Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, Section 168 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 13 May 2025. 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.
(1)Subsection (3) applies if it appears to an investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—
F1(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b)a person may be guilty of an offence under section [F2122F,] 177, [F3191F], 346 or 398(1) F4....
(2)Subsection (3) also applies if it appears to an investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a)an offence under section 24(1) F5... [F6or under Part 7 of the Financial Services Act 2012] or under Part V of the M1Criminal Justice Act 1993 may have been committed;
(b)there may have been a breach of the general prohibition;
[F7(ba)an authorised person may have contravened section 20 in relation to a credit-related regulated activity;]
(c)there may have been a contravention of section 21 or 238; or
[F8(d)a person has contravened Article 14 (prohibition of insider dealing and of unlawful disclosure of inside information) or Article 15 (prohibition of market manipulation) of the market abuse regulation.]
(3)The investigating authority may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf.
(4)Subsection (5) applies if it appears to [F9an investigating authority] that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a)a person may have contravened section 20;
(b)a person may be guilty of an offence under prescribed regulations relating to money laundering;
[F10(ba)a person may be guilty of an offence under Schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (terrorist financing or money laundering);]
(c)[F11a person] may have contravened a rule made by the [F12investigating authority];
[F13(ca)a recognised investment exchange may have contravened the recognition requirements (within the meaning of Part 18) [F14or a rule made by the FCA under section 300H];]
(d)an individual may not be a fit and proper person to perform functions in relation to a regulated activity carried on by an authorised or exempt person;
(e)an individual may have performed or agreed to perform a function in breach of a prohibition order;
(f)[F15a person] may have failed to comply with section 56(6);
(g)an authorised person may have failed to comply with section 59(1) or (2);
(h)a person in relation to whom [F16a regulator] has given its approval under section 59 may not be a fit and proper person to perform the function to which that approval relates; F17. . .
[F18(ha)a person may have performed a controlled function without approval for the purposes of section 63A;]
(i)a person may be guilty of misconduct for the purposes of section 66 [F19; F20...
[F21(ia)a person may have failed to comply with section 143R;
(ib)an individual may have performed or agreed to perform a function in breach of a Part 9C prohibition order;
(ic)a person may have failed to comply with section 143S(6);]
[F22(id)a person may have contravened any provision made by or under the Securitisation Regulations 2024;]
(j)a person may have contravened any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the markets in financial instruments directive F23...]
[F24(ja)a person may have contravened—
(i)any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the alternative investment fund managers directive; F25...
(ii)any provision made by the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013; F26...
[F27(iii)any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the UCITS Directive; or
(iv)any provision made by the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2011; F28....]]
[F29(jb)a person may have contravened—
(i)any provision made by or under this Act for the purposes of the market abuse regulation; or
(ii)a requirement imposed on that person under sections 122A to 122C, 122G to 122I, 123A or 123B;
(jc)a person may have been knowingly concerned in the contravention of—
(i)a provision of the market abuse regulation other than Article 14 (prohibition of insider dealing) or 15 (prohibition of market manipulation) of that regulation; or
(ii)[F30any [F31assimilated direct] legislation originally made under the market abuse regulation or any subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978) made on or after IP completion day] under the market abuse regulation; or]
[F32(k)a person may have contravened a [F33qualifying provision] that is specified, or of a description specified, for the purposes of this subsection by the Treasury by order.]
[F34(4A)Subsection (5) applies if it appears to the investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—
(a)an individual may not be a fit and proper person to perform functions in relation to an activity carried on by a relevant recognised body;
(b)an individual may have performed, or agreed to perform, a function in breach of a Part 18 prohibition order;
(c)a person may have failed to comply with section 309F(1);
(d)a relevant recognised body may have failed to comply with section 309G(1);
(e)a person in relation to whom the FCA has given approval under section 309G may not be a fit and proper person to perform the function to which that approval relates;
(f)a person may have performed a designated senior management function without approval under section 309G (see section 309U(3));
(g)a person may be guilty of misconduct for the purposes of section 309Z2.]
