Reset to Today

To access the FCA Handbook Archive choose a date between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2004.

Content Options:

Content Options

View Options:

CASS 7.1 Application and Purpose

Application

CASS 7.1.1 R

[deleted]77

CASS 7.1.1A R

7This chapter applies to a firm that receives money from or holds money for, or on behalf of, a client in the course of, or in connection with, its:7

  1. (1)

    MiFID business; and/or

  2. (2)

    designated investment business; and/or8

  3. (3)

    stocks and shares ISA business;8

unless otherwise specified in this section.

CASS 7.1.1B G

A firm is reminded that when CASS 7.1.1A R applies it should treat client money in an appropriate manner so that, for example:

  1. (1)

    if it holds client money in a client bank account, that account is held in the firm's name in accordance with CASS 7.4.11A R;

  2. (2)

    if it allows another person to hold client money this is effected under CASS 7.5; and

  3. (3)

    its internal reconciliations of client money carried out in line with CASS 7.6.6 G and CASS 7 Annex 1 G take into account any client equity balance relating to its margined transaction requirements.

7

CASS 7.1.2 G

[deleted]3

3

Opt-in to the client money rules 3

CASS 7.1.3 R
  1. (1)

    A firm that receives or holds money to which this chapter applies in relation to: 3

    3
    1. (a)

      its MiFID business; or3

    2. (b)

      its MiFID business and its designated investment business which is not MiFID business; 3

    and holds money in respect of which CASS 5 applies, may elect to comply with the provisions of this chapter in respect of all such money and if it does so, this chapter applies as if all such money were money that the firm receives and holds in the course of, or in connection with, its MiFID business.

  2. (1A)

    [deleted]3

    3
  3. (1B)

    A firm that receives or holds money to which this chapter applies solely in relation to its designated investment business which is not MiFID business and receives or holds money in respect of which the insurance client money chapter applies, may elect to comply with the provisions of this chapter in respect of all such money and if it does so, this chapter applies as if all such money were money that the firm receives and holds in the course of or in connection with its designated investment business.3

  4. (1C)
    1. (a)

      A firm may elect to comply with all the provisions of this chapter for money that it receives or holds in respect of an ISA that only contains a cash deposit ISA.

    2. (b)

      Where a firm makes an election under (a), this chapter applies to it in the same way that it applies to a firm that receives and holds money in the course of or in connection with its MIFID business.8

  5. (2)

    A firm must make and retain a written record of any election it makes under this rule, including the date from which the election is to be effective. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the election and must keep it for a period of five years after ceasing to use it.

  6. (3)

    This rule is subject to CASS 1.2.11 R.7

CASS 7.1.3A G

Firms are reminded that, under CASS 1.2.11R (1), they must not keep money in respect of which the client money chapter applies in the same client bank account or client transaction account as money in respect of which the insurance client money chapter applies.7

CASS 7.1.3B R

Where a firm opts into this chapter under CASS 7.1.3 R (1C) it must notify clients for whom it holds the opted-in money that it is holding their money in accordance with the client money rules.

CASS 7.1.4 G

The opt-in to the client money rules in2this chapter 2does not apply in respect of money that a firm holds outside of either the:8

3 8 2 3
  1. (1)

    scope of the insurance client money chapter; or8

  2. (2)

    relevant cash deposit ISA wrapper;8

as the case may be.8

CASS 7.1.5 G

If a firm has opted to comply with this chapter, the insurance client money chapter will have no application to the activities to which the election applies.

3
CASS 7.1.6 G
3 3 8
  1. (1)

    A firm that is only subject to the insurance client money chapter may not opt to comply with this chapter under either or both CASS 7.1.3 R (1) and CASS 7.1.3 R (1B).8

  2. (2)

    Under CASS 7.1.3 R (1C) a firm may opt to comply with this chapter regardless of whether it is otherwise subject to the client money rules.8

CASS 7.1.7 G

[deleted]3

3
CASS 7.1.7A G

[deleted]3

3

Money that is not client money: 'opt outs' for any business other than insurance mediation activity4

CASS 7.1.7B R

3 CASS 7.1.7C G to CASS 7.1.7I G do not apply to a firm in relation to money held in connection with its MiFID business to which this chapter applies or in relation to money for which the firm has made an election under CASS 7.1.3 R (1).

Professional client opt-out4

CASS 7.1.7C G

3The 'opt out' provisions provide a firm with the option of allowing a professional client to choose whether their money is subject to the client money rules (unless the firm is conducting insurance mediation activity).

CASS 7.1.7D R

3Subject to CASS 7.1.7F R, money is not client money when a firm (other than a sole trader) holds that money on behalf of, or receives it from, a professional client, other than in the course of insurance mediation activity, and the firm has obtained written acknowledgement from the professional client that:

  1. (1)

    money will not be subject to the protections conferred by the client money rules;

  2. (2)

    as a consequence, this money will not be segregated from the money of the firm in accordance with the client money rules and will be used by the firm in the course of its own business; and

  3. (3)

    the professional client will rank only as a general creditor of the firm.

'Opt-outs' for non-IMD business

CASS 7.1.7E G

3For a firm whose business is not governed by the Insurance Mediation Directive, it is possible to 'opt out' on a one-way basis. However, in order to maintain a comparable regime to that applying to MiFID business, all 'MiFID type' business undertaken outside the scope of MiFID, should comply with the client money rules or be 'opted out' on a two-way basis.

CASS 7.1.7F R

3 Money is not client money if a firm, in respect of designated investment business which is not an investment service or activity, an ancillary service, a listed activity or insurance mediation activity:

  1. (1)

    holds it on behalf of or receives it from a professional client who is not an authorised person; and

  2. (2)

    has sent a separate written notice to the professional client stating the matters set out in CASS 7.1.7DR (1) to CASS 7.1.7DR (3).

CASS 7.1.7G G

3When a firm undertakes a range of business for a professional client and has separate agreements for each type of business undertaken, the firm may treat client money held on behalf of the client differently for different types of business; for example, a firm may, under CASS 7.1.7D R or CASS 7.1.7F R, elect to segregate client money in connection with securities transactions and not segregate (by complying with CASS 7.1.7D R or CASS 7.1.7F R) money in connection with contingent liability investments for the same client.

CASS 7.1.7H R

3When a firm transfers client money to another person, the firm must not enter into an agreement under CASS 7.1.7D R or CASS 7.1.7F R with that other person in relation to that client money or represent to that other person that the money is not client money.

CASS 7.1.7I G

3 CASS 7.1.7H R prevents a firm, when passing client money to another person under CASS 7.5.2 R (transfer of client money to a third party), from making use of the 'opt out' provisions under CASS 7.1.7D R or CASS 7.1.7F R.

Credit institutions and approved banks3

CASS 7.1.8 R

[deleted]77

CASS 7.1.8A R

7In relation to the application of the client money rules (and any other rule in so far as it relates to matters covered by the client money rules) to the firms referred to in (1) and (2), the following is not client money:

  1. (1)

    any deposits within the meaning of the CRD held by a CRD credit institution; and

    [Note: article 13(8) of MiFID and article 18(1) of the MiFID Implementing Directive]

  2. (2)

    any money held by an approved bank that is not a CRD credit institution in an account with itself in relation to designated investment business carried on for its clients.7

CASS 7.1.8B G

7A firm referred to in CASS 7.1.8A R must comply, as relevant, with CASS 7.1.8BA G to CASS 7.1.10C R.7

CASS 7.1.8BA G

7The effect of CASS 7.1.8A R is that, unless notified otherwise in accordance with CASS 7.1.8D R or CASS 7.1.10A R, clients of CRD credit institutions or approved banks that are not CRD credit institutions should expect that where they pass money to such firms in connection with designated investment business these sums will not be held as client money.7

CASS 7.1.8C R

7A firm holding money in either of the ways described in CASS 7.1.8A R must, before providing designated investment business services to the client in respect of those sums, notify the client that:

  1. (1)

    the money held for that client is held by the firm as banker and not as a trustee under the client money rules; and

  2. (2)

    if the firmfails, the client money distribution rules will not apply to these sums and so the client will not be entitled to share in any distribution under the client money distribution rules.

7

CASS 7.1.8D R

7A firm holding money in either of the ways described in CASS 7.1.8A R in respect of a client and providing the services to it referred to in CASS 7.1.8C R must:

  1. (1)

    explain to its clients the circumstances, if any, under which it will cease to hold any money in respect of those services as banker and will hold the money as trustee in accordance with the client money rules; and

  2. (2)

    set out the circumstances in (1), if any, in its terms of business so that they form part of its agreement with the client.

7

CASS 7.1.9 G

[deleted]77

CASS 7.1.10 G

Where a firm receives money that would otherwise be held as client money but for CASS 7.1.8A R:7

7
  1. (1)

    it should be able to account to all of its clients sums held for them at all times; and

  2. (2)

    that money should, pursuant to Principle 10, be allocated to the relevant client promptly. This should be done no later than ten business days after the firm has received the money.

7

CASS 7.1.10A R

7If a CRD credit institution or an approved bank that is not a CRD credit institution wishes to hold client money for a client (rather than hold the money in either of the ways described in CASS 7.1.8A R) it must, before providing designated investment business services to the client, disclose the following information to the client:

  1. (1)

    that the money held for that client in the course of or in connection with the business described under (2) is being held by the firm as client money under the client money rules;

  2. (2)

    a description of the relevant business carried on with the client in respect of which the client money rules apply to the firm; and

  3. (3)

    that, if the firmfails, the client money distribution rules will apply to money held in relation to the business in question.

7

CASS 7.1.10B G

7 Firms carrying on MiFID business are reminded of their obligation to supply investor compensation scheme information to clients under COBS 6.1.16 R (Compensation Information).7

CASS 7.1.10C R

7A CRD credit institution or an approved bank that is not a CRD credit institution must, in respect of any client money held in relation to its designated investment business that is not MiFID business, comply with the obligations referred to in COBS 6.1.16 R (Compensation information).7

CASS 7.1.11 G

[deleted]77

7
CASS 7.1.11A R
  1. (1)

    [deleted]77

    7
  2. (2)

    [deleted]77

Affiliated companies - MiFID business3

CASS 7.1.12 G

A firm that holds money on behalf of, or receives money from, an affiliated company in respect of MiFID business must treat the affiliated company as any other client of the firm for the purposes of this chapter.

Affiliated companies - non-MiFID business3

CASS 7.1.12A R

3A firm that holds money on behalf of, or receives money from, an affiliated company in respect of designated investment business which is not MiFID business must not treat the money as client money unless:

  1. (1)

    the firm has been notified by the affiliated company that the money belongs to a client of the affiliated company; or

  2. (2)

    the affiliated company is a client dealt with at arm's length; or

  3. (3)

    the affiliated company is a manager of an occupational pension scheme or is an overseas company; and

    1. (a)

      the money is given to the firm in order to carry on designated investment business for or on behalf of the clients of the affiliated company; and

    2. (b)

      the firm has been notified by the affiliated company that the money is to be treated as client money.

CASS 7.1.13 G

[deleted]3

3

Coins

CASS 7.1.14 R

The client money rules do not apply with respect to coins held on behalf of a client if the firm and the client have agreed that the money (or money of that type) is to be held by the firm for the intrinsic value of the metal which constitutes the coin.

Solicitors

CASS 7.1.15 R
  1. (1)

    An authorised professional firm regulated by the Law Society (of England and Wales), the Law Society of Scotland or the Law Society of Northern Ireland that, with respect to its regulated activities, is subject to 5the following rules of its designated professional body, must comply with those rules and,5 where relevant paragraph (3), and3 if it does so, it will be deemed to comply with the client money rules.

    5353
  2. (2)

    The relevant rules are:

    1. (a)

      if the firm is regulated by the Law Society (of England and Wales), the SRA Accounts Rules 2011;7

      7
    2. (b)

      if the firm is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules 20117; and

      7
    3. (c)

      if the firm is regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland, the Solicitors' Accounts Regulations 1998.

  3. (3)

    If the firm in (1) is a MiFID investment firm that receives or holds money for, or on behalf of a client77 in the course of, or in connection with its MiFID business, it must also comply with the MiFID client money (minimum implementing) rules in relation to that business.3

    7

3Long term insurers and friendly societies

CASS 7.1.15A R

3This chapter does not apply to the permitted activities of a long-term insurer or a friendly society, unless it is a MiFID investment firm that receives money from or holds money for or on behalf of a client in the course of, or in connection with, its MiFID business.

3Contracts of insurance

CASS 7.1.15B R

[deleted]77

CASS 7.1.15BA R

7Provided it complies with CASS 1.2.11 R, a firm that receives or holds client money in relation to contracts of insurance may elect to comply with the provisions of the insurance client money chapter, instead of this chapter, in respect of all such money.

CASS 7.1.15C R

3A firm must7 make and retain a written record of any election which it makes under CASS 7.1.15BA R7 . 7

7 7

3Life assurance business

CASS 7.1.15D G
  1. (1)

    3A firm which receives and holds client money in respect of life assurance business in the course of its designated investment business that is not MiFID business may:

    1. (a)

      under CASS 7.1.3 R (1B) elect to comply with the client money chapter in respect of such client money and in doing so avoid the need to comply with the insurance client money chapter which would otherwise apply to the firm in respect of client money received in the course of its insurance mediation activity; or

    2. (b)

      under CASS 7.1.15B R, elect to comply with the insurance client money chapter in respect of such client money.

  2. (2)

    These options are available to a firm irrespective of whether it also receives and holds client money in respect of other parts of its designated investment business. A firm may not however choose to comply with the insurance client money chapter in respect of client money which it receives and holds in the course of any part of its designated investment business which does not involve an insurance mediation activity.

Trustee firms7

CASS 7.1.15E R

3A trustee firm which holds money in relation to its designated investment business which is not MiFID business to which this chapter applies, must hold any such client money separate from its own money at all times.

CASS 7.1.15F R

3 Subject to CASS 7.1.15G R only7 the client money rules listed in the table below apply to a trustee firm in connection with money that the firm receives, or holds for or on behalf of a client in the course of or in connection with its designated investment business which is not MiFID business.

Reference

Rule

CASS 7.1.1 R to CASS 7.1.6 G, and CASS 7.1.8 R to CASS 7.1.14 R

Application

CASS 7.1.15E R to CASS 7.1.15L G7

7

Trustee firms

7

CASS 7.1.16 G

General principle

CASS 7.4.1 R to CASS 7.4.6 G

Depositing client money

CASS 7.4.7 R to CASS 7.4.13 G

A firm's selection of credit institution, bank or money market fund

CASS 7.6.6 G to CASS 7.6.16 R

Reconciliation of client money balances7

7 CASS 7.7.2 R to CASS 7.7.4 G

Requirement

7 CASS 7 Annex 1 G

The standard methods of internal client money reconciliation

7

CASS 7.1.15G R
  1. (1)

    7A trustee firm to which CASS 7.1.15F R applies may, in addition to the client money rules set out at CASS 7.1.15F R, also elect to comply with:

    1. (a)

      all the client money rules in CASS 7.4 (Segregation of client money);

    2. (b)

      CASS 7.5 (Transfer of client money to a third party);

    3. (c)

      all the client money rules in CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations); or

    4. (d)

      CASS 7.8 (Notification and acknowledgement of trust).

  2. (2)

    A trustee firm must make a written record of any election it makes under this rule, including the date from which the election is to be effective. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the election and must keep it for a period of five years after ceasing to use it.

  3. (3)

    Where a trustee firm has made an election under (1) which it subsequently decides to cease to use, it must make a written record of this decision, including the date from which the decision is to be effective, and keep that record from the date the decision is made for a period of five years after the date it is to be effective.

7

CASS 7.1.15H R

7A trustee firm to which CASS 7.1.15F R applies and which is otherwise subject to the client money rules must ensure that any client money it holds other than in its capacity as trustee firm is segregated from client money it holds as a trustee firm.7

CASS 7.1.15I G

7A trustee firm to which CASS 7.1.15F R applies and which is otherwise subject to the client money rules should ensure that in designing its systems and controls it:

  1. (1)

    takes into account that the client money distribution rules will only apply in relation to any client money that the firm holds other than in its capacity as trustee firm; and

  2. (2)

    has regard to other legislation that may be applicable.

7

CASS 7.1.15J R
  1. (1)

    7A trustee firm to which CASS 7.1.15F R applies may elect that:

    1. (a)

      the applicable provisions of CASS 7.4 (Segregation of client money) and CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) under CASS 7.1.15F R; and

    2. (b)

      and any further provisions it elects to comply with under CASS 7.1.15G R (1);

    will apply separately and concurrently for each distinct trust that the trustee firm acts for.

