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(1)Confidential information must not be disclosed by a primary recipient, or by any person obtaining the information directly or indirectly from a primary recipient, without the consent of—
(a)the person from whom the primary recipient obtained the information; and
(b)if different, the person to whom it relates.
(2)In this Part “confidential information” means information which—
(a)relates to the business or other affairs of any person;
(b)was received by the primary recipient for the purposes of, or in the discharge of, any functions of the [F2FCA, the PRA] F3... or the Secretary of State under any provision made by or under this Act; and
(c)is not prevented from being confidential information by subsection (4).
(3)It is immaterial for the purposes of subsection (2) whether or not the information was received—
(a)by virtue of a requirement to provide it imposed by or under this Act;
(b)for other purposes as well as purposes mentioned in that subsection.
(4)Information is not confidential information if—
(a)it has been made available to the public by virtue of being disclosed in any circumstances in which, or for any purposes for which, disclosure is not precluded by this section; or
(b)it is in the form of a summary or collection of information so framed that it is not possible to ascertain from it information relating to any particular person.
(5)Each of the following is a primary recipient for the purposes of this Part—
[F4(a)the FCA;
(aa)the [F5Bank of England];]
F6(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)the Secretary of State;
[F7(zd)a person appointed to act as a temporary manager by the FCA or the PRA under section 71C;]
(d)a person appointed [F8to collect or update information under section [F9166A] or] to make a report under section 166;
(e)any person who is or has been employed by a person mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c);
[F10(ea)a person who is or has been engaged to provide services to a person mentioned in those paragraphs;]
(f)any auditor or expert instructed by a person mentioned in those paragraphs.
(6)In subsection (5)(f) “expert” includes—
(a)a competent person appointed by [F11the FCA] under section 97;
(b)a competent person appointed by the [F12FCA, the PRA] or the Secretary of State to conduct an investigation under Part XI;
F13(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[F14(7)Nothing in this section applies to information received by a primary recipient for the purposes of, or in the discharge of, any functions of the FCA under the Competition Act 1998 or the Enterprise Act 2002 by virtue of Part 16A of this Act.
(For provision about the disclosure of such information, see Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002.)]
[F15(8)In this section references to the Bank of England include the Bank acting in its capacity as the PRA.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 348 heading substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(5) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F2Words in s. 348(2)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(2)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F3Words in s. 348(2)(b) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(2)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F4S. 348(5)(a)(aa) substituted for s. 348(5)(a) (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(3)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F5Words in s. 348(5)(aa) substituted (1.3.2017) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 2 para. 45(2) (with Sch. 3); S.I. 2017/43, reg. 2(g)
F6S. 348(5)(b) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(3)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F7S. 348(5)(zd) inserted (16.12.2016) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1239), arts. 1(2), 34
F8Words in s. 348(5)(d) inserted (8.6.2010) by Financial Services Act 2010 (c. 28), ss. 24(1), 26(2)(e), Sch. 2 para. 26
F9Word in s. 348(5)(d) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(3)(c) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F10S. 348(5)(ea) inserted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(3)(d) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F11Words in s. 348(6)(a) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(4)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F12Words in s. 348(6)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(4)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F13S. 348(6)(c) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 18(4)(c) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F14S. 348(7) inserted (1.11.2014) by Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 (c. 33), s. 148(5), Sch. 8 para. 5; S.I. 2014/2458, art. 2(b)(bb)(ii)
F15S. 348(8) inserted (1.3.2017) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 2 para. 45(3) (with Sch. 3); S.I. 2017/43, reg. 2(g)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 348 extended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3648, arts. 1, 3(2), 4, 5(2), 7(2)
S. 348 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1986 c. 53, s. 53A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 152); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 348 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1992 c. 40, s. 63A(1) (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 78); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C2S. 348 applied (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), regs. 16(2), 50(3) (with reg. 3)
C3S. 348 modified (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), reg. 50(4) (with reg. 3)
C4S. 348 applied (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 16(2)(3) (with reg. 3)
C5S. 348 applied (with modifications) (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 50(3)-(6) (with reg. 3)
C6S. 348 applied (with modifications) (5.5.2004) by The Credit Institutions (Reorganisation and Winding up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1045), regs. 18, 38