[F35(4B)Subsection (5) also applies if it appears to the investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that a person may have contravened a relevant Part 5A requirement.]
(5)The [F36investigating authority] may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf.
[F37(6)Investigating authority” means—
(a)in subsections (1) to (3), the FCA, the PRA or the Secretary of State;
(b)in subsections (4) and (5), the FCA or the PRA.]
[F38(c)in [F39subsections (4A) and (4B)], the FCA.]
[F40(7)“Relevant recognised body” has the same meaning as in Chapter 2A of Part 18 (see section 309A).]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 168(1)(a) omitted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(2)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F2Word in s. 168(1)(b) inserted (3.7.2016) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Market Abuse) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/680), regs. 1, 10(8)(a)
F3Word in s. 168(1)(b) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(2)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F4Words in s. 168(1)(b) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The EEA Passport Rights (Amendment, etc., and Transitional Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1149), reg. 1(3), Sch. para. 11 (with reg. 4); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F5Words in s. 168(2)(a) omitted (1.1.2019) by virtue of Financial Guidance and Claims Act 2018 (c. 10), s. 37(5), Sch. 3 para. 18; S.I. 2018/1330, reg. 2(g)(v)
F6Words in s. 168(2)(a) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(3)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F7S. 168(2)(ba) inserted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(3)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F8S. 168(2)(d) substituted (3.7.2016) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Market Abuse) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/680), regs. 1, 10(8)(b)
F9Words in s. 168(4) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F10S. 168(4)(ba) inserted (27.11.2008) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), ss. 62, 100(2), Sch. 7 para. 33(3) (with s. 101(2), Sch. 7 para. 43)
F11Words in s. 168(4)(c) substituted (8.4.2010) by Financial Services Act 2010 (c. 28), ss. 24(1), 26(1), Sch. 2 para. 16(2)
F12Words in s. 168(4)(c) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F13S. 168(4)(ca) inserted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(c) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F14Words in s. 168(4)(ca) inserted (29.8.2023) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), ss. 11(4), 86(3); S.I. 2023/779, reg. 4(g)
F15Words in s. 168(4)(f) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(d) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F16Words in s. 168(4)(h) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(e) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F17Word in s. 168(4) omitted (1.4.2007 for certain purposes and 1.11.2007 otherwise) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/126), regs. 1(2), 3(5), Sch. 5 para. 8(a)
F18S. 168(4)(ha) inserted (8.6.2010) by Financial Services Act 2010 (c. 28), ss. 24(1), 26(2)(d)(e), Sch. 2 para. 16(3)
F19S. 168(4)(j) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007 for certain purposes and 1.11.2007 otherwise) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/126), regs. 1(2), 3(5), Sch. 5 para. 8(b)
F20Word in s. 168(4)(i) omitted (1.11.2012) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Short Selling) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2554), regs. 1(1), 2(11)(a)
F21S. 168(4)(ia)-(ic) inserted (1.7.2021) by Financial Services Act 2021 (c. 22), s. 49(5), Sch. 2 para. 8(1) (with Sch. 2 Pt. 3); S.I. 2021/671, reg. 4(b)
F22S. 168(4)(id) inserted (30.1.2024 for specified purposes, 1.11.2024 in so far as not already in force) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), reg. 2(1)(e)(2), Sch. 1 para. 5 (with Sch. 3); as amended by S.I. 2024/705, regs. 1(2), 2(2)
F23Words in s. 168(4)(j) omitted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(f) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F24S. 168(4)(ja) inserted (22.7.2013) by The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1773), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 10
F25Word in s. 168(4)(ja)(i) omitted (18.3.2016) by virtue of The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/225), regs. 1, 2(4)(a)
F26Word in s. 168(4)(ja)(ii) omitted (18.3.2016) by virtue of The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/225), regs. 1, 2(4)(a)
F27S. 168(4)(ja)(iii)(iv) inserted (18.3.2016) by The Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/225), regs. 1, 2(4)(b)
F28Word in s. 168(4)(ja)(iv) omitted (3.7.2016) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Market Abuse) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/680), regs. 1, 10(8)(c)
F29S. 168(4)(jb)(jc) substituted for s. 168(4)(jb) (3.1.2018) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (No.2) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1255), regs. 2(b), 3(4)
F30Words in s. 168(4)(jc)(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/632), regs. 1(3), 45(a) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1301, regs. 1, 3, Sch. para. 33(e)) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/710, regs. 1(4), 37); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F31Words in s. 168(4)(jc)(ii) substituted (1.1.2024) by The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 (Consequential Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1424), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 44(3)(b)
F32S. 168(4)(k) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(g) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F33Words in s. 168(4)(k) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/632), regs. 1(3), 45(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2019/710, regs. 1(4), 37); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)
F34S. 168(4A) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(2)
F35S. 168(4B) inserted (14.1.2025) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Designated Activities) (Supervision and Enforcement) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/22), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 9(2)
F36Words in s. 168(5) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(5) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F37S. 168(6) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(6) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.
