The F2appropriate regulator may, no later than the 50th working day of the assessment period, in writing ask the section 178 notice-giver to provide any further information necessary to complete its assessment.

But where a direction has been given by the Bank of England under section 189(1A), the appropriate regulator must, as soon as reasonably practicable, ask the section 178 notice-giver to provide any further information necessary to complete its assessment.

On the first occasion that the F2appropriate regulator asks for further information, the assessment period is interrupted from the date of the request until the date the F2appropriate regulator receives the requested information (“the interruption period”).

But the interruption period may not exceed 20 working days, unless subsection (4) applies.

The F2appropriate regulator may make further requests for information (but a further request does not result in a further interruption of the assessment period).

The F2appropriate regulator must acknowledge in writing receipt of further information before the end of the second working day following receipt.