C7S. 348 excluded (20.5.2006) by The Takeovers Directive (Interim Implementation) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1183), reg. 18(1)
C8S. 348 applied (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 43
C9S. 348 applied (with modifications) (2.3.2009) by The Payment Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/209), regs. 1(2)(a), 95, Sch. 5 para. 5 (with reg. 3) (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 155(6)(e) (with Sch. 2 para. 156))
C10S. 348 applied (with modifications) (11.2.2010) by The Cross-Border Payments in Euro Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/89), reg. 19, Sch. para. 4
C11S. 348 applied (with modifications) (9.2.2011 for certain purposes and 30.4.2011 otherwise) by The Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/99), regs. 1(2)(a)(xiv)(b), 62, Sch. 3 para. 6 (with reg. 3) (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 196(5)(f))
C12S. 348 applied (with modifications) (15.1.2013) by The Payments in Euro (Credit Transfers and Direct Debits) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3122), reg. 1, Sch. para. 4 (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 248(6)(i)(m))
C13S. 348 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (9.7.2013) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Referral Fees) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1635), regs. 1, 11(1)
C14S. 348 applied (with modifications) (12.12.2014) by The Immigration Act 2014 (Bank Accounts) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3085), regs. 1, 12
C15S. 348 applied (with modifications) by 2009 c. 1, s. 89L (as inserted (1.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3329), arts. 1(2), 103) (as amended (16.12.2016) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/1239), arts. 1(2), 25; and as amended (1.3.2017) by Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016 (c. 14), s. 41(3), Sch. 2 para. 55 (with Sch. 3); S.I. 2017/43, reg. 2(g))
C16S. 348 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C17S. 348 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 38(8) (as added (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C18S. 348 applied (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 18(3) (with Pt. 4)
C19Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1945), regs. 1(2), 25(1)
C20Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1946), regs. 1(2), 22(1)
C21S. 348 applied (with modifications) (18.9.2016) by The Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/2038), reg. 1(2)(b), Sch. 7 para. 3
C22S. 348 applied (with modifications) (29.6.2017 for specified purposes, 3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 31.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/701), reg. 1(2)(3)(4)(6), Sch. 1 para. 20 (with reg. 7)
C23S. 348 applied (with modifications) (3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Data Reporting Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/699), regs. 1(2)(a)(b), 35
C24S. 348 applied (with modifications) (13.10.2017) by The Payment Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/752), reg. 1(3)(c), Sch. 6 para. 8 (with reg. 3)
C25Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2018) by The Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1127), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 4
C26S. 348 applied (with modifications) (27.2.2018) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Benchmarks) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/135), regs. 1(2), 21
C27Ss. 348-350 applied (14.11.2018) by The Central Counterparties (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1184), regs. 1(3), 22
C28S. 348 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2019) by The Securitisation Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1288), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 5 (with Sch. 1 paras. 13, 14)
C29Ss. 348-350 applied (12.3.2019) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/541), regs. 1(3), 5
C30S. 348 applied (with modifications) (10.6.2019) by The Proxy Advisors (Shareholders Rights) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/926), regs. 1, 20, 24
C31Ss. 348-350 applied (with modifications) (30.9.2020) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1055), regs. 1(2), 6(1)-(3)
C32S. 348 applied (31.5.2021) by The Civil Liability Act 2018 (Financial Conduct Authority) (Whiplash) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/594), regs. 1, 2(6)(a)
C33S. 348(1) restricted (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), regs. 16(3), 50(5) (with reg. 3)
(1)Section 348 does not prevent a disclosure of confidential information which is—
(a)made for the purpose of facilitating the carrying out of a public function; and
(b)permitted by regulations made by the Treasury under this section.
(2)The regulations may, in particular, make provision permitting the disclosure of confidential information or of confidential information of a prescribed kind—
(a)by prescribed recipients, or recipients of a prescribed description, to any person for the purpose of enabling or assisting the recipient to discharge prescribed public functions;
(b)by prescribed recipients, or recipients of a prescribed description, to prescribed persons, or persons of prescribed descriptions, for the purpose of enabling or assisting those persons to discharge prescribed public functions;
(c)by the [F16FCA or the PRA] to the Treasury or the Secretary of State for any purpose;
(d)by any recipient if the disclosure is with a view to or in connection with prescribed proceedings.
(3)The regulations may also include provision—
(a)making any permission to disclose confidential information subject to conditions (which may relate to the obtaining of consents or any other matter);
(b)restricting the uses to which confidential information disclosed under the regulations may be put.