F38S. 168(6)(c) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(3)
F39Words in s. 168(6)(c) substituted (14.1.2025) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Designated Activities) (Supervision and Enforcement) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/22), reg. 1(2), Sch. para. 9(3)
F40S. 168(7) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(4)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consumer Credit) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1882), arts. 1(1), 3(5)
C2Pt. 11 modified (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), 82(13)
C3Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), reg. 2(1)(e)(2), Sch. 1 para. 10 (with reg. 52(3), Sch. 3)
C4Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/105), regs. 2(2)(3), 44(4) (with regs. 48-50)
C5Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (30.1.2024 for specified purposes, 1.11.2024 in so far as not already in force) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), reg. 2(1)(e)(2), Sch. 1 para. 10 (with reg. 52(3), Sch. 3); as amended by S.I. 2024/705, regs. 1(2), 2(2)
C6S. 168 amended (18.7.2002 for certain purposes and 21.8.2002 otherwise) by The Electronic Commerce Directive (Financial Services and Markets) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1775), regs. 1, 12(3)
C7S. 168 applied (22.7.2013) by The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1773), regs. 1, 52(4), 53(3)
C8S. 168 applied (with modifications) (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1881), arts. 1(2)(6), 50(2)
C9S. 168 modified (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), 23(3) (with Pt. 4)
C10S. 168 applied (with modifications) (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), 57(2)(3)
C11S. 168 modified (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), 55(5)
C12S. 168 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(4)(c)
C13S. 168 applied (8.6.2023 for specified purposes, 7.10.2023 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) (Amendment) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/612), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 1(h) (with art. 11)
C14S. 168 applied (with modifications) (14.1.2025 for specified purposes) by The Short Selling Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/29), regs. 2(2)(3), 24, 25, Sch. 1 Pts. 1, 2
C15S. 168(3)(5) applied (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2657, arts. 1(1), 18(1)(3) (which was revoked 8.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 23); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
S. 168(3)(5) applied (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 18(1)(3); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)
C16S. 168(4) applied (with modifications) (11.4.2002 for certain purposes and 27.4.2002 otherwise) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/544), art. 9G(8) (as inserted by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/682), arts. 1(2), 4)
C17S. 168(4)-(6) 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), 23(2)(d) (with Pt. 4)
C18S. 168(4)(c) amended (18.7.2002 for certain purposes and 21.8.2002 otherwise) by The Electronic Commerce Directive (Financial Services and Markets) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1775), regs. 1, 12(5)
C19S. 168(4)(c) applied (with modifications) (1.4.2013) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Transitional Provisions) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/442), arts. 1(3), 19(10)
C20S. 168(4)(ja)(ii) modified (30.1.2024 for specified purposes, 1.11.2024 in so far as not already in force) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), regs. 2(1)(e)(2), 34(7)(8)(b) (with Sch. 3); as amended by S.I. 2024/705, regs. 1(2), 2(2)
Commencement Information
I1S. 168 wholly in force at 3.9.2001; s. 168 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 431(2); s. 168(4)(b) in force for certain purposes at 25.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/516, art. 2(b), Sch. Pt. 2; s. 168 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
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