  2. (2)

    A trustee firm must make a written record of any election it makes under this rule, including the date from which the election is to be effective. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the election and must keep it for a period of five years after ceasing to use it.

  3. (3)

    Where a trustee firm has made an election under (1) which it subsequently decides to cease to use, it must make a written record of this decision, including the date from which the decision is to be effective, and must keep that record from the date the decision is made for a period of five years after the date it is to be effective.

7

CASS 7.1.15K G

7A trustee firm may wish to make an election under CASS 7.1.15J R if, for example, it acts for a number of distinct trusts which it wishes, or is required, to keep operationally separate. If a firm makes such an election then it should:

  1. (1)

    establish and maintain adequate internal systems and controls to effectively segregate client money held for one trust from client money held for another trust; and

  2. (2)

    conduct internal client money reconciliations as set out in CASS 7 Annex 1 G and external client money reconciliations under CASS 7.6.9 R for each trust.

7

CASS 7.1.15L G

7The provisions in CASS 7.1.15E R to CASS 7.1.15K G do not affect the general application of the client money rules regarding money that is held by a firm other than in its capacity as a trustee firm.7

General purpose

CASS 7.1.16 G
  1. (1)

    Principle 10 (Clients' assets) requires a firm to arrange adequate protection for clients' assets when the firm is responsible for them. An essential part of that protection is the proper accounting and treatment of client money. The client money rules provide requirements for firms that receive or hold client money, in whatever form.

  2. (2)

    The client money rules also, where relevant,43 implement the provisions of MiFID which regulate the obligations of a firm when it holds client money in the course of its MiFID business.3

CASS 7.2 7 Treatment of client money7

CASS 7.2.1 R

[deleted]1

1
1
CASS 7.2.2 R

[deleted]1

1 1

Title transfer collateral arrangements

CASS 7.2.3 R
2
  1. (1)

    Where a client transfers full ownership of money to a firm for the purpose of securing or otherwise covering present or future, actual or contingent or prospective obligations, such money should no longer be regarded as client money.

    [Note: recital 27 to MiFID]2

  2. (2)

    2Excepted from (1) is a transfer of the full ownership of money:

    1. (a)

      belonging to a retail client;

    2. (b)

      whose purpose is to secure or otherwise cover that client's present or future, actual, contingent or prospective obligations under a contract for differences or 3a rolling spot forex contract that is a future, and in either case where that contract is3 entered into with a firm acting as market maker; and

      33
    3. (c)

      which is made to that firm or to any other personarranging on its behalf.

CASS 7.2.3A R
  1. (1)

    2Subject to (2), where a firm makes arrangements for the purpose of securing or otherwise covering present or future, actual, contingent or prospective obligations of a retail client those arrangements must not provide for the taking of a transfer of full ownership of any of that client's money.

  2. (2)

    The application of (1) is confined to the taking of a transfer of full ownership:

    1. (a)

      whose purpose is to secure or otherwise cover that retail client's obligations under a contract for differences or 3a rolling spot forex contract that is a future, and in either case where that contract is3 entered into with a firm acting as market maker; and

      33
    2. (b)

      which is made to that firm or to any other person arranging on its behalf.

CASS 7.2.3B R
  1. (1)

    7A firm must ensure that any arrangement relating to the transfer of full ownership of a client'smoney to the firm for the purposes set out in CASS 7.2.3 R (1) and CASS 7.2.3A R (1) is the subject of a written agreement made on a durable medium between the firm and the client.

  2. (2)

    Regardless of the form of the written agreement in (1) (which may have additional commercial purposes), it must cover the client's agreement to:

    1. (a)

      the terms for the arrangement relating to the transfer of the client's full ownership of money to the firm;

    2. (b)

      any terms under which the ownership of money is to transfer from the firm back to the client; and

    3. (c)

      (to the extent not covered by the terms under (b)), any terms for the termination of:

      1. (i)

        the arrangement under (a); or

      2. (ii)

        the overall agreement in (1).

  3. (3)

    A firm must retain a copy of the agreement under (1) from the date the agreement is entered into and until five years after the agreement is terminated.

CASS 7.2.3C G

The terms referred to in CASS 7.2.3B R (2)(b) may include, for example, terms under which the arrangement relating to the transfer of full ownership of money to the firm is not in effect from time to time, or is contingent on some other condition.

CASS 7.2.4 G

A title transfer financial collateral arrangement under the Financial Collateral Directive is an example of a type of transfer of money to cover obligations where that money will not be regarded as client money.

CASS 7.2.5 G

Where a firm has received full title or full ownership to money under a collateral arrangement, the fact that it has also granted4 a security interest to its client to secure4 its obligation to repay that money to the client would not result in the money being client money. This can be compared to a situation in which a firm takes a charge or other security interest over money held in a client bank account, where that money would still be client money as there would be no absolute transfer of title to the firm. However, where a firm has received client money under a4 security interest and the security interest4 includes a "right to use arrangement", under which the client agrees to transfer all of its rights to money in that account to the firm upon the exercise of the right to use, the money may cease to be client money, but only once the right to use is exercised and the money is transferred out of the client bank account4 to the firm.

4 4 4
CASS 7.2.6 G

Firms are reminded of the client's best interest rule, which requires a firm to act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of its clients when structuring its business particularly in respect of the effect of that structure on firms' obligations under the client money rules.

CASS 7.2.7 G

Pursuant to the client's best interests rule, a firm should ensure that where a retail client transfers full ownership of money to a firm:

  1. (1)

    the client is notified that full ownership of the money has been transferred to the firm and, as such, the client no longer has a proprietary claim over this money and the firm can deal with it on its own right;

  2. (2)

    the transfer is for the purposes of securing or covering the client's obligations;

  3. (3)

    an equivalent transfer is made back to the client if the provision of collateral by the client is no longer necessary; and

  4. (4)

    there is a reasonable link between the timing and the amount of the collateral transfer and the obligation that the client owes, or is likely to owe, to the firm.

Delivery versus payment transaction exemption

CASS 7.2.8 R

[deleted]77

7
CASS 7.2.8A G

1The exclusion from the client money rules for delivery versus payment transactions under CASS 7.2.8AA R7 is an example of an exclusion from the client money rules which is permissible by virtue of recital 26 of MiFID. 7

7
CASS 7.2.8AA R
  1. (1)

    7Subject to (2) and CASS 7.2.8AB R and with the agreement of the relevant client, money need not be treated as client money in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction through a commercial settlement system if:

    1. (a)

      in respect of a client's purchase, the firm intends for the money from the client to be due to it within one business day following the firm's fulfilment of its delivery obligation to the client; or

    2. (b)

      in respect of a client's sale, the firm intends for the money in question to be due to the client within one business day following the client's fulfilment of its delivery obligation to the firm.

  2. (2)

    If the payment or delivery by the firm to the client has not occurred by the close of business on the third business day following the date on which the firm makes use of the exemption under (1), the firm must stop using that exemption for the transaction.

7

CASS 7.2.8AB R

7A firm cannot, in respect of a particular delivery versus payment transaction, make use of the exemption under CASS 7.2.8AA R in either or both of the following circumstances:

  1. (1)

    it is not a direct member or participant of the relevant commercial settlement system, nor is it sponsored by such a member or participant, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that commercial settlement system;

  2. (2)

    the transaction in question is being settled by another person on behalf of the firm through an account held at the relevant commercial settlement system by that other person.

CASS 7.2.8AC R

7Where a firm does not meet the requirements in CASS 7.2.8AA R or CASS 7.2.8AB R for the use of the exemption in CASS 7.2.8AA R, the firm is subject to the client money rules in respect of any money it holds in connection with the delivery versus payment transaction in question.7

CASS 7.2.8AD G
  1. (1)

    7In line with CASS 7.2.8AA R, where a firm receives money from the client in fulfilment of the client's payment obligation in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction the firm is carrying out through a commercial settlement system in respect of a client's purchase and the firm has not fulfilled its delivery obligation to the client by close of business on the third business day following the date of the client's fulfilment of its payment obligation to the firm, the firm must treat the client money in accordance with the client money rules until delivery by the firm to the client occurs.

  2. (2)

    Upon settlement of a delivery versus payment transaction a firm is carrying out through a commercial settlement system (including when it is settled within the three business day period referred to in CASS 7.2.8AA R (2)) then, in respect of:

    1. (a)

      a client's purchase, the custody rules apply to the relevant safe custody asset the firm receives upon settlement; and

    2. (b)

      a client's sale, the client money rules will apply to the relevant money received on settlement.

7

CASS 7.2.8AE R
  1. (1)

    7If a firm makes use of the exemption under CASS 7.2.8AA R, it must obtain the client's written agreement to the firm's use of the exemption.

  2. (2)

    In respect of each client, the written agreement in (1) must be retained during the time that the firm makes use, or intends to make use, of the exemption under CASS 7.2.8AA R in respect of that client's monies.

7

CASS 7.2.8B R

1 Money need not be treated as client money in respect of a delivery versus payment transaction, for the purpose of settling a transaction in relation to units in a regulated collective investment scheme, if:

  1. (1)

    the authorised fund manager receives it from a client in relation to the authorised fund manager's obligation to issue units, in an AUT or ACS,5 or to arrange for the issue of units in an ICVC, in accordance with COLL, unless the price of those units has not been determined by the close of business on the next business day:

    1. (a)

      following the date of the receipt of the money from the client; or

    2. (b)

      if the money was received by an appointed representative of the authorised fund manager, in accordance with CASS 7.4.24 G, following the date of receipt at the specified business address of the authorised fund manager; or

  2. (2)

    the money is held in the course of redeeming units where the proceeds of that redemption are paid to a client within the time specified in COLL; when an authorised fund manager draws a cheque or other payable order within these time frames the provisions of CASS 7.2.17 R and CASS 7.2.9 R (2) will not apply.

Money due and payable to the firm

CASS 7.2.9 R
  1. (1)

    Money is not client money when it becomes properly due and payable to the firm for its own account.

  2. (2)

    For these purposes, if a firm makes a payment to, or on the instructions of, a client, from an account other than a client bank account, until that payment has cleared, no equivalent sum from a client bank account for reimbursement will become due and payable to the firm.

CASS 7.2.10 G

Money held as client money becomes due and payable to the firm or for the firm's own account, for example, because the firm acted as principal in the contract or the firm, acting as agent, has itself paid for securities in advance of receiving the purchase money from its client. The circumstances in which it is due and payable will depend on the contractual arrangement between the firm and the client.

CASS 7.2.10A G

2 Firms are reminded that, notwithstanding that money may be due and payable to them, they have a continuing obligation to segregate client money in accordance with the client money rules. In particular, in accordance with CASS 7.6.2 R, firms must ensure the accuracy of their records and accounts and are reminded of the requirement to carry out internal reconciliations of client money balances, either in accordance with the standard method of internal client money reconciliation or a different method which meets the requirements of CASS 7.6.7 R and CASS 7.6.8 R.

CASS 7.2.11 G

When a client's obligation or liability, that is secured by that client's asset, crystallises, and the firm realises the asset in accordance with an agreement entered into between the client and the firm, the part of the proceeds of the asset to cover such liability that is due and payable to the firm is not client money. However, any proceeds of sale in excess of the amount owed by the client to the firm should be paid over to the client immediately or be held in accordance with the client money rules.

Commission rebate

CASS 7.2.12 G

When a firm has entered into an arrangement under which commission is rebated to a client, those rebates need not be treated as client money until they become due and payable to the client in accordance with the terms of the contractual arrangements between the parties.

CASS 7.2.13 G

When commission rebate becomes due and payable to the client, the firm should:

  1. (1)

    treat it as client money; or

  2. (2)

    pay it out in accordance with the rule regarding the discharge of a firm's fiduciary duty to the client (see CASS 7.2.15 R);

unless the firm and the client have entered into an arrangement under which the client has agreed to transfer full ownership of this money to the firm as collateral against payment of future professional fees (see CASS 7.2.3 R (Title transfer collateral arrangements)).

Interest

CASS 7.2.14 R

[deleted]77

7
CASS 7.2.14A R

7A firm must pay a retail client any interest earned on client money held for that client unless it has otherwise notified him in writing. 7

CASS 7.2.14B G
  1. (1)

    7The firm may, under the terms of its agreement with the client, pay some, none, or all interest earned to the relevant client.

  2. (2)

    Where interest is payable on client money by a firm to clients:

    1. (a)

      such sums are client money and so, if not paid to, or to the order of the clients, are required to be segregated in accordance with CASS 7.4 (Segregation of client money);

    2. (b)

      the interest should be paid to clients in accordance with the firm's agreement with each client; and

    3. (c)

      if the firm's agreement with the client is silent as to when interest should be paid to the client the firm should follow CASS 7.4.28 G (Allocation of client money receipts);

    irrespective of whether the client is a retail client or otherwise.

7

Discharge of fiduciary duty

CASS 7.2.15 R

Money ceases to be client money (having regard to CASS 7.2.17 R where applicable) if4:

4
  1. (1)

    it is paid4 to the client, or a duly authorised representative of the client; or

  2. (2)

    it is:7

    7
    1. (a)

      paid to a third party on the instruction of, or with the specific consent of, the client unless it is transferred to a third party in the course of effecting a transaction under CASS 7.5.2 R (Transfer of client money to a third party); or77

    2. (b)

      paid to a third party pursuant to an obligation on the firm where:7

      1. (i)

        that obligation arises under an enactment; and7

      2. (ii)

        the obligation under that enactment is applicable to the firm as a result of the nature of the business being undertaken by the firm for its client; or7

      7

    3. (c)

      transferred in accordance with CASS 7.2.17B R; or7

    4. (d)

      transferred in accordance with CASS 7.2.17D R; or7

    7

  3. (3)

    subject to CASS 7.2.16A R,7 it is paid4 into a bank account of the client (not being an account which is also in the name of the firm); or7

  4. (4)

    it is due and payable to the firm in accordance with4CASS 7.2.9 R (Money due and payable to the firm); or7

    44
  5. (5)

    it is paid to the firm as4 an excess in the client bank account (see CASS 7.6.13 R (2) (Reconciliation discrepancies)); or4

    44
  6. (6)

    4it is paid by an authorised central counterparty to a clearing member other than the firm in connection with a porting arrangement in accordance with CASS 7.2.15A R; or

  7. (7)

    4it is paid by an authorised central counterparty directly to the client in accordance with CASS 7.2.15B R6; or

  8. (8)

    6it is transferred by the firm to a clearing member in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement and the clearing member remits payment to another firm or to another clearing member in accordance with CASS 7.2.15CR (1); or

  9. (9)

    6it is transferred by the firm to a clearing member in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement and the clearing member remits payment directly to the indirect clients of the firm7 in accordance with CASS 7.2.15CR (2); or77

    77
  10. (10)

    it is paid to charity under CASS 7.2.19 R or CASS 7.2.25 R.77

CASS 7.2.15A R

4 Client money which the firmplaces at an authorised central counterparty 6in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement ceases to be client money for that firm if, as part of the default management process of that authorised central counterparty in respect of a default by the firm, it is ported by the authorised central counterparty in accordance with article 48 of EMIR.

6 6
CASS 7.2.15B R

4 Client money which the firmplaces at an authorised central counterparty6in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement ceases to be client money if, as part of the default management process of that authorised central counterparty in respect of a default by the firm, it is paid directly to the client by the authorised central counterparty in accordance with the procedure described in article 48(7) of EMIR.

6 6
CASS 7.2.15C R

6 Client money received or held by the firm and transferred to a clearing member who facilitates indirect clearing through a regulated clearing arrangement ceases to be client money for that firm and, if applicable, the clearing member, if the clearing member:

  1. (1)

    remits payment to another firm or to another clearing member in accordance with default management procedures adopted by the clearing member which comply with the requirements of article 4(4) of the EMIR L2 Regulation; or

  2. (2)

    remits payment to the indirect clients of the firm in accordance with default management procedures adopted by the clearing member which comply with the requirements of articles 4(4) and 4(5) of the EMIR L2 Regulation.

CASS 7.2.15D R

7 Client money received or held by the firm for a sub-pool ceases to be client money for that firm to the extent that such client money is transferred by the firm to an authorised central counterparty or a clearing member as result of porting.7

CASS 7.2.16 G

[deleted]77

7
CASS 7.2.16A R

7A firm must not pay client money into a bank account of the client that has been opened without the consent of that client.7

CASS 7.2.17 R

When a firm draws a cheque or other payable order to discharge its fiduciary duty to the client, it must continue to treat the sum concerned as client money until the cheque or order is presented and paid by the bank.