[F17(3A)Section 348 does not apply to—
(a)the disclosure by [F18the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers] of confidential information disclosed to it by the [F19FCA or the PRA] in reliance on subsection (1);
(b)the disclosure of such information by a person obtaining it directly or indirectly from [F20the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers].
F21(3B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]
(4)In relation to confidential information, each of the following is a “recipient”—
(a)a primary recipient;
(b)a person obtaining the information directly or indirectly from a primary recipient.
(5)“Public functions” includes—
(a)functions conferred by or in accordance with any provision contained in any enactment or subordinate legislation;
F22(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c)similar functions [F23to those referred to in paragraph (a)] conferred on persons by or under provisions having effect as part of the law of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom;
(d)functions exercisable in relation to prescribed disciplinary proceedings.
(6)“Enactment” includes—
(a)an Act of the Scottish Parliament;
(b)Northern Ireland legislation.
(7)“Subordinate legislation” has the meaning given in the M1Interpretation Act 1978 and also includes an instrument made under an Act of the Scottish Parliament or under Northern Ireland legislation.
(8)F24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F16Words in s. 349(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 19(2) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F17S. 349(3A)(3B) inserted (6.4.2007) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 964(4), 1300(2); S.I. 2007/1093, art. 2(1)(b) (with arts. 4, 11)
F18Words in s. 349(3A)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation (Financial Services) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/681), regs. 1(3), 2(3)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F19Words in s. 349(3A)(a) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 19(3) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F20Words in s. 349(3A)(b) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation (Financial Services) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/681), regs. 1(3), 2(3)(a)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F21S. 349(3B) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation (Financial Services) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/681), regs. 1(3), 2(3)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F22S. 349(5)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation (Financial Services) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/681), regs. 1(3), 2(3)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F23Words in s. 349(5)(c) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Public Record, Disclosure of Information and Co-operation (Financial Services) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/681), regs. 1(3), 2(3)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F24S. 349(8) repealed (6.4.2007) by The Companies Act 2006 (Commencement No. 2, Consequential Amendments, Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/1093), art. 7, Sch. 5 (with arts. 4, 11) (as amended by S.I. 2008/2860, art. 6)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C19Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1945), regs. 1(2), 25(1)
C20Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1946), regs. 1(2), 22(1)
C25Ss. 348, 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2018) by The Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1127), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 4
C27Ss. 348-350 applied (14.11.2018) by The Central Counterparties (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1184), regs. 1(3), 22
C29Ss. 348-350 applied (12.3.2019) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/541), regs. 1(3), 5
C31Ss. 348-350 applied (with modifications) (30.9.2020) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1055), regs. 1(2), 6(1)-(3)
C34S. 349 extended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3648, arts. 1, 3(2), 4, 5(2), 7(2)
S. 349 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1986 c. 53, s. 53A as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 152; S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 349 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1992 c. 40 (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 78; S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C35S. 349 applied (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), regs. 16(2), 50(3) (with reg. 3)
C36S. 349 modified (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), reg. 50(4) (with reg. 3)
C37S. 349 applied (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 16(2)(3) (with reg. 3)
C38S. 349 applied (with modifications) (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 50(3)-(6) (with reg. 3)
C39S. 349 applied (with modifications) (5.5.2004) by The Credit Institutions (Reorganisation and Winding up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1045), regs. 18, 38
C40S. 349 applied (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 43
C41S. 349 applied (with modifications) (2.3.2009) by The Payment Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/209), regs. 1(2)(a), 95, Sch. 5 para. 5 (with reg. 3) (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 155(6)(e) (with Sch. 2 para. 156))
C42S. 349 applied (with modifications) (11.2.2010) by The Cross-Border Payments in Euro Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/89), reg. 19, Sch. para. 4
C43S. 349 applied (with modifications) (9.2.2011 for certain purposes and 30.4.2011 otherwise) by The Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/99), regs. 1(2)(a)(xiv)(b), 62, Sch. 3 para. 6 (with reg. 3) (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 196(5)(f))
C44S. 349 applied (with modifications) (15.1.2013) by The Payments in Euro (Credit Transfers and Direct Debits) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3122), reg. 1, Sch. para. 4 (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 248(6)(i)(m))
C45S. 349 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (9.7.2013) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Referral Fees) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1635), regs. 1, 11(1)
