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SIFA 16.1 General approach

SIFA 16.1.1 G

We may, on the application or with the consent of your firm, state that certain rules:

  • are not to apply to your firm; or
  • are to apply to your firm with specified modifications.

SIFA 16.1.2 G

Under FSMA we can only grant a waiver where we are satisfied that:

  • compliance by your firm with the rule would be unduly burdensome or would not achieve the purpose for which the rule was made; and
  • the waiver would not result in undue risk to persons whose interests the rules are intended to protect.

SIFA 16.1.3 G

SUP 8 sets out our approach to waivers. Most but not all rules can be waived (see SUP 8.2.6 G to SUP 8.2.8 G). Schedule 6 to each sourcebook identifies the rules in that sourcebook that can and cannot be waived.

SIFA 16.1.4 G

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, we normally publish the details of waivers we have given. You can view the details of published waivers through the FSA Register which we update monthly. Before you do so, you will need to know the name of the firm or the rule that has been waived. You can access the FSA Register from our website.

SIFA 16.2 Application for a Waiver

SIFA 16.2.1 G

You must use the standard form on our website if you apply for a waiver (referred to at SUP 8.3.3 D and SUP 8 Annex 2 D). You can access the form and submit it to us using Firms Online.

SIFA 16.3 Waiver by Consent

SIFA 16.3.1 G

In exceptional circumstances where we consider that a waiver should apply to a number of firms, we may tell the firms concerned that the waiver is available. These firms will not have to make a formal application but will have to give their written consent for the waiver to apply to them.

If you do mortgage or general insurance business you should also refer to MIGI 17 .