Transfer of business

CASS 7.2.17A G

7A firm may transfer client money to a third party as part of transferring all or part of its business if, in respect of each client with an interest in the client money that is sought to be transferred, it:

  1. (1)

    obtains the consent or instruction of that client at the time of the transfer of business (see CASS 7.2.15 R (2)(a)); or

  2. (2)

    complies with CASS 7.2.17B R (see CASS 7.2.15 R (2)(c)); or

  3. (3)

    complies with CASS 7.2.17D R (see CASS 7.2.15 R (2)(d)).

7

CASS 7.2.17B R

7Subject to CASS 7.2.17D R, money ceases to be client money of the firm if:

  1. (1)

    it is transferred by the firm to another person as part of a transfer of business to that person where the client money relates to the business being transferred;

  2. (2)

    it is transferred on terms which require the other person to return a client's transferred sums as soon as practicable at the client's request;

  3. (3)

    a written agreement between the firm and the relevant clients provides that:

    1. (a)

      the firm may transfer the client'sclient money to another person; and

    2. (b)
      1. (i)

        the sums transferred will be held by the person to whom they are transferred in accordance with the client money rules for the clients; or

      2. (ii)

        if not held in accordance with (i), the firm will exercise all due skill, care and diligence in assessing whether the person to whom the client money is transferred will apply adequate measures to protect these sums; and

  4. (4)

    the firm complies with the requirements in (3)(b)(ii) (if applicable).

7

CASS 7.2.17C G

7In considering how and whether to introduce the written agreement referred to in CASS 7.2.17B R (3), firms should have regard to any relevant obligations to clients, including requirements under the Unfair Terms Regulations.7

Transfer of business: de minimis sums

CASS 7.2.17D R
  1. (1)

    7Client money belonging to those categories of clients set out in (2) and in respect of those amounts set out in (2) ceases to be client money of the firm if it is transferred by the firm to another person:

    1. (a)

      as part of a transfer of business to that other person where these sums relate to the business being transferred; and

    2. (b)

      on terms which require the other person to return a client's transferred sums as soon as practicable at the client's request.

  2. (2)
    1. (a)

      For retail clients the amount is ÂŁ25.

    2. (b)

      For all other clients the amount is ÂŁ100.

7

CASS 7.2.17E G

7For the avoidance of doubt, sums transferred under CASS 7.2.17D R do not, for the purposes of that rule, require the instruction or specific consent of each client at the time of the transfer or a written agreement as set out in CASS 7.2.17B R (3).7

Transfer of business: client notifications

CASS 7.2.17F R

7Where a firm transfers client money belonging to its clients under either or both of CASS 7.2.17B R and CASS 7.2.17D R it must ensure that those clients are notified no later than seven days after the transfer takes place:

  1. (1)

    whether or not the sums will be held by the person to whom they have been transferred in accordance with the client money rules and, if not, how the sums being transferred will be held by that person;

  2. (2)

    the extent to which the sums transferred will be protected under a compensation scheme; and

  3. (3)

    that the client may opt to have the client's transferred sum returned to it as soon as practicable at the client's request.

CASS 7.2.17G R

The firm must notify the FCA of its intention to effect any transfer of client money under either or both of CASS 7.2.17B R and CASS 7.2.17D R at least seven days before it transfers the client money in question.7

Allocated but unclaimed client money

CASS 7.2.18 G

The purpose of CASS 7.2.19 R7 is to set out the requirements firms must comply with in order7 to cease to treat as client money any unclaimed balance which is7allocated to an individual client.7

7 7 7 7
CASS 7.2.18A G

7Before acting in accordance with CASS 7.2.19 R to CASS 7.2.26 G, a firm should consider whether its actions are permitted by law and consistent with the arrangements under which the client money is held. For the avoidance of doubt, these provisions relate to a firm's obligations as an authorised person and to the treatment of client money under the client money rules.7

CASS 7.2.19 R

A firm may pay away to a registered charity of its choice a client money balance which is allocated to a client and if it does so the released balance will cease to be client money under CASS 7.2.15 R (10), provided:77

7
  1. (1)

    this is permitted by law and consistent with the arrangements under which the client money is held;77

  2. (2)

    the firm held the balance concerned for at least six years following the last movement on the client's account (disregarding any payment or receipt of interest, charges or similar items);77

  3. (3)

    it can demonstrate that it has taken reasonable steps to trace the client concerned and to return the balance; and77

  4. (4)

    the firm complies with CASS 7.2.22 R.7

7

CASS 7.2.19A G

7Where the client money balance held by a firm is, in aggregate, ÂŁ100 or less for a client other than a retail client or, for a retail client, ÂŁ25 or less, the firm may comply with CASS 7.2.25 R instead of CASS 7.2.19 R.7

CASS 7.2.20 E
  1. (1)

    Taking reasonable steps in CASS 7.2.19 R (3)7 includes following this course of conduct7:7

    7
    1. (a)

      determining, as far as reasonably possible, the correct contact details for the relevant client;77

      7
    2. (b)

      writing to the client at the last known address either by post or by electronic mail to inform it of the firm's intention to no longer treat the client money balance as client money and to pay the sums concerned to charity if the firm does not receive instructions from the client within 28 days;77

      7
    3. (c)

      where the client has not responded after the 28 days referred to in (b), attempting to communicate the information set out in (b) to the client on at least one further occasion by any means other than that used in (b) including by post, electronic mail, telephone or media advertisement;77

      7
    4. (d)

      subject to (e) and (f), where the client has not responded within 28 days following the most recent communication, writing again to the client at the last known address either by post or by electronic mail to inform them that:77

      7
      1. (i)

        as the firm did not receive a claim for the relevant client money balance, it will in 28 days pay the balance to a registered charity; and77

      2. (ii)

        an undertaking will be provided by the firm or a member of its group to pay to the client concerned a sum equal to the balance paid away to charity in the event of the client seeking to claim the balance in future;77

    5. (e)

      if the firm has carried out the steps in (b) or (c) and in response has received positive confirmation in writing that the client is no longer at a particular address, the firm should not use that address for the purposes of (d);77

      7
    6. (f)

      if, after carrying out the steps in (a), (b) and (c), the firm has obtained positive confirmation that none of the contact details it holds for the relevant client are accurate or, if utilised, the communication is unlikely to reach the client, the firm does not have to comply with (d); and77

    7. (g)

      waiting a further 28 days following the most recent communication under this rule before paying the balance to a registered charity.77

  2. (2)

    Compliance with (1) may be relied on as tending to establish compliance with CASS 7.2.19 R.

  3. (3)

    Contravention of (1) may be relied on as tending to establish contravention of CASS 7.2.19 R.

CASS 7.2.20A G

7For the purpose of CASS 7.2.20 E (1)(a), a firm may use any available means to determine the correct contact details for the relevant client, including telephoning the client, searching internal records, media advertising, searching public records, mortality screening, using credit reference agencies or tracing agents.7

CASS 7.2.21 G

[deleted]77

7
CASS 7.2.22 R
  1. (1)

    7Where a firm wishes to release a balance allocated to an individual client under CASS 7.2.19 R it must comply with either (a) or (b) and, in either case, (2):

    1. (a)

      the firm must unconditionally undertake to pay to the client concerned a sum equal to the balance paid away to charity in the event of the client seeking to claim the balance in future; or7

    2. (b)

      the firm must ensure that an unconditional undertaking in the terms set out in (a) is made by a member of its group and there is suitable information available for relevant clients to identify the member of the group granting the undertaking. 7

  2. (2)

    The undertakings in this rule must be:

    1. (a)

      authorised by the firm'sgoverning body where (1)(a) applies or by the governing body of the group member where (1)(b) applies; 7

    2. (b)

      legally enforceable by any person who had a legally enforceable claim to the balance in question at the time it was released by the firm, or by an assign or successor in title to such claim; and7

    3. (c)

      retained by the firm, and, where (1)(b) applies, by the group member, indefinitely.7

CASS 7.2.23 R
  1. (1)

    7If a firm pays away client money under CASS 7.2.19 R (4) it must make and retain, or where the firm already has such records, retain:

    1. (a)

      records of all balances released from client bank accounts under CASS 7.2.19 R (including details of the amounts and the identity of the client to whom the money was allocated);

    2. (b)

      all relevant documentation (including charity receipts); and

    3. (c)

      details of the communications the firm had or attempted to make with the client concerned pursuant to CASS 7.2.19 R (3).

  2. (2)

    The records in (1) must be retained indefinitely.

  3. (3)

    If a member of the firm'sgroup has provided an undertaking under CASS 7.2.22 R (2) then the records in (1) must be readily accessible to that group member.

7

De minimis amounts of unclaimed client money

CASS 7.2.24 G

7The purpose of CASS 7.2.25 R is to allow a firm to pay away to charity client money balances of (i) ÂŁ25 or less for retail clients or (ii) ÂŁ100 or less for other clients when those balances remain unclaimed. If a firm follows this process, the money will cease to be client money (see CASS 7.2.15 R (10)).7

CASS 7.2.25 R

7A firm may pay away to a registered charity of its choice a client money balance which is allocated to a client and if it does so the released balance will cease to be client money under CASS 7.2.15 R (10):

  1. (1)

    the balance in question is (i) for a retail client, in aggregate, ÂŁ25 or less, or (ii) for a professional client, in aggregate, ÂŁ100 or less;

  2. (2)

    the firm held the balance concerned for at least six years following the last movement on the client's account (disregarding any payment or receipt of interest, charges or similar items);

  3. (3)

    the firm has made at least one attempt to contact the client to return the balance using the most up-to-date contact details the firm has for the client, and the client has not responded to such communication within 28 days of the communication having been made; and

  4. (4)

    the firm makes and/or retains records of all balances released from client bank accounts in according with this rule. Such records must include the information in CASS 7.2.23 R (1)(a) and CASS 7.2.23 R (1)(b).

7

Costs associated with paying away allocated but unclaimed client money

CASS 7.2.26 G

7Any costs associated with the firm ceasing to treat unclaimed client money balances as client money pursuant to CASS 7.2.18 G to CASS 7.2.25 R should be paid for from the firm's own funds, including:

  1. (1)

    any costs associated with the firm carrying out the steps in CASS 7.2.19 R (3), CASS 7.2.20 E or CASS 7.2.25 R (3); and

  2. (2)

    the cost of any insurance purchased by a firm or the relevant member of its group to cover any legally enforceable claim in respect of the client money paid away.

7

CASS 7.3 Organisational requirements: client money

Requirement to protect client money

CASS 7.3.1 R

A firm must, when holding client money, make adequate arrangements to safeguard the client's rights and prevent the use of client money for its own account.

[Note: article 13(8) of MiFID]

Requirement to have adequate organisational arrangements

CASS 7.3.2 R

A firm must introduce adequate organisational arrangements to minimise the risk of the loss or diminution of client money, or of rights in connection with client money, as a result of misuse of client money, fraud, poor administration, inadequate record-keeping or negligence.

[Note: article 16(1)(f) of the MiFID implementing Directive]1

CASS 7.4 Segregation of client money

Depositing client money

CASS 7.4.-1 R

6Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, the provisions of CASS 7.4 (Segregation of client money) shall be read as applying separatelyto the firm'sgeneral pool and each sub-pool in line with CASS 7.19.3 R and CASS 7.19.12 R.6

CASS 7.4.1 R

A firm, on receiving any client money, must promptly place this money into one or more accounts opened with any of the following:

  1. (1)

    a central bank;

  2. (2)

    a CRDcredit institution;5

    5
  3. (3)

    a bank authorised in a third country;

  4. (4)

    a qualifying money market fund.

[Note: article 18(1) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

CASS 7.4.2 G

An account with a central bank, a CRDcredit institution5 or a bank authorised in a third country in which client money is placed is a client bank account.

5

Qualifying money market funds

CASS 7.4.3 G

[deleted]66

2 6
CASS 7.4.3A R

6Where a firm deposits client money with a qualifying money market fund, the firm's holding of those units in that fund will be subject to any applicable requirements of the custody rules.

[Note: recital 23 to the MiFID implementing Directive]6

CASS 7.4.4 G

A firm that places client money in a qualifying money market fund should ensure that it has the permissions required to invest in and hold units in that fund and must comply with the rules that are relevant for those activities.6

CASS 7.4.5 R

A firm must give a client the right to oppose the placement of his money in a qualifying money market fund.

[Note: article 18(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]6

CASS 7.4.6 G

If a firm that intends to place client money in a qualifying money market fund is subject to the requirement to disclose information before providing services,4 it should, in compliance with that obligation, notify the client that:

  1. (1)

    money held for that client will be held in a qualifying money market fund; and

  2. (2)

    as a result, the money will not be held in accordance with the client money rules; and66

    6
  3. (3)

    if it is the case, that the units will be held as the client'ssafe custody assets in accordance with the custody rules.66

A firm's selection of a credit institution, bank or money market fund

CASS 7.4.7 R

A firm that does not deposit client money with a central bank must exercise all due skill, care and diligence in the selection, appointment and periodic review of the credit institution, bank or qualifying money market fund where the money is deposited and the arrangements for the holding of this money.

[Note: article 18(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]6

CASS 7.4.8 R

When a firm makes the selection, appointment and conducts the periodic review of a credit institution, a bank or a qualifying money market fund, it must take into account:

  1. (1)

    the expertise and market reputation of the third party; and6

  2. (2)

    any legal requirements or market practices related to the holding of client money that could adversely affect clients' rights.6

[Note: article 18(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]6

CASS 7.4.9 G

In discharging its obligations when selecting, appointing and reviewing the appointment of a credit institution, a bank or a qualifying money market fund, a firm should also consider, together with any other relevant matters:

  1. (1)

    the need for diversification of risks;

  2. (2)

    the capital of the credit institution or bank;

  3. (3)

    the amount of client money placed, as a proportion of the credit institution or bank's capital and deposits, and, in the case of a qualifying money market fund, compared to any limit the fund may place on the volume of redemptions in any period;

  4. (4)

    the credit rating of the credit institution or bank; and

  5. (5)

    to the extent that the information is available, the level of risk in the investment and loan activities undertaken by the credit institution or bank and affiliated companies.

CASS 7.4.9A R

3A firm must limit the funds that it deposits or holds with a relevant group entity or combination of such entities so that those funds do not at any point in time exceed 20 per cent of the balance on:

  1. (1)

    all of its general client bank accounts considered in aggregate;

  2. (2)

    each of its designated client bank accounts; and

  3. (3)

    each of its designated client fund accounts.

CASS 7.4.9B R

3For the purpose of CASS 7.4.9A R an entity is a relevant group entity if it is:

  1. (1)

    a CRDcredit institution or6 a bank authorised in a third country; and6

    5566
  2. (2)

    a member of the same group as that firm.

CASS 7.4.9C G

3The rules in SUP 16.14 provide that a firm must report to the FCA in relation to the identity of the entities with which it deposits client money and the amounts of client money deposited with them. The FCA will use that information to monitor compliance with the diversification rule in CASS 7.4.9A R.

CASS 7.4.10 R

A firm must make a record of the grounds upon which it satisfies itself as to the appropriateness of its selection of a credit institution, a bank or a qualifying money market fund. The firm must make the record on the date it makes the selection and must keep it from the date of such selection until five years after the firm ceases to use the third party to hold client money.

Client bank accounts

CASS 7.4.11 R

A firm must take the necessary steps to ensure that client money deposited, in accordance with CASS 7.4.1 R, in a central bank, a credit institution, a bank authorised in a third country or a qualifying money market fund is held in an account or accounts identified separately from any accounts used to hold money belonging to the firm.

[Note: article 16(1)(e) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

CASS 7.4.11A R
  1. (1)

    6An account which the firm uses to deposit client money under CASS 7.4.1 R (1) to CASS 7.4.1 R (3) must be a client bank account.6

  2. (2)

    Each client bank account used by a firm must be held on terms under which:

    1. (a)

      the relevant bank's contractual counterparty is the firm that is subject to the requirement under CASS 7.4.1 R; and

    2. (b)

      unless the firm has agreed terms that comply with CASS 7.4.11A R (3), the firm is able to make withdrawals of client money promptly and, in any event, within one business day of a request for withdrawal.

    Transitional provision CASS TP 1.10AR applies to (2).

  3. (3)

    Firms may use client bank accounts held on terms under which withdrawals are, without exception, prohibited until the expiry of a fixed term or a notice period of a maximum of 30 days.

  4. (4)

    Paragraphs (2)(b) and (3) do not apply in respect of client money received by a firm in its capacity as a trustee firm.