C46S. 349 applied (with modifications) (12.12.2014) by The Immigration Act 2014 (Bank Accounts) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3085), regs. 1, 12
C47S. 349 applied (with modifications) by 2009 c. 1, s. 89L (as inserted (1.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3329), arts. 1(2), 103)
C48S. 349 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C49S. 349 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 38(8) (as added (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C50S. 349 applied (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 18(3) (with Pt. 4)
C51S. 349 applied (with modifications) (18.9.2016) by The Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/2038), reg. 1(2)(b), Sch. 7 para. 3
C52S. 349 applied (with modifications) (29.6.2017 for specified purposes, 3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 31.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/701), reg. 1(2)(3)(4)(6), Sch. 1 para. 20 (with reg. 7)
C53S. 349 applied (with modifications) (3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Data Reporting Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/699), regs. 1(2)(a)(b), 35
C54S. 349 applied (with modifications) (13.10.2017) by The Payment Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/752), reg. 1(3)(c), Sch. 6 para. 8 (with reg. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2019/681, regs. 1(3), 9(3)(a))
C55S. 349 applied (with modifications) (27.2.2018) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Benchmarks) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/135), regs. 1(2), 21
C56S. 349 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2019) by The Securitisation Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1288), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 5 (with Sch. 1 paras. 13, 14)
C57S. 349 applied (with modifications) (10.6.2019) by The Proxy Advisors (Shareholders Rights) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/926), regs. 1, 20, 24
C58S. 349 applied (with modifications) (31.5.2021) by The Civil Liability Act 2018 (Financial Conduct Authority) (Whiplash) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/594), regs. 1, 2(6)(b)
Commencement Information
I1S. 349 wholly in force at 18.6.2001; s. 349 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 431(2); s. 349 in force for certain purposes at 25.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/516, art. 2(b), Sch. Pt. 2; s. 349 in force in so far as not already in force at 18.6.2001 by S.I. 2001/1820, art. 2, Sch.
Marginal Citations
[F25(1)No obligation as to secrecy imposed by statute or otherwise prevents the disclosure of Revenue information to—
(a)the FCA or the PRA, if the disclosure is made for the purpose of assisting or enabling that regulator to discharge its functions under this or any other Act, or
(b)the Secretary of State, if the disclosure is made for the purpose of assisting in the investigation of a matter under section 168 or with a view to the appointment of an investigator under that section.]
(2)A disclosure may only be made under subsection (1) by or under the authority of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.
(3)Section 348 does not apply to Revenue information.
(4)Information obtained as a result of [F26subsection (1)(b)] may not be used except—
(a)for the purpose of deciding whether to appoint an investigator under section 168;
(b)in the conduct of an investigation under section 168;
(c)in criminal proceedings brought against a person under this Act or the M2Criminal Justice Act 1993 as a result of an investigation under section 168;
(d)for the purpose of taking action under this Act against a person as a result of an investigation under section 168;
(e)in proceedings before the Tribunal as a result of action taken as mentioned in paragraph (d).
(5)Information obtained as a result of subsection (1) may not be disclosed except—
(a)by or under the authority of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue;
(b)in proceedings mentioned in subsection (4)(c) or (e) or with a view to their institution.
(6)Subsection (5) does not prevent the disclosure of information obtained as a result of subsection (1) to a person to whom it could have been disclosed under subsection (1).
(7)“Revenue information” means information held by a person which it would be an offence under section 182 of the M3Finance Act 1989 for him to disclose.
Textual Amendments
F25S. 350(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 20(2) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F26Words in s. 350(4) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 20(3) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C27Ss. 348-350 applied (14.11.2018) by The Central Counterparties (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1184), regs. 1(3), 22
C29Ss. 348-350 applied (12.3.2019) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/541), regs. 1(3), 5
C31Ss. 348-350 applied (with modifications) (30.9.2020) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1055), regs. 1(2), 6(1)-(3)
C59S. 350 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1986 c. 53, s. 53A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 152); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 350 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1992 c. 40, s. 63A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 78); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C60S. 350 restricted (7.4.2005) by Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11), ss. 17(6), 53(1), Sch. 2 Pt. 2 para. 18 (with s. 22); S.I. 2005/1126, art. 2(1)
C61S. 350 applied (31.5.2021) by The Civil Liability Act 2018 (Financial Conduct Authority) (Whiplash) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/594), regs. 1, 2(6)(c)
Commencement Information
I2S. 350 wholly in force 3.9.2001; s. 350 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 431(2); s. 350(3)(7) in force at 18.6.2001 by S.I. 2001/1820, art. 2, Sch.; s. 350 in force in so far as not already in force at 3.9.2001 by S.I. 2001/2632, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2
Marginal Citations
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F27S. 351 omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 21 (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
(1)This section applies in relation to a disclosure made by a person who falls within subsection (2) for the purpose of compliance with requirements set out in rules made by [F29the FCA or the PRA] to implement Chapter VIII of the UCITS directive.
