Minimum Computer requirements

You will need Internet Explorer 5.5 or later as your web browser to view ERS.

To check which version of Internet Explorer you have, click 'Help' in the Explorer menu bar and then 'About Internet Explorer'. This will open a window that displays your browser version on the first line. We do not support any other web browsers than those quoted earlier.

We recommend setting your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 to view ERS.

What Excel version can I use?

The ERS uses workbooks which have been developed using Microsoft Excel. These workbooks are compatible with Excel 2000, Excel 20002, Excel 2003 and Excel 2007, so you can use any of these versions of Excel to open the workbooks and enter your data.

However, we are unable to accept workbooks that have been saved in Excel 2007 format. If you are using Excel 2007, please choose the option to 'Save a copy of the document' and then select 'Excel 97-2003 workbook' before uploading and submitting your file to us. Excel 2007 format files have an .xlsx extension whereas earlier versions have an .xls extension.

Getting started

How to register on ERS

To register on ERS for the first time you will need a username and invitation code.

If you are the firm's Principal User (PU) you will receive your username and invitation code from the FSA.

If you are an Additional Firm User you will receive your username, invitation code from your firm's Principal User.

Once registered on ERS, the system will prompt you to create a password to enable you to access the system in future. The invitation code is no longer required once a password has been created,

Further guidance on how to register on ERS is available in our User Guides.

Invitation Codes

An invitation code will expire after 60 days from the date it was generated.

If you are a Principal User have not received your invitation code please contact the Firm Contact Centre by emailing fcc@fsa.gov.uk or by calling 0845 606 9966.

If you are an Additional User and have not received your invitation code please contact your firm's Principal User.

Passwords

If you are a Principal User and you need your password reset please contact the Firm Contact Centre by emailing fcc@fsa.gov.uk or by calling 0845 606 9966.

If you are an Additional User and need your password reset please contact your firm's Principal User.

Reporting schedule

The FSA009 (Key Data) should be submitted at the same frequency and due dates as your current returns.

The FSA028 (Non EEA Sub Group) is submitted half-yearly, and is due 30 business days after your period end. Please refer to Chapter 16.7 of the Supervision manual for further details.

Submitting a return

The FSA009 (Key Data) and FSA028 (Non EEA Sub Group) are Excel spreadsheets which can be downloaded from the ERS, completed off line and uploaded when complete. The forms have been designed for manual keying only.

The system contains basic validations and a firm must ensure that they only submit a valid return.

Firms should retain a copy of each submission for their records as this information cannot be retrieved from the ERS once it has been submitted.

Resubmissions

If you make a mistake on your return and you want to change it you can just submit a new return with the correct information.

Group Reporting

If your firm has consolidated reporting requirements under BIPRU, a Group Reference Number (GRN) will be issued to the known highest-level reporter within your group / consolidation and they should let you know what it is.

The GRN starts with "H" and has a 4 digit number i.e. H0204. Firms should use the GRN instead of their FRN when submitting their group data.

Please consult your central compliance team for more information.

If you have not received your GRN or if you believe your GRN is incorrect on the list please contact the Firm Contact Centre by emailing fcc@fsa.gov.uk or by calling 0845 606 9966.

Important note

It is important for firms to note that under our Rules the reporting requirements are subject to submission timescales. If a firm does not submit the information required we may take enforcement action.