CASS 7.4.11B G

6 CASS 7.4.11A R (2)(b) and CASS 7.4.11A R (3) do not prevent a firm from depositing client money on terms under which a withdrawal may be made before the expiry of a fixed term or a notice period (whatever the duration), including where such withdrawal would incur a penalty charge to the firm.6

CASS 7.4.11C G

6 CASS 7.4.11A R does not prevent a firm from depositing client money in overnight money market deposits which are clearly identified as being client money (for example, in the client bank account acknowledgement letter6 ).6

6
CASS 7.4.11D G

6 Firms are reminded of their obligations under CASS 7.8 (Acknowledgment letters6) for client bank accounts. Firms should also ensure that client bank accounts meet the requirements in the relevant Glossary definitions, including regarding the titles given to the accounts.6

6
CASS 7.4.12 G

A firm may open one or more client bank accounts in the form of a general client bank account, a designated client bank account or a designated client fund account (see CASS 7A.2.1 G (Failure of the authorised firm: primary pooling event))6.4 The requirements of CASS 7.4.11A R (2) and CASS 7.4.11A R (3) apply for each type of client bank account.66

CASS 7.4.13 G

A designated client fund account may be used for a client only where that client has consented to the use of that account and all other designated client fund accounts which may be pooled with it. For example, a client who consents to the use of bank A and bank B should have his money held in a different designated client fund account at bank B from a client who has consented to the use of banks B and C.

Approaches for the segregation of client money6

CASS 7.4.14 G

The two6 approaches that a firm can adopt in discharging its obligations under this section6 are: 6

6 2 6
  1. (1)

    the 'normal approach'; or

  2. (2)

    the 'alternative approach'.

CASS 7.4.15 R

[deleted]66

6
CASS 7.4.16 G

[deleted]66

6
CASS 7.4.17 G

Under the normal approach, a firm that receives client money should either:

  1. (1)

    pay it promptly, and in any event no later than the next business day after receipt, into a client bank account; or

  2. (2)

    pay it out in accordance with the rule regarding the discharge of a firm's fiduciary duty to the client (see CASS 7.2.15 R).

The alternative approach to client money segregation

CASS 7.4.17A G
  1. (1)

    6In certain circumstances, use of the normal approach for a particular business line of a firm could lead to significant operational risks to client money protection. These may include a business line under which clients' transactions are complex, numerous, closely related to the firm's proprietary business and/or involve a number of currencies and time zones. In such circumstances, subject to meeting the relevant criteria and fulfilling the relevant notification and audit requirements, a firm may use the alternative approach to segregating client money for that business line.

  2. (2)

    Under the alternative approach, client money is received into and paid out of a firm's own bank account. A firm that adopts the alternative approach to segregating client money should, if it is following the standard method of client money reconciliation (see CASS 7 Annex 1 G paragraph 2), carry out an internal client money reconciliation on each business day ('T0') and calculate how much money it either needs to withdraw from, or place in from its own bank account or its client bank account as a result of any discrepancy arising between its client money requirement and its client money resource as at the close of business on the previous business day ('T-1').

  3. (3)

    The alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation required under CASS 7.4.18B R is designed to address the risks that:

    1. (a)

      client money in a firm's own bank account may not be available to be pooled for distribution to clients on the occurrence of a primary pooling event; and

    2. (b)

      at the time of a primary pooling event the firm may not have segregated in its client bank account a sufficient amount of client money to meet its client money requirement.

CASS 7.4.17B R

6A firm that wishes to adopt the alternative approach for a particular business line must first establish, and document in writing, its reasons for concluding, that:

  1. (1)

    adopting the normal approach would lead to greater operational risks to client money protection compared to the alternative approach;

  2. (2)

    adopting the alternative approach (including complying with the requirements for alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation under CASS 7.4.18B R) would not result in undue operational risk to client money protection; and

  3. (3)

    the firm has systems and controls that are adequate to enable it to operate the alternative approach effectively and in compliance with Principle 10 (Clients' assets).

CASS 7.4.17C R

6A firm must retain any documents created under CASS 7.4.17B R in relation to a particular business line for a period of at least five years after the date it ceases to use the alternative approach in connection with that business line.

CASS 7.4.17D R

6At least three months before adopting the alternative approach for a particular business line, a firm must:

  1. (1)

    inform the FCA in writing that it intends to adopt the alternative approach for that particular business line; and

  2. (2)

    if requested by the FCA, make any documents it created under CASS 7.4.17B R available to the FCA for inspection.

CASS 7.4.17E R
  1. (1)

    6In addition to the requirement under CASS 7.4.17D R, before adopting the alternative approach, a firm must send a written report to the FCA prepared by an independent auditor of the firm in line with a reasonable assurance engagement, stating the matters set out in (2).

  2. (2)

    The written report in (1) must state whether, in the auditor's opinion:

    1. (a)

      the firm's systems and controls are suitably designed to enable it to comply with CASS 7.4.18A R to CASS 7.4.18B R; and

    2. (b)

      the firm's calculation of its alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation amount under CASS 7.4.18B R is suitably designed to enable the firm to comply with CASS 7.4.18B R.

CASS 7.4.17F R
  1. (1)

    6A firm that uses the alternative approach must review, at least on an annual basis and with no more than one year between each review, whether its reasons for adopting the alternative approach for a particular business line, as documented under CASS 7.4.17B R, continue to be valid.

  2. (2)

    If, following the review in (1), a firm finds that its reasons for adopting the alternative approach are no longer valid for a particular business line, it must stop using the alternative approach for that business line as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within six months of the conclusion of its review in (1).

CASS 7.4.17G R

6A firm that uses the alternative approach must not materially change how it will calculate and maintain the alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation amount under CASS 7.4.18B R unless:

  1. (1)

    an auditor of the firm has prepared a report that complies with the requirements in CASS 7.4.17E R (2)(b) in respect of the firm's proposed changes; and

  2. (2)

    the firm provides a copy of the report prepared by the auditor under (a) to the FCA before implementing the change.

CASS 7.4.17H G

6A firm is reminded that, under SUP 3.4.2 R, it must take reasonable steps to ensure that its auditor has the required skill, resources and experience to perform its function.

CASS 7.4.18 G

[deleted]6

CASS 7.4.18A R

6A firm that uses the alternative approach for a particular business line must, on each business day ('T0'):

  1. (1)

    receive any money from and pay any money to (or, in either case, on behalf of) clients into and out of its own bank accounts;

  2. (2)

    perform the necessary reconciliations of records and accounts required under CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations);

  3. (3)

    adjust the balances held in its client bank account (by effecting transfers between its own bank account and its client bank account) to address any difference arising between its client money requirement and its client money resource as at the close of business on the previous business day ('T-1'), so that the correct amount reflected in the reconciliations under (2) is segregated in its client bank account; and

  4. (4)

    subject to CASS 7.4.18AA R below, keep segregated in its client bank account the balance held under (3) until it has performed a reconciliation on the following business day ('T+1') and as a result of that reconciliation is undertaking further adjustments under (3).

CASS 7.4.18AA R

6During the period between the adjustment in CASS 7.4.18A R (3) and the completion of the next reconciliations in CASS 7.4.18A R (2), a firm that uses the alternative approach for a particular business line may:

  1. (1)

    increase the balance held in its client bank account by making intra-day transfers (during T0) from its own bank account to its client bank account before the completion of the internal client money reconciliation under CASS 7.4.18A R (2) (that is expected sometime later on T0) only if:

    1. (a)

      the firm reasonably expects that the client money requirement for the previous business day (T-1) will increase above the client money resource currently (during T0) held in its client bank account; and

    2. (b)

      such reasonable expectations are based on the working calculation of the client money requirement relating to the previous business day (T-1) that the firm has already determined on that business day (during T0) (as part of the process of completing its internal client money reconciliation); or

  2. (2)

    decrease the balance held in its client bank account by making intra-day transfers (during T0) from its client bank account to its own bank account before the completion of the internal client money reconciliation under CASS 7.4.18A R (2) (that is expected sometime later on T0) only if:

    1. (a)

      the firm reasonably expects that the client money requirement for the previous business day (T-1) will decrease below the client money resource currently held (during T0) in its client bank account; and

    2. (b)

      such reasonable expectations are based on the working calculation of the client money requirement relating to the previous business day (T-1) that the firm has already determined on that business day (during T0) (as part of the process of completing its internal client money reconciliation).

    However, in doing so, a firm must act prudently and should take appropriate steps to manage the risk of not having segregated an amount that appropriately reflects its actual client money requirement at any given time.

CASS 7.4.18AB G

6It is anticipated that CASS 7.4.18AA R may be used by firms which maintain client bank accounts in a number of different time zones and making adjustments to the balances of those client bank accounts is dependent on meeting cut off times for money transfers in those time zones.

CASS 7.4.18B R
  1. (1)

    6A firm that uses the alternative approach must, in addition to CASS 7.4.18A R, pay an amount (determined in accordance with this rule) of its own money into its client bank account and subsequently retain that money in its client bank account (alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation). The amount segregated by a firm in its client bank account under this rule is client money for the purposes of the client money rules and the client money distribution rules.

  2. (2)

    The amount required to be segregated under this rule must be an amount that a firm reasonably determines would be sufficient, at the time it makes the determination, to protect client money against the risk that at any time in the following three months the following categories of client money may not have been fully segregated in its client bank account or may not be (or become) available for pooling under , were a primary pooling event to occur:

    1. (a)

      client money that is received and held by the firm in its own bank account during the period between:

      1. (i)

        the firm's adjustment of client bank account balances under CASS 7.4.18A R (3) on a particular business day; and

      2. (ii)

        the firm's subsequent adjustments under CASS 7.4.18A R (3) on the following business day; and

    2. (b)

      money received and held by the firm in its own bank account which the firm does not initially identify as part of its client money requirement, but which subsequently does become part of its client money requirement;

    with the effect that the firm'salternative approach mandatory prudent segregation under this rule will reduce, as far as possible, any shortfall that might have been produced as a result of (a) or (b) on the occurrence of a primary pooling event.

  3. (3)
    1. (a)

      Subject to (c), in reaching its determination under (2) of the amount of money that would be sufficient to address the risks referred to in (2) for the forthcoming three months, a firm must take into account the following in respect of each business line for which it uses the alternative approach, and for at least the previous three months:

      1. (i)

        the firm'sclient money requirement over the course of that prior period (excluding any amount that was required to be segregated under this rule during that prior period for the purposes of alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation);

      2. (ii)

        the daily adjustment payments that the firm made into its client bank account under CASS 7.4.18A R (3); during that prior period; and

      3. (iii)

        the amount of money received by the firm in its own bank account which it did not initially identify as part of its client money requirement, but which subsequently, and during that prior period, became part of its client money requirement;

      as shown in its internal records.

    2. (b)

      In reaching its determination under (2) a firm must also take into account, but at all times having regard to the requirement under (2), any impact that particular events, the seasonal nature of each relevant business line, or any other aspect of those business lines may have on:

      1. (i)

        the firm'sclient money requirement during the forthcoming three months for which the amount of alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation required under this rule is being determined;

      2. (ii)

        the daily adjustment payments that the firm is likely to make into its client bank account under CASS 7.4.18A R (3) in that same period; and

      3. (iii)

        the amount of unidentified receipts of money that the firm is likely to receive into its own bank account and which will subsequently, in that same period, become part of its client money requirement.

    3. (c)

      If, at the time of its determination under (2), the firm has not been trading for three months in a business line for which it is using the alternative approach, then it must use the records that are available to it and must also factor in reasonable forecasts, as required under (b), to establish a three-month reference period.

  4. (4)
    1. (a)

      A firm must, at regular intervals that are at least quarterly, repeat and complete the combined process of:

      1. (i)

        determining the amount that it is required to segregate for the purposes of alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation under (2) and (3);

      2. (ii)

        making necessary adjustments to its records to reflect any changes to its client money requirement; and

      3. (iii)

        paying any additional amounts of its own money into its client bank account to increase the firm'salternative approach mandatory prudent segregation or withdrawing any excess amounts from its client bank account to decrease the firm'salternative approach mandatory prudent segregation after it has adjusted its records under (ii).

    2. (b)

      The combined process of (a)(i) to (iii) must take no longer than 10 business days.

    3. (c)

      To the extent that a firm's compliance with (a)(i) and (ii) results in there being an excess in the firm'sclient bank account, the firm may cease to treat that money as client money.

  5. (5)

    A firm must ensure that the individual responsible for CASS oversight under CASS 1A.3.1 R, CASS 1A.3.1A R or CASS 1A.3.1C R (as appropriate) reviews the adequacy of the amount of the firm'salternative approach mandatory prudent segregation maintained under this rule at least annually.

CASS 7.4.19 G

[deleted]6

Alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record

CASS 7.4.19A R

6A firm must create and keep up-to-date records so that any amount of money that is, pursuant to CASS 7.4.18B R:

  1. (1)

    paid into a client bank account and retained as client money; or

  2. (2)

    withdrawn from a client bank account;

can be easily ascertained (the alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record).

CASS 7.4.19B R

6The alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record under CASS 7.4.19A R must record:

  1. (1)

    the date of the first determination under CASS 7.4.18B R (2) and each subsequent review undertaken under CASS 7.4.18B R (4), and the total amount that the firm determined was required to be segregated under CASS 7.4.18B R (2) as at that date;

  2. (2)

    the date of any payment of the firm's own money into a client bank account, or withdrawal of any excess from a client bank account under CASS 7.4.18B R, and for each such occasion:

    1. (a)

      the amount of the payment or withdrawal;

    2. (b)

      the fact that the money was paid or withdrawn by the firm in accordance with CASS 7.4.18B R; and

    3. (c)

      as at that date, the total amount actually segregated by the firm under CASS 7.4.18B R.

CASS 7.4.19C R

6The alternative approach mandatory prudent segregation record must be retained for five years after the firm ceases to segregate any money in accordance with CASS 7.4.18B R.

CASS 7.4.19D G

6Nothing in CASS 7.4.17A G to CASS 7.4.19C R prevents a firm from also making use of the prudent segregation rule in CASS 7.4.21 R.

CASS 7.4.20 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm should ensure that any money other than client money deposited in a client bank account is promptly paid out of that account unless it is a minimum sum required to open the account, or to keep it open.

2
CASS 7.4.21 R

If it is prudent to do so to ensure that client money is protected, a firm may pay into a client bank accountmoney of its own, and that money will then become client money for the purposes of this chapter.

Automated transfers

CASS 7.4.22 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach that receives client money in the form of an automated transfer should take reasonable steps to ensure that:

2
  1. (1)

    the money is received directly into a client bank account; and

  2. (2)

    if money is received directly into the firm's own account, the money is transferred into a client bank account promptly, and in any event, no later than the next business day after receipt.

Mixed remittance

CASS 7.4.23 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach that receives a mixed remittance (that is part client money and part other money) should:

2
  1. (1)

    pay the full sum into a client bank account promptly, and in any event, no later than the next business day after receipt; and

  2. (2)

    pay the money that is not client money out of the client bank account promptly, and in any event, no later than one business day of the day on which the firm would normally expect the remittance to be cleared.

Appointed representatives, tied agents, field representatives and other agents1

CASS 7.4.24 G
  1. (1)

    Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach should establish and maintain procedures to ensure that client money received by its appointed representatives, tied agents,1field representatives or other agents is:

    2
    1. (a)

      paid into a client bank account of the firm promptly, and in any event, no later than the next business day after receipt; or

    2. (b)

      forwarded to the firm, or in the case of a field representative forwarded to a specified business address of the firm, so as to ensure that the money arrives at the specified business address promptly, and in any event, no later than the close of the third business day.

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of 1(b), client money received on business day one should be forwarded to the firm or specified business address of the firm promptly, and in any event, no later than the next business day after receipt (business day two) in order for it to reach that firm or specified business address by the close of the third business day. Procedures requiring the client money in the form of a cheque to be sent to the firm or the specified business address of the firm by first class post promptly, and in any event, no later than the next business day after receipt, would be in line with 1(b).

CASS 7.4.25 G

The firm should ensure that its appointed representatives, tied agents, field representatives or other agents keep1client money separately identifiable from any other money (including that of the firm) until the client money is paid into a client bank account or sent to the firm.

CASS 7.4.26 G

A firm that operates a number of small branches, but holds or accounts for all client money centrally, may treat those small branches in the same way as appointed representatives and tied agents.1

Client entitlements

CASS 7.4.27 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach that receives outside the United Kingdom a client entitlement on behalf of a client should pay any part of it which is client money:

2
  1. (1)

    to, or in accordance with, the instructions of the client concerned; or

  2. (2)

    into a client bank account promptly, and in any event, no later than five business days after the firm is notified of its receipt.

CASS 7.4.28 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach should allocate a client entitlement that is client money to the individual client promptly and, in any case, no later than ten business days after notification of receipt.

