the PRA is satisfied that the function is nevertheless a significant-harm function.
(5)A function is a “significant-harm function”, in relation to the carrying on of a regulated activity by an authorised person, if—
(a)the function will require the person performing it to be involved in one or more aspects of the authorised person's affairs, so far as relating to the activity, and
(b)those aspects involve, or might involve, a risk of significant harm to the authorised person or any of its customers.
(6)Each regulator must—
(a)keep under review the exercise of its power under subsection (2) to specify any significant-harm function as a specified function, and
(b)exercise that power in a way that it considers will minimise the risk of employees of F6... authorised persons performing significant-harm functions which they are not fit and proper persons to perform.
F7(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8)In this section—
“controlled function” has the meaning given by section 59(3);
[F8“customer”—
(a)in relation to an authorised person, means a person who is using, or who is or may be contemplating using, any of the services provided by the authorised person; and
(b)in relation to an authorised person carrying on a regulated claims management activity, also means (so far as not included in paragraph (a)) a person who has or may have a claim within the meaning of section 419A in respect of which the authorised person is carrying on a regulated claims management activity.]
F9...
(9)In this section any reference to an employee of a person (“A”) includes a reference to a person who—
(a)personally provides, or is under an obligation personally to provide, services to A under an arrangement made between A and the person providing the services or another person, and
(b)is subject to (or to the right of) supervision, direction or control by A as to the manner in which those services are provided.
F10(10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F2Word in s. 63E heading omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(2); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F3Word in s. 63E(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(3); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F4Word in s. 63E(3) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(4); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F5Word in s. 63E(4) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(5); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F6Word in s. 63E(6)(b) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(6); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F7S. 63E(7) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/632), regs. 1(3), 26; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F8Words in s. 63E(8) substituted (E.W.S.) (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 91(4)
F9Words in s. 63E(8) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(7); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
F10S. 63E(10) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 10.12.2019 for specified purposes, 31.3.2021 for specified purposes, 7.12.2021 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 11(8); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(4) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(6)(7) (with regs. 3, 7)
63FIssuing of certificatesU.K.
(1)[F11An] authorised person may issue a certificate to a person under this section only if the authorised person is satisfied that the person is a fit and proper person to perform the function to which the certificate relates.
(2)In deciding whether the person is a fit and proper person to perform the function, the F12... authorised person must have regard, in particular, to whether the person—
(a)has obtained a qualification,
(b)has undergone, or is undergoing, training,
(c)possesses a level of competence, or
(d)has the personal characteristics,
required by general rules made by the appropriate regulator in relation to employees performing functions of that kind.
(3)In subsection (2) “the appropriate regulator” means—
(a)in relation to employees of PRA-authorised persons, the FCA or the PRA, and
(b)in relation to employees of any other authorised person, the FCA.
(4)A certificate issued by [F13an] authorised person to a person under this section must—
(a)state that the authorised person is satisfied that the person is a fit and proper person to perform the function to which the certificate relates, and
(b)set out the aspects of the affairs of the authorised person in which the person will be involved in performing the function.
(5)A certificate issued under this section is valid for a period of 12 months beginning with the day on which it is issued.
(6)If, after having considered whether a person is a fit and proper person to perform a specified function, [F14an] authorised person decides not to issue a certificate to the person under this section, the authorised person must give the person a notice in writing stating—
(a)what steps (if any) the authorised person proposes to take in relation to the person as a result of the decision, and
(b)the reasons for proposing to take those steps.
(7)[F15An] authorised person must maintain a record of every employee who has a valid certificate issued by it under this section.
(8)Expressions used in this section and in section 63E have the same meaning in this section as they have in that section.]
Textual Amendments
F11Word in s. 63F(1) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 10.12.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 9.12.2019 for specified purposes, 7.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(2); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(3) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(4)(5) (with regs. 3-5, 7)
F12Word in s. 63F(2) omitted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 10.12.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 9.12.2019 for specified purposes, 7.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(3); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(3) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(4)(5) (with regs. 3-5, 7)
F13Word in s. 63F(4) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 10.12.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 9.12.2019 for specified purposes, 7.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(4); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(3) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(4)(5) (with regs. 3-5, 7)
F14Word in s. 63F(6) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 10.12.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 9.12.2019 for specified purposes, 7.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(5); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(3) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(4)(5) (with regs. 3-5, 7)
F15Word in s. 63F(7) substituted (13.9.2018 for specified purposes, 10.12.2018 for specified purposes, 18.7.2019 for specified purposes, 9.8.2019 for specified purposes, 9.12.2019 for specified purposes, 7.12.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(6); S.I. 2018/990, reg. 2(1)(2)(3) (with regs. 3-6); S.I. 2019/1136, reg. 2(2)(3)(4)(5) (with regs. 3-5, 7)
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