Explanatory Notes

Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

2000 CHAPTER 8

14 June 2000

Commentary on Sections

Part Xxii: Auditors and Actuaries

Section 343: Information given by auditor or actuary to the Authority: persons with close links

608.This section concerns the duties and powers of auditors and actuaries to pass on information of regulatory significance to the Authority about persons having “close links” with authorised persons, including parent and subsidiary companies of an authorised person.

609.Subsections (3) and (4) ensure that auditors or actuaries of persons with close links to an authorised person, who, in good faith, pass on information or express their opinion to the Authority will not be in breach of any duty of confidentiality to which they might otherwise be subject.  This protection applies whether or not the auditor or actuary acts in response to a request from the Authority.

610.Subsections (5), (6) and (7) give the Treasury a power under which they can make rules setting out the circumstances in which auditors and actuaries must pass on information to the Authority.  This information may relate to the affairs of either the authorised person concerned, or other persons.