2

Money due to a client from a firm

CASS 7.4.29 G

Pursuant to the client money segregation requirements, a firm operating the normal approach that is liable to pay money to a client should promptly, and in any event no later than one business day after the money is due and payable, pay the money:

2
  1. (1)

    to, or to the order of, the client; or

  2. (2)

    into a client bank account.

Segregation in different currency

CASS 7.4.30 R

A firm may segregate client money in a different currency from that of receipt. If it does so, the firm must ensure that the amount held is adjusted each day to an amount at least equal to the original currency amount (or the currency in which the firm has its liability to its clients, if different), translated at the previous day's closing spot exchange rate.

CASS 7.4.31 G

The rule on segregation of client money in a different currency (CASS 7.4.30 R) does not apply where the client has instructed the firm to convert the money into and hold it in a different currency.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Part 30 exemption order

CASS 7.4.32 G

[deleted]6

6 4
CASS 7.4.33 G

[deleted]6

2 6
CASS 7.4.34 R

[deleted]6

6
CASS 7.4.35 R

[deleted]6

6
CASS 7.4.36 G

6 CASS 12 contains provisions which are relevant to a firm conducting business pursuant to the Part 30 exemption order.

CASS 7.5 Transfer of client money to a third party

CASS 7.5.1 G

This section sets out the requirements a firm must comply with when it allows another person to hold2client money , other than under CASS 7.4.1 R,2 without discharging its fiduciary duty owed to that client. Such circumstances arise when, for example, a firm passes client money to a clearing house in the form of margin for the firm's obligations to the clearing house that are referable to transactions undertaken by the firm for the relevant clients. They may also arise when a firm passes client money to an intermediate broker for contingent liability investments in the form of initial or variation margin on behalf of a client. Similarly, this section applies where a firm allows a broker to hold client money in respect of the firm'sclient'snon-margined transactions, again without the firm discharging its fiduciary duty to that client.2 In all cases,2 the firm remains responsible for that client'sclient equity balance2 held at the intermediate broker until the contract is terminated and all of that client's positions at that broker closed. If a firm wishes to discharge itself from its fiduciary duty, it should do so in accordance with the rule regarding the discharge of a firm's fiduciary duty to the client (CASS 7.2.15 R).

2 2 2 2
CASS 7.5.2 R

A firm may allow another person, such as an exchange, a clearing house or an intermediate broker, to hold or control client money, but only if:

  1. (1)

    the firm allows that person to hold2 the client money:

    2
    1. (a)

      for the purpose of one or more transactions2 for a client through or with that person; or

      2
    2. (b)

      to meet a client's obligation to provide collateral for a transaction (for example, an initial margin requirement for a contingent liability investment); and

  2. (2)

    in the case of a retail client, that client has been notified that the firm may allow the other personto hold its client money2.

CASS 7.5.2A G

2 2 Client money that a firm allows another person to hold under CASS 7.5.2 R:

  1. (1)

    should only be held for transactions which are likely to occur (and for which the other person needs to receive client money) or have recently settled (and such that the other person has received client money); and

  2. (2)

    should be recorded in client transaction accounts by that other person.

CASS 7.5.3 G

CASS 7.6 Records, accounts and reconciliations

Records and accounts

CASS 7.6.-1 R

3 3Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, the provisions of CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) shall be read as applying separately to the firm'sgeneral pool and each sub-pool in line with CASS 7.19.3 R and CASS 7.19.4 R.

CASS 7.6.1 R

A firm must keep such records and accounts as are necessary to enable it, at any time and without delay, to distinguish client money held for one client from client money held for any other client, and from its own money.

[Note: article 16(1)(a) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

CASS 7.6.2 R

A firm must maintain its records and accounts in a way that ensures their accuracy, and in particular their correspondence to the client money held for clients.

[Note: article 16(1)(b) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

Client entitlements

CASS 7.6.3 G

Pursuant to CASS 7.6.2 R (Records and accounts),2 and where relevant 1SYSC 4.1.1 R (General requirements)2and SYSC 6.1.1 R (Compliance),2 a firm should take reasonable steps to ensure that it2 is notified promptly of any receipt of client money in the form of a client entitlement.

Record keeping

CASS 7.6.4 R

Unless otherwise stated, a3firm must ensure that any record3 made under the client money rules is3 retained for a period of five years starting from the later of:3

3 3 3 3
  1. (1)

    the date it was created; and3

  2. (2)

    (if it has been modified since the date it was created), the date it was most recently modified.3

CASS 7.6.5 G

A firm should ensure that it makes proper records, sufficient to show and explain the firm's transactions and commitments in respect of its client money.

Internal reconciliations of client money balances

CASS 7.6.6 G
  1. (1)

    Carrying out internal reconciliations of records and accounts of the entitlement of each client for whom the firm holds client money with the records and accounts of the client money the firm holds in client bank accounts and client transaction accounts should be one of the steps a firm takes to satisfy its obligations under CASS 7.6.2 R, and where relevant1SYSC 4.1.1 R and SYSC 6.1.1 R.

    1
  2. (2)

    A firm should perform such internal reconciliations:

    1. (a)

      as often as is necessary; and

    2. (b)

      as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the reconciliation relates;

    to ensure the accuracy of the firm's records and accounts.

  3. (3)

    The standard method of internal client money reconciliation sets out a method of reconciliation of client money balances that the FCA believes should be one of the steps that a firm takes when carrying out internal reconciliations of client money.

Non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation

CASS 7.6.6A R
  1. (1)

    3Before using a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation, a firm must:

    1. (a)

      establish and document in writing its reasons for concluding that the method of internal client money reconciliation it proposes to use will:

      1. (i)

        (for the normal approach to segregating client money) check whether the amount of client money recorded in the firm's records as being segregated in client bank accounts meets the firm's obligation to its clients under the client money rules on a daily basis; or

      2. (ii)

        (for the alternative approach to segregating client money) calculate the amount of client money to be segregated in client bank accounts which meets the firm's obligations to its clients under the client money rules on a daily basis;

    2. (b)

      notify the FCA of its intentions to use a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation; and

    3. (c)

      send a written report to the FCA prepared by an independent auditor of the firm in line with a reasonable assurance engagement and stating the matters set out in CASS 7.6.6A R (2).

  2. (2)

    The written report in (1)(c) must state whether in the auditor's opinion:

    1. (a)

      the method of internal client money reconciliation which the firm will use is suitably designed to enable it to (as applicable):

      1. (i)

        (for the normal approach to segregating client money) check whether the amount of client money recorded in the firm's records as being segregated in client bank accounts meets the firm's obligation to its clients under the client money rules on a daily basis; or

      2. (ii)

        (for the alternative approach to segregating client money) calculate the amount of client money to be segregated in client bank accounts which meets the firm's obligations to its clients under the client money rules on a daily basis; and

    2. (b)

      the firm's systems and controls are suitably designed to enable it to carry out the method of internal client money reconciliation the firm will use.

  3. (3)

    A firm using a non-standard method of internal client money reconciliation must not materially change its method of undertaking internal reconciliations of client money balances unless:

    1. (a)

      the firm has established and documented in writing its reasons for concluding that the changed methodology will meet the requirements in (1)(a)(i) and (ii), as applicable;

    2. (b)

      an auditor of the firm has prepared a report that complies with the requirements in (1)(c) and (2) in respect of the firm's proposed changes; and

    3. (c)

      the firm provides a copy of the report prepared by the auditor under (3)(a) to the FCA before implementing the change.

CASS 7.6.6B G

3A firm is reminded that, under SUP 3.4.2 R, it must take reasonable steps to ensure that its auditor has the required skill, resources and experience to perform its function.

CASS 7.6.7 R

[deleted]3

CASS 7.6.8 R

[deleted]3

Reconciliations with external records

CASS 7.6.9 R

A firm must conduct, on a regular basis, reconciliations between its internal accounts and records and those of any third parties by whom client money is held.

[Note: article 16(1)(c) of the MiFID implementing Directive]

Frequency of external reconciliations

CASS 7.6.10 G
  1. (1)

    A firm should perform the required reconciliation of client money balances with external records:

    1. (a)

      as regularly as is necessary; and

    2. (b)

      as soon as reasonably practicable after the date to which the reconciliation relates;

    to ensure the accuracy of its internal accounts and records against those of third parties by whom client money is held.

  2. (2)

    In determining whether the frequency is adequate, the firm should consider the risks which the business is exposed, such as the nature, volume and complexity of the business, and where and with whom the client money is held.

Method of external reconciliations

CASS 7.6.11 G

A method of reconciliation of client money balances with external records that the FCA believes is adequate is when a firm compares:

  1. (1)

    the balance on each client bank account as recorded by the firm with the balance on that account as set out on the statement or other form of confirmation issued by the bank with which those accounts are held; and

  2. (2)

    the balance, currency by currency, on each client transaction account as recorded by the firm, with the balance on that account as set out in the statement or other form of confirmation issued by the person with whom the account is held;

and identifies any discrepancies between them.

CASS 7.6.12 R

Any approved collateral held in accordance with the client money rules must be included within this reconciliation.

Reconciliation discrepancies

CASS 7.6.13 R

When any discrepancy arises as a result of a firm's internal reconciliations, the firm must identify the reason for the discrepancy and ensure that:

  1. (1)

    any shortfall is paid into a client bank account by the close of business on the day that the reconciliation is performed; or

  2. (2)

    any excess is withdrawn within the same time period (but see CASS 7.4.20 G and CASS 7.4.21 R).

CASS 7.6.14 R

When any discrepancy arises as a result of the reconciliation between a firm's internal records and those of third parties that hold client money, the firm must identify the reason for the discrepancy and correct it as soon as possible, unless the discrepancy arises solely as a result of timing differences between the accounting systems of the party providing the statement or confirmation and that of the firm.

CASS 7.6.15 R

While a firm is unable to resolve a difference arising from a reconciliation between a firm's internal records and those of third parties that hold client money, and one record or a set of records examined by the firm during its reconciliation indicates that there is a need to have a greater amount of client money or approved collateral than is in fact the case, the firm must assume, until the matter is finally resolved, that the record or set of records is accurate and pay its own money into a relevant account.

Notification requirements

CASS 7.6.16 R

A firm must inform the FCA in writing without delay:

  1. (1)

    if it has not complied with, or is unable, in any material respect, to comply with the requirements in CASS 7.6.1 R, CASS 7.6.2 R or CASS 7.6.9 R;

  2. (2)

    if having carried out a reconciliation it has not complied with, or is unable, in any material respect, to comply with CASS 7.6.13 R to CASS 7.6.15 R.

Audit of compliance with the MiFID client money rules

CASS 7.6.17 G

Firms are reminded that the auditor of the firm has to confirm in the report submitted to the FCA under SUP 3.10 (Duties of auditors: notification and report on client assets) that the firm has maintained systems adequate to enable it to comply with the client money rules.

CASS 7.6.18 G

Firms that do not adopt the normal approach are reminded that the firm's auditor must confirm to the FCA in writing that the firm has in place systems and controls which are adequate to enable it to operate the alternative approach effectively (see CASS 7.4.15 R).

CASS 7.6.19 G

Firms that do not use the standard method of internal client money reconciliation are reminded that the firm's auditor must confirm to the FCA in writing that the firm has in place systems and controls which are adequate to enable it to use another method effectively (see CASS 7.6.8 R).

CASS 7.7 Statutory trust

CASS 7.7.1 G

3Section 137B(1) of the Act (Miscellaneous ancillary matters) provides that rules may make provision which result in client money being held by a firm on trust (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) or as agent (Scotland only). This section creates a fiduciary relationship between the firm and its client under which client money is in the legal ownership of the firm but remains in the beneficial ownership of the client. In the event of failure of the firm, costs relating to the distribution of client money may have to be borne by the trust.

Requirement

CASS 7.7.2 R

Subject to CASS 7.7.3 R in respect of a trustee firm, a3firm receives and holds client money as trustee on the following terms:

3 3
  1. (1)

    for the purposes of and on the terms of the client money rules and the client money distribution rules;

    1
  2. (2) 3
    1. (a)

      where a firm maintains only a general pool of client money, subject to (4), for the clients (other than clients which are insurance undertakings when acting as such with respect to client money received in the course of insurance mediation activity and that was opted in to this chapter) for whom that money is held, according to their respective interests in it;3

    2. (b)

      where a firm has established one or more pools of client money, subject to (4):3

      1. (i)

        the general pool is held for all the clients of the firm for whom the firm holds client money (other than clients which are insurance undertakings when acting as such with respect to client money received in the course of insurance mediation activity and that was opted in to this chapter) according to their respective interests in it; and3

      2. (ii)

        each sub-pool is for the clients of the firm who are beneficiaries of the sub-pool in question accordance with CASS 7.19.6 R (2), according to their respective interests in it;3

  3. (3)

    after all valid claims in (2) have been met, for clients which are insurance undertakings with respect of client money received in the course of insurance mediation activity according to their respective interests in it;

  4. (4)

    for the payment of the costs properly attributable to the distribution of the client money in accordance with (2) if such distribution takes place following the failure of the firm3; and

    3
  5. (5)

    after all valid claims and costs under (2) to (4) have been met, for the firm itself.

CASS 7.7.3 R

1A trustee firm which is subject to the client money rules by virtue of CASS 7.1.1A R (2)4 receives and holds client money as trustee on the terms in CASS 7.7.2 R, subject to its obligations to hold client money as trustee under the relevant instrument of trust.3

3
CASS 7.7.4 G

1If a trustee firm holds client money the firm should follow the provisions in CASS 7.1.15E R to CASS 7.1.15L G3.

3

CASS 7.8 4 Acknowledgment letters4

Purpose

CASS 7.8.-1 G

4The main purposes of an acknowledgement letter are:

  1. (1)

    to put the bank, exchange, clearing house, intermediate broker, OTC counterparty or other person (as the case may be) on notice of a firm'sclients' interests in client money that has been deposited with, or has been allowed to be held by, such person;

  2. (2)

    to ensure that the client bank account or client transaction account has been opened in the correct form (eg whether the client bank account is being correctly opened as a general client bank account, a designated client bank account or a designated client fund account), and is distinguished from any account containing money that belongs to the firm; and

  3. (3)

    to ensure that the bank, exchange, clearing house, intermediate broker, OTC counterparty or other person (as the case may be) understands and agrees that it will not have any recourse or right against money standing to the credit of the client bank account or client transaction account, in respect of any sum owed to such person, or to any other third person, on any other account.

Client bank account acknowledgment letters

CASS 7.8.1 R
  1. (1)

    For each4client bank account, a4firm must, in accordance with CASS 7.8.5 R, complete and sign a client bank account acknowledgement letter clearly identifying the client bank account, and send it4 to the bank with whom the client bank account is, or will be, opened,4 requesting the bank to acknowledgeand agree to the terms of the letter by countersigning it and returning it to the firm.4

    4444
  2. (2)

    Subject to CASS 7.8.13 R and CASS 7.8.14 R, a firm must not hold or receive any client money in or into a client bank account unless it has received a duly countersigned client bank account acknowledgement letter from the relevant bank that has not been inappropriately redrafted (see CASS 7.8.7 R) and clearly identifies the client bank account.4

    4

1Client transaction account acknowledgement letters4

CASS 7.8.2 R
  1. (1)

    This rule does not apply to a firm to which CASS 7.8.3 R (1) applies.4

    4
  2. (2)

    For each client transaction account, a firm must, in accordance with CASS 7.8.5 R, complete and sign a client transaction account acknowledgement letter clearly identifying the client transaction account. That letter must be sent to the person with whom the client transaction account is, or will be, opened, requesting such person to acknowledge and agree to the terms of the letter by countersigning it and returning it to the firm.4

    24
  3. (3)

    Subject to CASS 7.8.13 R and CASS 7.8.14 R, a firm must not allow the relevant person to hold any client money in a client transaction account maintained by that person for the firm unless the firm has received a duly countersigned client transaction account acknowledgement letter from that person that has not been inappropriately redrafted (see CASS 7.8.7 R) and that clearly identifies the client transaction account.4

Authorised central counterparty acknowledgment letters

CASS 7.8.3 R
  1. (1)

    4A firm which places client money at an authorised central counterparty in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement must, in accordance with CASS 7.8.5 R, complete and sign an authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter clearly identifying the relevant client transaction account. That letter must be sent to the authorised central counterparty with whom the client transaction account is, or will be, opened, requesting such authorised central counterparty to acknowledge receipt of the letter by countersigning it and returning it to the firm.

  2. (2)

    A firm which has complied with CASS 7.8.3 R (1) may allow the authorised central counterparty to hold client money on the relevant client transaction account, whether or not the authorised central counterparty has countersigned and returned the authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter it received from the firm.

