COBS 4.8 Cold calls and other promotions that are not in writing

Application

COBS 4.8.1RRP

This section applies to a firm in relation to the communication of 3a financial promotion that is not in writing, but it does not apply:

  1. (1)

    to the extent that the financial promotion is an excluded communication;

  2. (2)

    if the financial promotion is image advertising;

  3. (3)

    if the financial promotion is a non-retail communication;1

  4. (4)

    [deleted]2

    2
  5. (5)

    to the extent that the financial promotion relates to a pure protection contract that is a long-term care insurance contract.1

Restriction on cold calling

COBS 4.8.2RRP

A firm must not make a cold call unless:

  1. (1)

    the recipient has an established existing client relationship with the firm and the relationship is such that the recipient envisages receiving cold calls; or

  2. (2)

    the cold call relates to a generally marketable packaged product which is not:

    1. (a)

      a higher volatility fund; or

    2. (b)

      a life policy with a link (including a potential link) to a higher volatility fund; or

  3. (3)

    the cold call relates to a controlled activity to be carried on by an authorised person or exempt person and the only controlled investments involved or which reasonably could be involved are:

    1. (a)

      readily realisable securities (other than warrants); and

    2. (b)

      generally marketable non-geared packaged products.

Promotions that are not in writing

COBS 4.8.3RRP

A firm must not communicate a solicited or unsolicited financial promotion that is not in writing, to a client3 outside the firm's premises, unless the person communicating it:

  1. (1)

    only does so at an appropriate time of the day;

  2. (2)

    identifies himself and the firm he represents at the outset and makes clear the purpose of the communication;

  3. (3)

    clarifies if the client would like to continue with or terminate the communication, and terminates the communication at any time that the client requests it; and

  4. (4)

    gives a contact point to any client with whom he arranges an appointment.