(2)The following persons fall within this subsection—
(a)the auditor of an authorised unit trust scheme [F30or authorised contractual scheme] that is a master UCITS;
(b)the trustee of an authorised unit trust scheme that is a master UCITS;
[F31(ba)the depositary of an authorised contractual scheme that is a master UCITS;]
(c)the auditor of an authorised unit trust scheme [F32or authorised contractual scheme] that is a feeder UCITS;
(d)the trustee of an authorised unit trust scheme that is a feeder UCITS; F33...
[F34(da)the depositary of an authorised contractual scheme that is a feeder UCITS; or]
[F35(e)a person acting on behalf of a person within any of paragraphs (a) to (da)]
(3)A disclosure to which this section applies is not to be taken as a contravention of any duty to which the person making the disclosure is subject.
(4)In this section, “authorised unit trust scheme”, [F36“authorised contractual scheme”,] “master UCITS” and “feeder UCITS” have the meaning given in section 237.]
Textual Amendments
F28S. 351A inserted (1.7.2011) by The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1613), reg. 2(28)
F29Words in s. 351A(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 22 (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F30Words in s. 351A(2)(a) inserted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(i) (with reg. 24)
F31S. 351A(2)(ba) inserted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(ii) (with reg. 24)
F32Words in s. 351A(2)(c) inserted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(i) (with reg. 24)
F33Word in s. 351A(2)(d) omitted (6.6.2013) by virtue of The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(iii) (with reg. 24)
F34S. 351A(2)(da) inserted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(iii) (with reg. 24)
F35S. 351A(2)(e) substituted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(a)(iv) (with reg. 24)
F36Words in s. 351A(4) inserted (6.6.2013) by The Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (Contractual Scheme) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1388), regs. 1, 3(17)(b) (with reg. 24)
(1)A person who discloses information in contravention of section 348 or 350(5) is guilty of an offence.
(2)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.
(3)A person is guilty of an offence if, in contravention of any provision of regulations made under section 349, he uses information which has been disclosed to him in accordance with the regulations.
(4)A person is guilty of an offence if, in contravention of subsection (4) of section 350, he uses information which has been disclosed to him in accordance with that section.
(5)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) or (4) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or both.
(6)In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for the accused to prove—
(a)that he did not know and had no reason to suspect that the information was confidential information or that it had been disclosed in accordance with section 350;
(b)that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C62S. 352 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1986 c. 53, s. 53A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 152); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 352 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1992 c. 40, s. 63A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 78; S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 352 extended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3648, arts. 1, 3(2)
C63S. 352 applied (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), regs. 16(2), 50(3) (with reg. 3)
C64S. 352 modified (20.4.2003) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/1102), reg. 50(4) (with reg. 3)
C65S. 352 applied (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 16(2)(3) (with reg. 3)
C66S. 352 applied (with modifications) (18.2.2004) by The Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/353), reg. 50(3)-(6) (with reg. 3)
C67S. 352 applied (with modifications) (5.5.2004) by The Credit Institutions (Reorganisation and Winding up) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1045), regs. 18, 38
C68S. 352 applied (6.3.2008) by The Regulated Covered Bonds Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/346), reg. 43
C69S. 352 applied (2.3.2009) by The Payment Services Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/209), regs. 1(2)(a), 95, Sch. 5 para. 5 (with reg. 3) (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 155(6)(e) (with Sch. 2 para. 156))
C70S. 352 applied (11.2.2010) by The Cross-Border Payments in Euro Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/89), reg. 19, Sch. para. 4
C71S. 352 applied (9.2.2011 for certain purposes and 30.4.2011 otherwise) by The Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/99), regs. 1(2)(a)(xiv)(b), 62, Sch. 3 para. 6 (with reg. 3)
C72S. 352 applied (with modifications) (15.1.2013) by The Payments in Euro (Credit Transfers and Direct Debits) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3122), reg. 1, Sch. para. 4 (as amended (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/472), Sch. 2 para. 248(6)(i)(m))
C73S. 352 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (9.7.2013) by The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (Referral Fees) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1635), regs. 1, 11(1)
C74S. 352 applied (with modifications) (12.12.2014) by The Immigration Act 2014 (Bank Accounts) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3085), regs. 1, 12