Acknowledgement letters in general

CASS 7.8.4 G

4In drafting acknowledgement letters under CASS 7.8.1 R, CASS 7.8.2 R or CASS 7.8.3 R, a firm is required to use the relevant template in CASS 7 Annex 2, CASS 7 Annex 3 or CASS 7 Annex 4, respectively.

CASS 7.8.5 R

4When completing an acknowledgement letter under CASS 7.8.1 R (1), CASS 7.8.2 R (1) or CASS 7.8.3 R (1), a firm:

  1. (1)

    must not amend any of the acknowledgement letter fixed text;

  2. (2)

    subject to (3), must ensure the acknowledgement letter variable text is removed, included or amended as appropriate; and

  3. (3)

    must not amend any of the acknowledgement letter variable text in a way that would alter or otherwise change the meaning of the acknowledgement letter fixed text.

CASS 7.8.6 G

4 CASS 7 Annex 5 contains guidance on using the template acknowledgement letters, including when and how firms should amend the acknowledgement letter variable text that is in square brackets.

CASS 7.8.7 R
  1. (1)

    4If, on countersigning and returning the acknowledgement letter to a firm, the relevant person has also:

    1. (a)

      made amendments to any of the acknowledgement letter fixed text; or

    2. (b)

      made amendments to any of the acknowledgement letter variable text in a way that would alter or otherwise change the meaning of the acknowledgement letter fixed text;

    the acknowledgement letter will have been inappropriately redrafted for the purposes of CASS 7.8.1 R (2) or CASS 7.8.2 R (3) (as applicable).

  2. (2)

    For the purposes of CASS 7.8.1 R (2) or CASS 7.8.2 R (3), amendments made to the acknowledgement letter variable text in the acknowledgement letter returned to a firm by the relevant person, will not have the result that the letter has been inappropriately redrafted if those amendments do not affect the meaning of the acknowledgement letter fixed text, have been specifically agreed with the firm and do not cause the acknowledgement letter to be inaccurate.

CASS 7.8.8 R

4A firm must use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any individual that has countersigned an acknowledgement letter that has been returned to the firm was authorised to countersign the letter on behalf of the relevant person.

CASS 7.8.9 R
  1. (1)

    4A firm must retain each countersigned client bank account acknowledgement letter and client transaction account acknowledgement letter it receives, from the date of receipt until the expiry of five years from the date on which the last client bank account or client transaction account to which the acknowledgement letter relates is closed.

  2. (2)

    A firm must retain a copy of each authorised central counterparty acknowledgment letter it sends to an authorised central counterparty under CASS 7.8.3 R (1) from the date it was sent until the expiry of five years from the date the last client transaction account to which the acknowledgement letter relates is closed.

CASS 7.8.10 R

4A firm must also retain any other documentation or evidence it believes is necessary to demonstrate that it has complied with each of the applicable requirements in this section (such as any evidence it has obtained to ensure that the individual that has countersigned an acknowledgement letter returned to the firm was authorised to countersign the letter on behalf of the relevant person).

CASS 7.8.11 R
  1. (1)

    4This rule applies to:

    1. (a)

      any countersigned client bank account acknowledgement letter or client transaction account acknowledgement letter received by a firm under CASS 7.8.1 R (2) or CASS 7.8.2 R (3) respectively; and

    2. (b)

      any authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter sent by a firm under CASS 7.8.3 R (1), whether or not it has been countersigned by the relevant authorised central counterparty and received by the firm.

  2. (2)

    A firm must, periodically (at least annually and whenever it is aware that something referred to in an acknowledgement letter has changed) review each of its acknowledgement letters to ensure that they all remain accurate.

  3. (3)

    Whenever a firm finds an inaccuracy in an acknowledgement letter, it must promptly draw up a replacement acknowledgement letter under CASS 7.8.1 R, CASS 7.8.2 R or CASS 7.8.3 R, as applicable, and, if it is an acknowledgement letter required to be sent under CASS 7.8.1 R or CASS 7.8.2 R, ensure that the new acknowledgement letter is duly countersigned and returned by the relevant person.

CASS 7.8.12 G

4Under CASS 7.8.11 R, a firm should draw up and send out a replacement acknowledgement letter whenever:

  1. (1)

    there has been a change in any of the parties' names or addresses as set out in the letter; or

  2. (2)

    the firm becomes aware of an error or misspelling in the drafting of the letter.

CASS 7.8.13 R

4If a firm'sclient bank account or client transaction account is transferred to another person, the firm must promptly draw up a new acknowledgement letter under CASS 7.8.1 R, CASS 7.8.2 R or CASS 7.8.3 R, as applicable, and, if it is an acknowledgement letter required to be sent under CASS 7.8.1 R or CASS 7.8.2 R, ensure that the new acknowledgement letter is duly countersigned and returned by the relevant person within 20 business days of the firm sending it to that person.

CASS 7.8.14 R

4If a firm opens a client bank account after a primary pooling event, the firm must:

  1. (1)

    promptly draw up and send out a new acknowledgement letter under CASS 7.8.1 R;

  2. (2)

    not hold or receive any client money in or into the client bank account unless it has sent the acknowledgement letter to the relevant person; and

  3. (3)

    if the firm has not received a duly countersigned acknowledgement letter that has not been inappropriately redrafted (see CASS 7.8.7 R) within 20 business days of the firm sending the acknowledgement letter, withdraw all money standing to the credit of the account and deposit it in a client bank account with another bank as soon as possible; and

CASS 7.19 Clearing member client money sub-pools

CASS 7.19.1 G RP
  1. (1)

    1Under CASS 7.7.2 R (2), a firm acts as trustee for all client money received or held by it for the benefit of the clients for whom that client money is held, according to their respective interests in it.

  2. (2)

    A firm that is also a clearing member of an authorised central counterparty may wish to segregate client money specifically for the benefit of a group of clients who have chosen to clear positions through a net margined omnibus client account maintained by the firm with that authorised central counterparty, where that segregation might facilitate the porting of client positions recorded in that net margined omnibus client account. To segregate client money (that would otherwise be held in the general pool) for a specific group of clients clearing positions through a particular net margined omnibus client account, a clearing memberfirm may, in accordance with these rules, create a sub-pool of client money.

  3. (3)

    Upon the occurrence of a primary pooling event, the client money for:

    1. (a)

      the general pool, should be distributed in accordance with CASS 7A to the clients for whom the firm receives or holds client money in that general pool; and

    2. (b)

      a sub-pool, should either be:

      1. (i)

        transferred to facilitate porting; or

      2. (ii)

        distributed to the clients who are beneficiaries of that sub-pool, according to their respective interests under CASS 7A.2.4R (2)(a).

  4. (4)

    All client money is received or held by the firm as trustee for the clients of the firm. However, a clearing member of an authorised central counterparty who clears client positions through a net margined omnibus client account may organise its affairs (with the consent of the relevant clients) in such a way that those clients need not share in the general pool of client money following a primary pooling event, save to the extent that such clients otherwise have an interest in the general pool.

CASS 7.19.2 R RP

Where a firm creates a sub-pool for a particular net margined omnibus client account, it must not clear positions through that omnibus client account for clients who are not beneficiaries of that sub-pool.

Internal controls

CASS 7.19.3 R RP

A firm wishing to establish a sub-pool must establish and maintain adequate internal controls necessary to comply with the firm's obligations under CASS 7 for the general pool and each sub-pool that it may establish.

Records

CASS 7.19.4 R RP

Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) shall be read as applying separately to the firm'sgeneral pool and each sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.5 G RP

A firm that establishes one or more sub-pools must establish and maintain adequate internal controls and records in accordance with CASS 7.6 (Records, accounts and reconciliations) to conduct internal and external reconciliations for each sub-pool and the general pool individually.

CASS 7.19.6 R RP
  1. (1)

    The records maintained for a sub-pool under CASS 7.19.4 R must identify all the client beneficiaries of that sub-pool.

  2. (2)

    The beneficiaries of each sub-pool are those clients:

    1. (a)

      from whom the firm has received a signed sub-pool disclosure document in accordance with CASS 7.19.11 R;

    2. (b)

      for whom the firm maintains, previously maintained or is in the process of establishing a margined transaction(s) in the relevant net margined omnibus client account at the authorised central counterparty; and

    3. (c)

      to whom any client equity balance or other client money is required to be segregated for the client by the firm in respect of the margined transactions under (2)(b) from that sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.7 R RP
  1. (1)

    For each sub-pool that the firm establishes, it must maintain a record of:

    1. (a)

      the name of the sub-pool;

    2. (b)

      the particular net margined omnibus client account at an authorised central counterparty to which the sub-pool relates;

    3. (c)

      each client bank account and each client transaction account (other than the net margined omnibus client account) maintained for the sub-pool, including the unique identifying reference or descriptor under CASS 7.19.13 R (2); and

    4. (d)

      the applicable sub-pool disclosure document for the sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.8 R RP

The firm must maintain an up-to-date list of all the sub-pools it has created.

Sub-pool disclosure document

CASS 7.19.9 R RP
  1. (1)

    A firm wishing to establish a sub-pool must prepare a sub-pool disclosure document for each sub-pool.

  2. (2)

    The sub-pool disclosure document for each sub-pool must:

    1. (a)

      identify the sub-pool by name, as stated in its records under CASS 7.19.7 R, the net margined omnibus client account and the authorised central counterparty to which the sub-pool disclosure document relates;

    2. (b)

      contain a statement that the client consents to the firm receiving and holding the client'sclient money in the sub-pool;

    3. (c)

      contain a statement that, in the event of the failure of the firm, the firm is directed by the client to use any client money held by the firm in the sub-pool to facilitate the porting of the positions recorded in that net margined omnibus client account; and

    4. (d)

      a statement reminding the client that, in the event of the failure of the firm, if porting is not effected or if porting is effected but any money in the sub-pool is not used to facilitate porting, the client beneficiaries of the sub-pool will be entitled to a distribution of any client money held for that sub-pool in line with CASS 7A. However, the client beneficiaries will not have a claim on any other pool of client money, except to the extent that the client is a beneficiary of another pool.

CASS 7.19.10 G RP

In preparing a sub-pool disclosure document under CASS 7.19.9 R (1), a firm may use the template in CASS 7 Annex 6.

CASS 7.19.11 R RP
  1. (1)

    Before receiving or holding client money for a client for a sub-pool, a firm must:

    1. (a)

      provide to the client a copy of the sub-pool disclosure document applicable to that sub-pool; and

    2. (b)

      obtain a signed copy of that sub-pool disclosure document from the client.

  2. (2)

    A firm must provide the beneficiary of a sub-pool with a copy of its signed sub-pool disclosure document applicable to that sub-pool upon the beneficiary's request.

Segregation and operation of sub-pools

CASS 7.19.12 R RP

Where a firm establishes one or more sub-pools, CASS 7.4 (Segregation of client money) shall be read as applying separately to the firm'sgeneral pool and each sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.13 R RP
  1. (1)

    A firm must not hold client money for a sub-pool in a client bank account or a client transaction account used for holding client money for any other sub-pool or the general pool.

  2. (2)

    A firm that establishes a sub-pool must ensure that the name of each client bank account and each client transaction account (other than the net margined omnibus client account) maintained for that sub-pool includes a unique identifying reference or descriptor that enables the account to be identified with that sub-pool.

  3. (3)

    Where a client of the firm is a beneficiary of the general pool and wishes to become a beneficiary of a sub-pool, the client in question shall become a beneficiary of the relevant sub-pool when :

    1. (a)

      the firm has obtained the signed sub-pool disclosure document from that client in accordance with CASS 7.19.11 R (1); and

    2. (b)

      the firm has either:

      1. (i)

        transferred the relevant amount of client money for that client from a client bank account maintained for the general pool to a client bank account maintained for the relevant sub-pool; or

      2. (ii)

        if the firm is not making a transfer of client money from the general pool, when it has received that client's money in a client bank account maintained for the relevant sub-pool.

  4. (4)

    Where a client of the firm is a beneficiary of the general pool and wishes to become a beneficiary of a sub-pool, the firm must ensure that it does not transfer client money from a client bank account maintained for the general pool to a client bank account maintained for a sub-pool in accordance with CASS 7.19.13 R (3)(b)(i), unless the amount of client money held for the general pool is sufficient, immediately after that transfer, to satisfy the firm'sclient money obligations to the remaining beneficiaries of the general pool.

  5. (5)

    A client of the firm who is a beneficiary of a sub-pool ceases to be a beneficiary of that sub-pool when:

    1. (a)

      the firm has settled the amount owing to that client for all of the margined transactions cleared through the related net margined omnibus client account and no longer holds any client money for that client in that sub-pool, and so CASS 7.19.6 R (2)(b) and CASS 7.19.6 R (2)(c) no longer apply for that client; or

    2. (b)

      the firm has complied with (i) or (ii), and in either case (iii):

      1. (i)

        the firm has received a written instruction from the client stating that the client no longer wishes to have its positions cleared through the net margined omnibus client account or its client money held in that sub-pool, or the firm has notified the client under CASS 7.19.18 R that it is making a material change to a sub-pool; or

      2. (ii)

        the firm has closed or moved that client's positions to an account other than the net margined omnibus client account referable to that sub-pool; and

      3. (iii)

        the firm has either transferred the relevant amount of client money for that client from a client bank account maintained for the relevant sub-pool to a client bank account maintained by the firm for the general pool (or, if applicable, another sub-pool), or transferred the amount owing to that client for all of the margined transactions cleared through the related net margined omnibus client account and no longer holds any client money for that client in that sub-pool.

  6. (6)

    In relation to the transfer of client money under CASS 7.19.13 R (5)(b)(iii), a firm must ensure that it does not transfer client money from a client bank account maintained for a sub-pool, unless the amount of client money held for the sub-pool is sufficient, immediately after that transfer, to satisfy the firm'sclient money obligations to the remaining beneficiaries of that sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.14 R RP

1A firm that receives client money to be credited in part to the general pool or one sub-pool and in part to another sub-pool must:

  1. (1)

    take the necessary steps to ensure that the full sum is paid directly into a client bank account maintained for the general pool; and

  2. (2)

    promptly, and in any event no later than one business day after receipt, pay the money that is not client money for the general pool out of that client bank account and into a client bank account maintained for the appropriate sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.15 G RP
  1. (1)

    If a primary pooling event occurs before client money is transferred from a client bank account maintained for the general pool to a client bank account maintained for the appropriate sub-pool in accordance with CASS 7.19.14 R (2), the amount in question will not form part of that sub-pool, including for the purposes of CASS 7A.2.4R (1).

  2. (2)

    If a primary pooling event occurs before client money is transferred from a client bank account maintained for a sub-pool to a client bank account maintained for the general pool or another sub-pool in accordance with CASS 7.19.13 R (5), the amount in question will not form part of the general pool or that other sub-pool, including for the purposes of CASS 7A.2.4R (1), but will remain part of the original sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.16 R RP

A client for whom a firm receives or holds client money for a sub-pool has no claim to or interest in client money received or held for the general pool or any other sub-pool unless:

  1. (1)

    that client is a beneficiary of that other sub-pool; or

  2. (2)

    the firm receives or holds client money for that client for other business which does not relate to any sub-pool (and thus the client is a beneficiary of the firm'sgeneral pool).

CASS 7.19.17 R RP

A client for whom a firm receives or holds client money in more than one pool as described in CASS 7.19.16 R (1) and/or CASS 7.19.16 R (2) has an interest in a distribution from each such pool, and each interest is separate and distinct.

Material changes to sub-pools

CASS 7.19.18 R RP

Before making a material change to a sub-pool, a firm must:

  1. (1)

    notify the then current beneficiaries of that sub-pool in writing, not less than two months before the date on which the firm intends the change to take effect; and

  2. (2)

    include in the notification an explanation of the consequences for the beneficiaries of the proposed change and the options available to them, such as the option of a beneficiary of the affected sub-pool to cease to be a beneficiary of that sub-pool and to become a beneficiary of the firm'sgeneral pool or, if applicable, another sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.19 G RP

A firm should keep in mind its obligations under CASS 7.19.11 R (1)(b) (before receiving or holding client money for a client in a sub-pool, a firm must obtain a signed copy of the sub-pool disclosure document from the client) when making a material change to a sub-pool. A firm is also reminded of the conditions under CASS 7.19.13 R (5)(b) (when a client of the firm who is a beneficiary of a sub-pool ceases to be a beneficiary of that sub-pool) if a material change proposed to a sub-pool results in a client ceasing to be a beneficiary of that sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.20 G RP

The FCA would normally consider the dissolution of a sub-pool, such that the firm no longer operates the sub-pool or no longer uses the relevant net margined omnibus client account or transfers the business to another authorised central counterparty, to be examples of material changes to a sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.21 R RP

Before materially changing a sub-pool, a firm must provide a copy of the notice provided to clients under CASS 7.19.18 R R to the FCA not less than two months before the date on which the firm intends the change to take place.

