General information

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Contact

Still have a question?

Email : fcc@fsa.gov.uk

Telephone: 0845 606 9966 (call rates may vary)

 

To help you find the information you need, here are the top twenty questions we are asked by small firms, with answers or links to further information.

Frequently asked questions - Top 20

Where is the form for:

1. adding an appointed representative?

2. ceasing to perform as Controlled Function (form C)?

3. controllers and close links?

4. application to perform controlled functions (form A)?

5. changing auditor details?

6. change of Account Reference Date (ARD)?

 

All these forms can be found on Firms Online.

7. How do I register for Firms Online?

Register here | Registration factsheet [ PDF ]

8. How can I be reminded of my password to Firms Online?

See bottom of this page | Forgotten password

9. How do I change my contact details?

Use the standing data section of Firms Online

10. I'm having problems logging on to Firms Online.

Due to high volumes of users, the system has been slow for many firms. Please try again later.

11. What is an approved person/controlling function?

Approved Persons

12. How do I cancel my firm's authorisation or vary my firm's permission?

Please see our variation of permission guide and Q&As

Please see our cancelling your authorisation page

13. How do I change our firm's appointed representatives and control function?

Please see our Notifications pages.

14. Where can I find out more about Professional Indemnity Insurance?

See the PII pages in the Financial advisers section.

15. When do Mutuals need to send returns?

See the Mutuals Society pages

16. Does my firm need to complete Pension Transfer and Opt-Outs reporting?

You no longer need to report pension opt-out and pension transfer sales data to the FSA.

This is because from October 2005 the FSA will collect product sales data from product providers direct. The products covered will include pension opt-out and pension transfer policies, and both direct sales and those made through intermediaries. As a consequence, COB 5.3.26R, which required intermediaries to report this to the FSA, has been revoked.

The FSA will continue to monitor pension business by intermediaries and may request further details on the business your firm has written when necessary.

17. When will the change in the audit requirement for small authorised firms and appointed representatives take place?

Your firm's external audit requirements will depend on the type of firm it is.

If you are an appointed representative, which is an unincorporated entity (i.e. a sole trader or a partnership) or an incorporated entity under the Companies Act 1985 (CA 85) that meets the CA 85 criteria for the small companies audit exemption1, you are not required to appoint an auditor who performs an annual external audit on the firm's accounts under the CA 85 or under the FSA rules.

Please click on your firm type below to see the audit requirements for your firm.

18. What is RMAR?

Retail Mediation Activities Return. There is detailed information about the RMAR and the complaints return in the IRR section of our website. These pages contain guides and information packs, and the full data requirements for each return.

There is also an e-learning package available if you would like more information about the RMAR. The package costs £5 and allows the user unlimited access.

19. How is my fee calculated?

Information on fees can be found at the Paying fees section. A fees calculator is also available.

20. How do I select a compliance consultant?

See using a compliance consultant.

Further FAQs are available on the following subjects: