SUP 11.8 Changes in the circumstances of existing controllers
A firm must notify the FSA immediately it becomes aware of any of the following matters in respect of one or more of its controllers:
- (1)
if a controller, or any entity subject to his control, is or has been the subject of any legal action or investigation which might put into question the integrity of the controller;
- (2)
if there is a significant deterioration in the financial position of a controller;
- (3)
if a corporate controller undergoes a substantial change or series of changes in its governing body;
- (4)
if a controller, who is authorised in another EEA State as an ISD investment firm or BCD credit institution or under the Insurance Directives or the Insurance Mediation Directive, ceases to be so authorised (registered in the case on an IMD insurance intermediary).1
In assessing whether a matter should be notified to the FSA under SUP 11.8.1 R (1), SUP 11.8.1 R (2) or SUP 11.8.1 R (3), a firm should have regard to the guidance on satisfying threshold condition 5 (Suitability) contained in COND 2.5.
In respect of SUP 11.8.1 R (3), the FSA considers that, in particular, the removal or replacement of a majority of the members of a governing body (in a single event or a series of connected events) is a substantial change and should be notified.
The level of a firm's awareness of its controller's circumstances will depend on its relationship with that controller. The FSA does not expect firms to implement systems or procedures so as to be certain of any changes in its controllers' circumstances. However, the FSA does expect firms to notify it of such matters if the firm becomes aware of them, and it expects firms to make enquiries of its controllers if it becomes aware that one of the events in SUP 11.8.1 R may occur or has occurred.
The FSA may ask the firm for additional information following a notification under SUP 11.8.1 R in order to satisfy itself that the controller continues to be suitable (see SUP 2: Information gathering by the FSA on its own initiative).