Notifications

CASS 7.19.22 R RP

A firm that wishes to establish a sub-pool of client money must notify the FCA in writing not less than two months before the date on which the firm intends to receive or hold client money for that sub-pool.

CASS 7.19.23 R RP

Upon request, a firm must deliver to the FCA a copy of the sub-pool disclosure document for any sub-pool established by the firm.

CASS 7.19.24 R RP

A firm must inform the FCA in writing, without delay, if it has not complied, or is unable to comply with the requirements in CASS 7.19.11 R or the requirements in CASS 7.19.18 R.

Record-keeping

CASS 7.19.25 R RP

The records maintained under this section, including the sub-pool disclosure documents, are a record of the firm that must be kept in a durable medium for at least five years following the date on which client money was last held by the firm for a sub-pool to which those records or the sub-pool disclosure document applied.

CASS 7 Annex 1 Annex 1

G

4As explained in CASS 7.6.6 G, in complying with its obligations under CASS 7.6.2 R (Records and accounts), and where relevant 2SYSC 4.1.1 R (General organisational requirements) and SYSC 6.1.1 R (Compliance), a firm should carry out internal reconciliations of records and accounts of client money the firm holds in client bank accounts and client transaction accounts. This Annex sets out a method of reconciliation that the FCA believes is appropriate for these purposes (the standard method of internal client money reconciliation).

  1. 1. Each business day, a firm that adopts the normal approach (see CASS 7.4.17 G) should check whether its client money resource, being the aggregate balance on the firm'sclient bank accounts, as at the close of business on the previous business day, was at least equal to the client money requirement, as defined in paragraph 6 below, as at the close of business on that day.

  2. 2. Each business day, a firm that adopts the alternative approach (see CASS 7.4.18 G) should ensure that its client money resource, being the aggregate balance on the firm'sclient bank accounts, as at the close of business on that business day is at least equal to the client money requirement, as defined in paragraph 6 below, as at the close of business on the previous business day.

  3. 3. No excess or shortfall should arise when adopting the alternative approach.

  4. 4. If a firm is operating the alternative approach and draws a cheque on its own bank account, it will be expected to account for those cheques that have not yet cleared when performing its reconciliations of records and accounts under paragraph 2. An historic average estimate of uncleared cheques may be used to satisfy this obligation (see CASS 7.4.19 G (3)).

  5. 5. For the purposes of performing its reconciliations of records and accounts under paragraphs 1 or 2, a firm should use the values contained in its accounting records, for example its cash book, rather than values contained in statements received from its banks and other third parties.

Client money requirement

  1. 6. The client money requirement is either(1) or (2), except that for a firm whose designated investment business includes operating an electronic system in relation to lending it is only (2):3

    1. (1) (subject to paragraph 18) the sum of, for all clients:

      1. (a) the individual client balances calculated in accordance with paragraph 7, excluding:

        1. (i) individual client balances which are negative (that is, debtors); and

        2. (ii) clients' equity balances; and

      2. (b) the total margined transaction requirement calculated in accordance with paragraph 14;

        4
    2. (2) the sum of:

      1. (a) for each client bank account:

        1. (i) the amount which the firm's records show as held on that account; and

        2. (ii) an amount that offsets each negative net amount which the firm's records show attributed to that account for an individual client; and

    3. (b) the total margined transaction requirement calculated in accordance with paragraph 14.

General transactions

7. The individual client balance for each client should be calculated in accordance with this table:

    Individual client balance calculation

    Free money (no trades) and

    A

    sale proceeds due to the client:

    (a)

    in respect of principal deals when the client has delivered the designated investments; and

    B

    (b)

    in respect of agency deals, when either:

    (i)

    the sale proceeds have been received by the firm and the client has delivered the designated investments; or

    C1

    (ii)

    the firm holds the designated investments for the client; and

    C2

    the cost of purchases:

    (c)

    in respect of principal deals, paid for by the client but the firm has not delivered the designated investments to the client; and

    D

    (d)

    in respect of agency deals, paid for by the client when either:

    (i)

    the firm has not remitted the money to, or to the order of, the counterparty; or

    E1

    (ii)

    the designated investments have been received by the firm but have not been delivered to the client;

    E2

    Less

    money owed by the client in respect of unpaid purchases by or for the client if delivery of those designated investments has been made to the client; and

    F

    Proceeds remitted to the client in respect of sales transactions by or for the client if the client has not delivered the designated investments.

    G

    Individual Client Balance 'X' = (A+B+C1+C2+D+E1+E2)-F-G

    X

  1. 8. A firm should calculate the individual client balance using the contract value of any client purchases or sales.

  2. 9. A firm may choose to segregate designated investments instead of the value identified in paragraph 7 (except E1) if it ensures that the designated investments are held in such a manner that the firm cannot use them for its own purposes.

  3. 10. Segregation in the context of paragraph 9 can take many forms, including the holding of a safe custody investment in a nominee name and the safekeeping of certificates evidencing title in a fire resistant safe. It is not the intention that all the custody rules in the custody chapter2 should be applied to designated investments held in the course of settlement.

    2
  4. 11. In determining the client money requirement under paragraph 6, a firm need not include money held in accordance with CASS 7.2.8 R (Delivery versus payment transaction).

  5. 12. In determining the client money requirement under paragraph 6, a firm:

    1. (1) should include dividends received and interest earned and allocated;

    2. (2) may deduct outstanding fees, calls, rights and interest charges and other amounts owed by the client which are due and payable to the firm (see CASS 7.2.9 R);

    3. (3) need not include client money in the form of client entitlements which are not required to be segregated (see CASS 7.4.27 G) nor include client money forwarded to the firm by its appointed representatives, tied agents, 1field representatives and other agents, but not received (see CASS 7.4.24 G);

    4. (4) should take into account any client money arising from CASS 7.6.13 R (Reconciliation discrepancies); and

    5. (5) should include any unallocated client money.

Equity balance

  1. 13. A firm's equity balance, whether with an exchange, intermediate broker or OTC counterparty, is the amount which the firm would be liable to pay to the exchange, intermediate broker or OTC counterparty (or vice-versa) in respect of the firm'smargined transactions if each of the open positions of the firm'sclients was liquidated at the closing or settlement prices published by the relevant exchange or other appropriate pricing source and the firm's account with the exchange, intermediate broker or OTC counterparty is closed.

Margined transaction requirement

  1. 14. The total margined transaction requirement is:

    1. (1) the sum of each of the client's equity balances which are positive;

    Less

    1. (2) the proportion of any individual negative client equity balance which is secured by approved collateral; and

    2. (3) the net aggregate of the firm's equity balance (negative balances being deducted from positive balances) on transaction accounts for customers with exchanges, clearing houses, intermediate brokers and OTC counterparties.

  2. 15. To meet a shortfall that has arisen in respect of the requirement in paragraph 6(1)(b) or 6(2)(b), a firm may utilise its own approved collateral provided it is held on terms specifying when it is to be realised for the benefit of clients, it is clearly identifiable from the firm's own property and the relevant terms are evidenced in writing by the firm. In addition, the proceeds of the sale of that collateral should be paid into a client bank account.

  3. 16. If a firm's total margined transaction requirement is negative, the firm should treat it as zero for the purposes of calculating its client money requirement.

  4. 17. The terms 'client equity balance' and 'firm's equity balance' in paragraph 13 refer to cash values and do not include non-cash collateral or other designated investments held in respect of a margined transaction.

  5. 17A. A firm with a Part 30 exemption order which also operates an LME bond arrangement for the benefit of US-resident investors, should exclude the client equity balances for transactions undertaken on the London Metal Exchange on behalf of those US-resident investors from the calculation of the margined transaction requirement.1

Reduced client money requirement option

  1. 18.

    1. (1) When, in respect of a client, there is a positive individual client balance and a negative client equity balance, a firm may offset the credit against the debit and hence have a reduced individual client balance in paragraph 7 for that client.

    2. (2) When, in respect of a client, there is a negative individual client balance and a positive client equity balance, a firm may offset the credit against the debit and hence have a reduced client equity balance in paragraph 14 for that client.

  2. 19. The effect of paragraph 18 is to allow a firm to offset, on a client by client basis, a negative amount with a positive amount arising out of the calculations in paragraphs 7 and 14, and, by so doing, reduce the amount the firm is required to segregate.

CASS 7 Annex 2 Client bank account acknowledgment letter template

R

[letterhead of firm subject toCASS 7.8.1 R, including full name and address of firm]

[name and address of bank]

[date]

Client Money Acknowledgment Letter (pursuant to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority)

We refer to the following [current/deposit account[s]] [and/or] [money market deposit[s]] which [name of CASS firm], regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number [FRN]), ("us", "we" or "our") [has opened or will open] [and/or] [has deposited or will deposit] with [name of bank] ("you" or "your"):

[insert the account title[s], the account unique identifier[s] (for example, as relevant, sort code and account number, deposit number or reference code) and (if applicable) any abbreviated name of the account[s] as reflected in the bank's systems]

([collectively,] the "Client Bank Account[s]").

In relation to [each of] the Client Bank Account[s] identified above you acknowledge that we have notified you that:

  1. (a) we are under an obligation to keep money we hold belonging to our clients separate from our own money;

  2. (b) we have opened, or will open, the Client Bank Account for the purpose of depositing money with you on behalf of our clients; and

  3. (c) we hold all money standing to the credit of the Client Bank Account in our capacity as trustee under the laws applicable to us.

In relation to [each of] the Client Bank Account[s] above you agree that:

  1. (d) you do not have any recourse or right against money in the Client Bank Account in respect of any sum owed to you, or owed to any third party, on any other account (including any account we use for our own money), and this means for example that you do not have any right to combine the Client Bank Account with any other account and any right of set-off or counterclaim against money in the Client Bank Account;

  2. (e) you will title, or have titled, the Client Bank Account as stated above and that such title is different to the title of any other account containing money that belongs to us or to any third party; and

  3. (f) you are required to release on demand all money standing to the credit of the Client Bank Account upon proper notice and instruction from us or a liquidator, receiver, administrator, or trustee (or similar person) appointed for us in bankruptcy (or similar procedure), in any relevant jurisdiction, except for:

    1. (1) any properly incurred charges or liabilities owed to you on, and arising from the operation of, the Client Bank Account; and

    2. (2) until the fixed term expires, any amounts held for the time being under a fixed term deposit arrangement which cannot be terminated before the expiry of the fixed term,

    provided that you have a contractual right to retain such money under (1) or (2) and that this right is notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (c) above and without breach of your agreement to paragraph (d) above.

We acknowledge that:

  1. (g) you are not responsible for ensuring compliance by us with our own obligations, including as trustee, in respect of the Client Bank Account[s].

You and we agree that:

  1. (h) the terms of this letter shall remain binding upon the parties, their successors and assigns, and, for the avoidance of doubt, regardless of any change in name of any party;

  2. (i) this letter supersedes and replaces any previous agreement between the parties in connection with the Client Bank Account[s], to the extent that such previous agreement is inconsistent with this letter;

  3. (j) in the event of any conflict between this letter and any other agreement between the parties in connection with the Client Bank Account[s], this letter agreement shall prevail;

  4. (k) no variation to the terms of this letter shall be effective unless it is in writing, signed by the parties and permitted under the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority;

  5. (l) this letter shall be governed by the laws of [insert appropriate jurisdiction] [firms may optionally use this space to insert additional wording to record an intention to exclude any rules of private international law that could lead to the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction]; and

  6. (m) the courts of [insert same jurisdiction as previous] shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this letter or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter as soon as possible. We remind you that, pursuant to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, we are not allowed to use the Client Bank Account[s] to deposit any money belonging to our clients with you until you have acknowledged and agreed to the terms of this letter.

For and on behalf of [name of CASS firm]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

[Signed by [name of third party administrator] on behalf of [CASS firm]]

Print Name:

Title:

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

For and on behalf of [name of bank]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

Contact Information: [insert signatory's phone number and email address]

Date:

CASS 7 Annex 3 Client transaction account acknowledgment letter template

R

[letterhead of firm subject toCASS 7.8.2 R, including full name and address of firm]

[name and address of counterparty]

[date]

Client Money Acknowledgment Letter (pursuant to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority)

We refer to the following transaction account[s] which [name of CASS firm], regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number [FRN]), ("us", "we" or "our") has opened or will open with [name of counterparty] ("you" or "your"):

[insert the account title[s], the account unique identifier[s] (for example, as relevant, account number, reference code or pool ID) and (if applicable) any abbreviated name of the account[s] as reflected in the counterparty's systems]

([collectively,] the "Client Transaction Account[s]").

In relation to [each of] the Client Transaction Account[s] identified above you acknowledge that we have notified you that:

  1. (a) we are under an obligation to keep money we hold belonging to our clients separate from our own money;

  2. (b) we have opened, or will open, the Client Transaction Account for the purpose of placing money with you on behalf of our clients in connection with carrying out one or more transactions with or through you; and

  3. (c) you are instructed to promptly credit to this Client Transaction Account any money you receive in respect of any transaction that we have notified to you as being carried out on behalf of our clients.

In relation to [each of] the Client Transaction Account[s] identified above you agree that:

  1. (d) all money standing to the credit of the Client Transaction Account is payable to us in our capacity as trustee under the laws applicable to us[, except where, in accordance with your default management procedures in respect of a default by us, you transfer money credited to the Client Transaction Account to anyone other than us in accordance with articles 4(4) or 4(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 149/2013 of 19 December 2012];

  2. (e) you do not have any recourse or right against money credited to the Client Transaction Account in respect of any sum owed to you, or owed to any third party, on any other account (including any account we use for our own money), and this means for example that you do not have any right to combine the Client Transaction Account with any other account and any right of set-off or counterclaim against money in the Client Transaction Account; and

  3. (f) you will title, or have titled, the Client Transaction Account as stated above and that such title is different to the title of any other account containing money that is payable to us in a capacity other than as trustee or that is payable to any third party.

You and we agree that:

  1. (g) the terms of this letter shall remain binding upon the parties, their successors and assigns, and, for the avoidance of doubt, regardless of any change in name of any party;

  2. (h) this letter supersedes and replaces any previous agreement between the parties in connection with the Client Transaction Account[s], to the extent that such previous agreement is inconsistent with this letter;

  3. (i) in the event of any conflict between this letter and any other agreement between the parties in connection with the Client Transaction Account[s], this letter agreement shall prevail;

  4. (j) no variation to the terms of this letter shall be effective unless it is in writing, signed by the parties and permitted under the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority;

  5. (k) this letter shall be governed by the laws of [insert appropriate jurisdiction] [firms may optionally use this space to insert additional wording to record an intention to exclude any rules of private international law that could lead to the application of the substantive law of another jurisdiction]; and

  6. (l) the courts of [insert same jurisdiction as previous] shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this letter or its subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims).

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter as soon as possible. We remind you that, pursuant to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, we are not allowed to permit you to hold any money belonging to our clients on the Client Transaction Account[s] until you have acknowledged and agreed to the terms of this letter.

For and on behalf of [name of CASS firm]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

For and on behalf of [name of counterparty]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

Contact Information: [insert signatory's phone number and email address]

Date:

CASS 7 Annex 4 Authorised central counterparty acknowledgment letter template

R

[letterhead of firm subject toCASS 7.8.3 R, including full name and address of authorised central counterparty]

[name and address of counterparty]

[date]

Client Money Acknowledgment Letter (pursuant to the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority)

We refer to the following transaction account[s] which [name of CASS firm], regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number [FRN]), ("us", "we" or "our") has opened or will open with [name of authorised Central counterparty] ("you" or "your"):

[insert the account title[s], the account unique identifier[s] (for example, as relevant, account number, reference code or pool ID) and (if applicable) any abbreviated name of the account[s] as reflected in the authorised central counterparty's systems]

([collectively,] the "Client Transaction Account[s]").