C75S. 352 applied (with modifications) by 2009 c. 1, s. 89L (as inserted (1.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3329), arts. 1(2), 103)
C76S. 352 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 18(5) (as inserted (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C77S. 352 applied (with modifications) by S.I. 2004/1045, reg. 38(8) (as added (10.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution (No. 2) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3348), art. 1(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(5)(c))
C78S. 352 applied (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 18(3) (with Pt. 4)
C79S. 352 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Credit Information) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1945), regs. 1(2), 25(1)
C80S. 352 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2016) by The Small and Medium Sized Business (Finance Platforms) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/1946), regs. 1(2), 22(1)
C81S. 352 applied (with modifications) (18.9.2016) by The Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/2038), reg. 1(2)(b), Sch. 7 para. 3
C82S. 352 applied (with modifications) (29.6.2017 for specified purposes, 3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 31.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/701), reg. 1(2)(3)(4)(6), Sch. 1 para. 20 (with reg. 7)
C83S. 352 applied (with modifications) (3.7.2017 for specified purposes, 3.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by The Data Reporting Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/699), regs. 1(2)(a)(b), 35
C84S. 352 applied (with modifications) (13.10.2017) by The Payment Services Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/752), reg. 1(3)(c), Sch. 6 para. 8 (with reg. 3)
C85S. 352 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2018) by The Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1127), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 4
C86S. 352 applied (with modifications) (27.2.2018) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Benchmarks) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/135), regs. 1(2), 21
C87S. 352 applied (with modifications) (1.1.2019) by The Securitisation Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1288), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 5 (with Sch. 1 paras. 13, 14)
C88S. 352 applied (with modifications) (10.6.2019) by The Proxy Advisors (Shareholders Rights) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/926), regs. 1, 20, 24
C89S. 352 applied (31.5.2021) by The Civil Liability Act 2018 (Financial Conduct Authority) (Whiplash) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/594), regs. 1, 2(6)(d)
Commencement Information
I3S. 352 wholly in force at 3.9.2001; s. 352 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 431(2); s. 352 in force for specified purposes at 18.6.2001 by S.I. 2001/1820, art. 2, Sch.; s. 352 in force in so far as not already in force at 3.9.2001 by S.I. 2001/2632, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2
(1)The Treasury may make regulations permitting the disclosure of any information, or of information of a prescribed kind—
(a)by prescribed persons for the purpose of assisting or enabling them to discharge prescribed functions under this Act or any rules or regulations made under it;
(b)by prescribed persons, or persons of a prescribed description, to the [F37FCA or the PRA] for the purpose of assisting or enabling the [F38either of them] to discharge prescribed functions.
F39(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)Regulations under this section may not make any provision in relation to the disclosure of confidential information by primary recipients or by any person obtaining confidential information directly or indirectly from a primary recipient.
(3)If a person discloses any information as permitted by regulations under this section the disclosure is not to be taken as a contravention of any duty to which he is subject.
Textual Amendments
F37Words in s. 353(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 23(1)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F38Words in s. 353(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 23(1)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F39S. 353(1)(c) omitted (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1881), arts. 1(2)(6), 10(13)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C90S. 353 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1986 c. 53, s. 53A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. II para. 152); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 353 modified (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by 1992 c. 40, 63A (as substituted (17.8.2001 for certain purposes otherwise 1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2617, arts. 2, 8, 13(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I para. 78); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C91S. 353 applied (with modifications) by 2009 c. 1, s. 89L (as inserted (1.1.2015) by The Bank Recovery and Resolution Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/3329), arts. 1(2), 103)
C92S. 353 applied (14.11.2018) by The Central Counterparties (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provision) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1184), regs. 1(3), 22
C93S. 353 applied (12.3.2019) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/541), regs. 1(3), 5
C94S. 353 applied (with modifications) (30.9.2020) by The Equivalence Determinations for Financial Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1055), regs. 1(2), 6(1)-(3)