In relation to [each of] the Client Transaction Account[s] identified above we are writing to put you on notice that:

  1. (a) we are under an obligation to keep money we hold belonging to our clients separate from our own money;

  2. (b) we have opened, or will open, the Client Transaction Account for the purpose of placing money with you on behalf of our clients in connection with carrying out one or more transactions with or through you;

  3. (c) you are instructed to promptly credit to this Client Transaction Account any money you receive in respect of any transaction that we have notified to you as being carried out on behalf of our clients;

  4. (d) all money standing to the credit of the Client Transaction Account is payable to us in our capacity as trustee under the laws applicable to us, except where, as a part of your default management process in respect of a default by us, you transfer money credited to the Client Transaction Account to anyone other than us in accordance with article 48 of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of 4 July 2012;

  5. (e) you do not have any recourse or right against money credited to the Client Transaction Account in respect of any sum owed to you, or owed to any third party, on any other account (including any account we use for our own money), and this means for example that you do not have any right to combine the Client Transaction Account with any other account and any right of set-off or counterclaim against money in the Client Transaction Account; and

  6. (f) we understand the title of the Client Transaction Account is, or will be, as stated above and that such title is different to the title of any other account containing money that is payable to us in a capacity other than as trustee or is payable to any third party.

[Please confirm your receipt of this letter by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter as soon as possible.]

For and on behalf of [name of CASS firm]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

[RECEIPT CONFIRMED:

For and on behalf of [name of counterparty]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

Contact Information: [insert signatory's phone number and email address]

Date:]

CASS 7 Annex 5 Guidance notes for acknowledgement letters (CASS 7.8)

G

Introduction

  1. 1 This annex contains guidance on the use of the templates for acknowledgement letters in CASS 7 Annex 2, CASS 7 Annex 3 and CASS 7 Annex 4.

  2. 2 Unless stated otherwise, a reference to 'counterparty' in this annex is:

    1. (a) in the context of a client bank account acknowledgement letter (and CASS 7 Annex 2), to the relevant bank;

    2. (b) in the context of a client transaction account acknowledgement letter (and CASS 7 Annex 3), to the relevant exchange, clearing house, intermediate broker, OTC counterparty or other person (as the case may be); and

    3. (c) in the context of an authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter (and CASS 7 Annex 4), to the relevant authorised central counterparty.

General

  1. 3 Under CASS 7.8.1 R (2) and CASS 7.8.2 R (3), firms are required to have in place a duly signed and countersigned acknowledgment letter for a client bank account or client transaction account (respectively) before they are allowed to hold or receive client money in or into the client bank account, or allow the relevant person to hold any client money on the client transaction account (respectively).

  2. 4 However, a firm may place client money at an authorised central counterparty in connection with a regulated clearing arrangement if it has provided the relevant authorised central counterparty with a signed and completed authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter (see CASS 7.8.3 R).

  3. 5 For each client bank account or client transaction account, a firm is required to complete, sign and send to the counterparty an acknowledgment letter identifying that account and in the form set out in CASS 7 Annex 2 (Client bank account acknowledgment letter template), CASS 7 Annex 3 (Client transaction account acknowledgment letter template) or CASS 7 Annex 4 (Authorised central counterparty acknowledgment letter), as appropriate.

  4. 6 When completing an acknowledgment letter using the appropriate template, a firm is reminded that it must not amend any of the text which is not in square brackets (acknowledgment letter fixed text). A firm should also not amend the non-italicised text that is in square brackets. It may remove or include square bracketed text from the letter, or replace bracketed and italicised text with the necessary wording, in either case as appropriate. The notes below give further guidance on this.

Clear identification of relevant accounts

  1. 7 A firm is reminded that for each client bank account or client transaction account it needs to have in place an acknowledgement letter. Accordingly, it is important that it is clear to which account or accounts each acknowledgement letter relates. As a result, the templates in CASS 7 Annex 2, CASS 7 Annex 3 and CASS 7 Annex 4 require that the acknowledgement letter include the full title and at least one unique identifier, such as a sort code and account number, deposit number, reference code or pool ID, for each client bank account or client transaction account to which the letter relates.

  2. 8 The title and unique identifiers included in an acknowledgement letter for a client bank account or client transaction account should be the same as those reflected in both the records of the firm and the relevant counterparty, as appropriate, for that account. Where a counterparty's systems are not able to reflect the full title of an account, that title may be abbreviated to accommodate that system, provided that:

    1. (a) the account may continue to be appropriately identified in accordance with the requirements of CASS 7 (eg, 'designated' may be shortened to 'des', 'designated fund' may be shortened to 'des fnd', 'segregated' may be shortened to 'seg', 'account' may be shortened to 'acct', etc); and

    2. (b) when completing an acknowledgement letter, such letter must include both the long and short versions of the account title.

  3. 9 A firm should ensure that all relevant account information is contained in the space provided in the body of the acknowledgement letter. Nothing should be appended to an acknowledgement letter.

  4. 10 In the space provided in the template letters for setting out the account title and unique identifiers for each relevant account/deposit, a firm may include the required information in the format of the following table:

    Full account title

    Unique identifier

    Title reflected in [name of bank] systems

    [Investment Firm Client Bank Account]

    [00-00-00 12345678]

    [INV FIRM CLIENT A/C]

  5. 11 Where an acknowledgement letter is intended to cover a range of client bank accounts or client transaction accounts, some of which may not exist as at the date the acknowledgement letter is countersigned by the relevant person (or, in the case of an authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter, the date it is sent by the firm to the relevant authorised central counterparty), a firm should set out in the space provided in the body of the acknowledgement letter that it is intended to apply to all present and future accounts which: (a) are titled in a specified way (eg, with the word 'client' in their title); and (b) which possess a common unique identifier or which may be clearly identified by a range of unique identifiers (eg, all accounts numbered between XXXX1111 and ZZZZ9999). For example, in the space provided in the template letter in CASS 7 Annex 2 which allows a firm to include the account title and a unique identifier for each relevant account, a firm should include a statement to the following effect:

    1. Any account open at present or to be opened in the future which contains the term ['client'][insert appropriate abbreviation of the term 'client' as agreed and to be reflected in the Bank's systems] in its title and which may be identified with [the following [insert common unique identifier]][an account number from and including [XXXX1111] to and including [ZZZZ9999]][clearly identify range of unique identifiers].

Signature and countersignatures

  1. 12 A firm should ensure that each acknowledgement letter is signed and countersigned by all relevant parties and individuals (including where a firm or its counterparty may require more than one signatory).

  2. 13 An acknowledgement letter that is signed or countersigned electronically should not, for that reason alone, result in a breach of the rules in CASS 7.8 . However, where electronic signatures are used, a firm should consider whether, under CASS 7.4.7 R and taking into account the governing law and choice of competent jurisdiction, it needs to ensure that the electronic signature and the certification by any person of such signature would be admissible as evidence in any legal proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction in relation to any question as to the authenticity or integrity of the letter.

Completing an acknowledgment letter

  1. 14 A firm should use at least the same level of care and diligence when completing an acknowledgement letter as it would in managing its own commercial agreements.

  2. 15 A firm should ensure that each acknowledgement letter is legible (eg, any handwritten details should be easy to read), produced on the firm's own letter-headed paper, dated and addressed to the correct legal entity (eg, where the counterparty belongs to a group of companies).

  3. 16 A firm should also ensure each acknowledgement letter includes all the required information (such as account names and numbers, the parties' full names, addresses and contact information, and each signatory's printed name and title).

  4. 17 A firm should similarly ensure that no square brackets remain in the text of each acknowledgement letter (ie, after having removed or included square bracketed text, as appropriate, or having replaced square bracketed and italicised text with the required information as indicated in the templates in CASS 7 Annex 2, CASS 7 Annex 3 and CASS 7 Annex 4) and that each page of the acknowledgement letter is numbered.

  5. 18 A firm should complete an acknowledgement letter so that no part of the letter can be easily altered (eg, the letter should be signed in ink rather than pencil).

  6. 19 In respect of a client bank account acknowledgement letter's governing law and choice of competent jurisdiction (see paragraphs (l) and (m) of the template in CASS 7 Annex 2R) or a client transaction account acknowledgement letter's governing law and choice of competent jurisdiction (see paragraphs (k) and (l) of the template in CASS 7 Annex 3 R), the letter should reflect a firm's agreement with its counterparty that the laws of a particular jurisdiction will govern the acknowledgement letter and that the courts of that same jurisdiction will have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes arising out of, or in connection with, the acknowledgement letter, its subject matter or formation.

  7. 20 If a firm does not, in any client bank account acknowledgement letter or client transaction account acknowledgement letter, utilise the governing law and choice of competent jurisdiction that is the same as either or both:

    1. (a) the law and the jurisdiction under which either the firm or the relevant counterparty are organised; and

    2. (b) that specified in the underlying agreement/s (eg, banking, custody or clearing services agreement) with the relevant counterparty;

    then the firm should consider whether it is at risk of breaching either CASS 7.8.5 R (3) or, in the case of a client bank account acknowledgement letter, CASS 7.4.7 R .

  8. 21 The FCA recognises that some firms and their counterparties may wish to clarify through additional words in the governing law provision (see paragraph (l) of the template in CASS 7 Annex 2 and paragraph (k) of the template in CASS 7 Annex 3) that they are agreeing that the substantive law of the governing jurisdiction shall apply and that their intention is that a court should not decide to apply the substantive provisions of some other law instead of the parties' chosen governing law (a 'renvoi'). Where this is the case firms are permitted to insert additional text that seeks to provide increased legal certainty in the space provided. There is no restriction as to what additional words may be used (eg, additional words such as "without regard to the principles of choice of law" may be appropriate in the circumstances), but a firm should at all times have regard to the need to comply with CASS 7.8.5 R (3) . However, for the majority of firms the FCA does not expect additional wording for the governing law provision to be necessary. This is likely to be the case where only a court that is subject to 'Rome I' (Regulation (EC) No 593/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008) is likely to accept jurisdiction over a dispute arising out of or in connection with the relevant acknowledgement letter.

Authorised signatories

  1. 22 A firm is required, under CASS 7.8.8 R , to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that any individual that has countersigned an acknowledgement letter returned to the firm was authorised to countersign the letter on behalf of the relevant counterparty.

  2. 23 If an individual that has countersigned an acknowledgement letter does not provide the firm with sufficient evidence of his/her authority to do so then the firm is expected to make appropriate enquires to satisfy itself of that individual's authority.

  3. 24 Evidence of an individual's authority to countersign an acknowledgement letter may include a copy of the counterparty's list of authorised signatories, a duly executed power of attorney, use of a company seal or bank stamp, and/or material verifying the title or position of the individual countersigning the acknowledgement letter.

  4. 25 A firm should ensure it obtains at least the same level of assurance over the authority of an individual to countersign the acknowledgement letter as the firm would seek when managing its own commercial arrangements.

Third party administrators

  1. 26 If a firm uses a third party administrator ('TPA') to carry out the administrative tasks of drafting, sending and processing a client bank account acknowledgement letter, the text "[Signed by [Name of Third Party Administrator] on behalf of [CASS Firm]]" should be inserted to confirm that the acknowledgement letter was signed by the TPA on behalf of the firm.

  2. 27 In these circumstances, the firm should first provide the TPA with the requisite authority (such as a power of attorney) before the TPA will be able to sign the client bank account acknowledgement letter on the firm's behalf. A firm should also ensure that the acknowledgement letter continues to be drafted on letter-headed paper belonging to the firm.

Designated client bank accounts and designated client fund accounts

  1. 28 A firm must ensure that each of its client bank accounts follows the naming conventions prescribed in the Glossary. This includes ensuring that (i) all client bank accounts include the term 'client' in their title; and (ii) all designated client bank accounts or designated client fund accounts include, as appropriate, the terms 'designated' or 'designated fund' in their title, or in each case an appropriate abbreviation in circumstances where this is permitted by the Glossary definition.

  2. 29 All references to the term "Client Bank Account[s]" in a client bank account acknowledgement letter should also be made consistently in either the singular or plural, as appropriate.

Indirect clearing arrangements

  1. 30 For use with client transaction accounts maintained with a clearing member who facilitates indirect clearing through a regulated clearing arrangement, the square-bracketed text in paragraph (d) of the template letter in CASS 7 Annex 3 should remain in the letter.

  2. 31 All references to the term "Client Transaction Account[s]" in a client transaction account acknowledgement letter should be made consistently in either the singular or plural, as appropriate.

Direct clearing arrangements

  1. 32 For use with client transaction accounts maintained with an authorised central counterparty in respect of a regulated clearing arrangement, a firm may identify whether each account is an omnibus client account or an individual client account in the space provided in the body of the template letter in CASS 7 Annex 4. For example, if using the table mentioned in paragraph 10 above, a firm may include an additional column in which for each account it includes the reference "Individual Client Account" or "Omnibus Client Account", as appropriate.

  2. 33 All references to the term "Client Transaction Account[s]" in an authorised central counterparty acknowledgement letter should be made consistently in either the singular or plural, as appropriate.

Money market deposits

  1. 34 The client bank account acknowledgement letter in CASS 7 Annex 2 may be used with money market deposits identified as being client money.

  2. 35 A firm should ensure that client money placed in a money market deposit is clearly identified as client money (see CASS 7.4.11C G ).

  3. 36 Before a firm places client money in a money market deposit, it must have a client bank account acknowledgement letter for that deposit. If the unique identifier which will be associated with a money market deposit consisting of client money is unable to be included in a client bank account acknowledgement letter before it is duly countersigned and returned to the firm, a firm should set out in the body of the letter: (a) the title and other account information for the client bank account from which the deposits will be placed with the bank; and (b) how the firm will notify the bank that a money market deposit placed with it consists of client money (eg, by the inclusion of the words 'Client Money Deposit'). For example, in the space provided in the template letter in CASS 7 Annex 2 which allows a firm to include the account title and a unique identifier for each relevant account/deposit, a firm should include a statement to the following effect:

    1. [[CASS Firm] money market deposits placed from [title of relevant [client bank account], [sort code], [account number]] and identified with the reference '[Client Money Deposit]' as being client money)]

  4. 37 A firm which operates the alternative approach to client money segregation (see CASS 7.4.18A R ) might not make deposits of client money in a money market deposit from another client bank account. In these circumstances, the firm need only include in the body of the letter how the firm will notify the bank that a money market deposit placed with it consists of client money. For example, the relevant space in the template letter in CASS 7 Annex 2 may set out that:

    1. [[CASS firm] money market deposits identified with the reference '[Client Money Deposit]' as being client money]

CASS 7 Annex 6 Sub-pool disclosure document

G

[letterhead of firm, including full name and address of firm, firm reference number]

[addressee - client participating in specified sub-pool]

[date]

Sub-pool disclosure document (under the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority)

  1. 1. The sub-pool to which this sub-pool disclosure document relates is designated in the firm's records as:

    1. [insert name of sub-pool in firm's records]

    2. (for the purposes of this document, the "sub-pool")

  2. 2. The net margined omnibus client account relating to the sub-pool is held at [insert name of authorised CCP] and is designated as:

    1. [insert the account title, the account unique identifier and (if applicable) any abbreviated name of the account as reflected in the authorised CCP's systems]

    2. (for the purposes of this document, the "omnibus client account").

  3. 3. The purpose of this letter is to:

    1. (a) provide you with information relating to the sub-pool [operated or to be operated] by [insert name of CASS firm] in relation to the omnibus client account held by the firm at [insert name of authorised CCP];

    2. (b) obtain your consent to holding your money in the sub-pool; and

    3. (c) confirm your direction that upon the failure of [insert name of CASS firm], we are to use any client money held by the firm in the sub-pool to facilitate porting.

  4. 4. [name of CASS firm] will hold any client money that we receive from you in relation to the cleared transactions that we maintain for you in the omnibus client account in client bank accounts that we open in relation to the sub-pool, or we will allow the CCP to hold this client money in the omnibus client account.

  5. 5. In the event of the failure of the [insert name of CASS firm], you hereby direct the [insert name of CASS firm] to use any client money held by the [insert name of CASS firm] in the sub-pool to facilitate the porting of the positions recorded in the omnibus client account.

  6. 6. In the event of the failure of [insert name of CASS firm], if porting is not effected, or if porting is effected but any money in the sub-pool is not used to facilitate porting, you and the other beneficiaries of the sub-pool will be entitled to a distribution from any client money held in respect of this sub-pool, in accordance with the client money distribution rules in CASS 7A. Save to the extent that [insert name of CASS firm] holds any other client money for you in the context of any other business or sub-pool, you will not be entitled to a distribution of any other client money held by [insert name of CASS firm].

  7. 7. You hereby consent to the firm receiving and holding your money as client money as part of [sub-pool specified above or specify name of sub-pool]. Until you sign and return this letter the firm will not hold money for you in the sub-pool and you will not be a beneficiary of the sub-pool.

  8. 8. This letter shall be governed by the laws of [England and Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland /insert appropriate jurisdiction].

If you are in agreement with the foregoing terms, please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter as soon as possible. You should retain a copy of this letter for your records.

[insert name of CASS firm]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED:

[insert name of client]

x___________________________

Authorised Signatory

Print Name:

Title:

Contact Information: [insert signatory's phone number and email address]

Date: