Related provisions for COBS 18.1.2

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COBS 10.2.1RRP
(1) When providing a service to which this chapter applies, a firm must ask the client to provide information regarding his knowledge and experience in the investment field relevant to the specific type of product or service offered or demanded so as to enable the firm to assess whether the service or product envisaged is appropriate for the client.(2) When assessing appropriateness, a firm:(a) must determine whether the client has the necessary experience and knowledge in order
COBS 10.2.2RRP
The information regarding a client's knowledge and experience in the investment field includes, to the extent appropriate to the nature of the client, the nature and extent of the service to be provided and the type of product or transaction envisaged, including their complexity and the risks involved, information on:(1) the types of service, transaction and designated investment with which the client is familiar;(2) the nature, volume, frequency of the client's transactions in
COBS 10.2.3RRP
A firm must not encourage a client not to provide information required for the purposes of its assessment of appropriateness. [Note: article 37(2) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 10.2.4RRP
A firm is entitled to rely on the information provided by a client unless it is aware that the information is manifestly out of date, inaccurate or incomplete. [Note: article 37(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 10.2.5GRP
When assessing appropriateness, a firm may use information it already has in its possession.
COBS 10.2.6GRP
Depending on the circumstances, a firm may be satisfied that the client's knowledge alone is sufficient for him to understand the risks involved in a product or service. Where reasonable, a firm may infer knowledge from experience.
COBS 10.2.7GRP
If, before assessing appropriateness, a firm seeks to increase the client's level of understanding of a service or product by providing information to him, relevant considerations are likely to include the nature and complexity of the information and the client's existing level of understanding.
COBS 10.2.8GRP
If a firm is satisfied that the client has the necessary experience and knowledge in order to understand the risks involved in relation to the product or service, there is no duty to communicate this to the client. If the firm does so, it must not do so in a way that amounts to making a personal recommendation unless it complies with the rules in COBS 9 on suitability.
COBS 3.6.1RRP
(1) An eligible counterparty is a client that is either a per se eligible counterparty or an elective eligible counterparty.(2) A1client can only be an eligible counterparty in relation to eligible counterparty business (PRIN 1 Annex 1 R is an exception to this).1 [Note: article 24(1) of MiFID]
COBS 3.6.2RRP
Each of the following is a per se eligible counterparty (including an entity that is not from an EEA state that is equivalent to any of the following) unless and to the extent it is given a different categorisation under this chapter:(1) an investment firm;(2) a credit institution;(3) an insurance company;(4) a collective investment scheme authorised under the UCITS Directive or its management company;(5) a pension fund or its management company;(6) another financial institution
COBS 3.6.3GRP
For the purpose of COBS 3.6.2 R (6), a financial institution includes regulated institutions in the securities, banking and insurance sectors.
COBS 3.6.4RRP
A firm may treat a client as an elective eligible counterparty if:(1) the client is an undertaking and:(a) is a per se professional client (except for a client that is only a per se professional client because it is an institutional investor under COBS 3.5.2 R (5)) and, in relation to business other than MiFID or equivalent third country business:1(i) is a body corporate (including a limited liability partnership) which has (or any of whose holding companies or subsidiaries has)
COBS 3.6.5GRP
The categories of elective eligible counterparties include an equivalent undertaking that is not from an EEA State provided the above conditions and requirements are satisfied.
COBS 3.6.6RRP
A firm may obtain a prospective counterparty's confirmation that it agrees to be treated as an eligible counterparty either in the form of a general agreement or in respect of each individual transaction. [Note: second paragraph of article 24(3) of MiFID]
COBS 3.6.7RRP
In the case of MiFID or equivalent third country business, in the event of a transaction where the prospective counterparties are located in different EEA States, the firm shall defer to the status of the other undertaking as determined by the law or measures of the EEA State in which that undertaking is established. [Note: first paragraph of article 24(3) of MiFID]
COBS 20.4.1RRP
A firm must:(1) on request, provide its PPFM, or the PPFM applicable to specified with-profits funds:(a) free of charge to its with-profits policyholders; or(b) for a reasonable charge to any person who is not its with-profits policyholder; and(2) if the firm publishes its PPFM on its website, prominently signpost its location there.
COBS 20.4.2RRP
A firm must send its with-profits policyholders who are affected by any change in its PPFM, written notice, setting out any:(1) proposed changes to the with-profits principles, three months in advance of the effective date; and(2) changes to the with-profits practices, within a reasonable time.
COBS 20.4.3RRP
A firm need not give the notice required if the change to its PPFM:(1) is necessary to correct an error or omission; or(2) would improve clarity or presentation without materially affecting the PPFM's substance; or(3) is immaterial.
COBS 20.4.4RRP
In relation to any with-profits policyholder who is habitually resident in the United Kingdom, an EEA insurer must:(1) on request, provide the information necessary to enable that policyholder properly to understand the insurer's commitment under the policy;(2) ensure that the information provided is not narrower in scope or less detailed in content than the equivalent PPFM; and(3) send the policyholder who is affected by any information being changed written notice, setting out:(a)
COBS 20.4.7RRP
A firm must produce an annual report to its with-profits policyholders, which must:(1) state whether, throughout the financial year to which the report relates, the firm believes it has complied with its obligations relating to its PPFM and setting out its reasons for that belief;(2) address all significant relevant issues, including the way in which the firm has:(a) exercised, or failed to exercise, any discretion that it has in the conduct of its with-profits business; and(b)
COBS 20.4.8GRP
The following documents should be annexed to the annual report in this section:(1) the report to with-profits policyholders made by a with-profits actuary in respect of each financial year (see SUP 4.3.16AR(4)); and(2) any statement or report provided by the person or committee who provides the independent judgement under the firm's governance arrangements for its with-profits business.
COBS 20.4.9GRP
In preparing the annual report to with-profits policyholders, a firm should take advice from a with-profits actuary.
COBS 20.4.10GRP
A firm should make the annual report available to with-profits policyholders within six months of the end of the financial year to which it relates. A firm should notify its with-profits policyholders in any annual statements how copies of the report can be obtained.
COBS 9.2.1RRP
(1) A firm must take reasonable steps to ensure that a personal recommendation, or a decision to trade, is suitable for its client.(2) When making the personal recommendation or managing his investments, the firm must obtain the necessary information regarding the client's:(a) knowledge and experience in the investment field relevant to the specific type of designated investment or service;(b) financial situation; and(c) investment objectives;so as to enable the firm to make the
COBS 9.2.2RRP
(1) A firm must obtain from the client such information as is necessary for the firm to understand the essential facts about him and have a reasonable basis for believing, giving due consideration to the nature and extent of the service provided, that the specific transaction to be recommended, or entered into in the course of managing:(a) meets his investment objectives;(b) is such that he is able financially to bear any related investment risks consistent with his investment
COBS 9.2.3RRP
The information regarding a client’s knowledge and experience in the investment field includes, to the extent appropriate to the nature of the client, the nature and extent of the service to be provided and the type of product or transaction envisaged, including their complexity and the risks involved, information on:(1) the types of service, transaction and designated investment with which the client is familiar;(2) the nature, volume, frequency of the client’s transactions in
COBS 9.2.4RRP
A firm must not encourage a client not to provide information for the purposes of its assessment of suitability. [Note: article 37(2) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 9.2.5RRP
A firm is entitled to rely on the information provided by its clients unless it is aware that the information is manifestly out of date, inaccurate or incomplete. [Note: article 37(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 9.2.6RRP
If a firm does not obtain the necessary information to assess suitability, it must not make a personal recommendation to the client or take a decision to trade for him. [Note: article 35(5) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 9.2.7GRP
Although a firm may not be permitted to make a personal recommendation or take a decision to trade because it does not have the necessary information, its client may still ask the firm to provide another service such as, for example, to arrange a deal or to deal as agent for the client. If this happens, the firm should ensure that it receives written confirmation of the instructions. The firm should also bear in mind the client's best interests rule and any obligation it may have
COBS 9.2.8RRP
(1) If a firm makes a personal recommendation or manages investments for a professional client in the course of MiFID or equivalent third country business, it is entitled to assume that, in relation to the products, transactions and services for which the professional client is so classified, the client has the necessary level of experience and knowledge for the purposes of COBS 9.2.2R (1)(c).(2) If the service consists of making a personal recommendation to a per se professional
COBS 9.2.9RRP
(1) When recommending a small friendly societylife policy, a firm, for the purpose of assessing suitability, need only obtain details of the net income and expenditure of the client and his dependants.(2) A friendly societylife policy is small if the premium:(a) does not exceed £50 a year; or(b) if payable weekly, £1 a week.(3) The firm must keep for five years a record of the reasons why the recommendation is considered suitable.
COBS 6.4.1RRP
1This section applies to a firm when it sells or arranges the sale of a packaged product to a retail client and the firm's services to sell or arrange are not in connection with the provision of a personal recommendation2.2
COBS 6.4.2GRP
Under the territorial application rules in COBS 1, the rules in this section apply to:(1) a UK firm's business carried on from an establishment in an EEA State other than the United Kingdom for a retail client in the United Kingdom unless, if the office from which the activity is carried on were a separate person, the activity:(a) would fall within the overseas persons exclusion in article 72 of the Regulated Activities Order; or(b) would not be regarded as carried on in the United
COBS 6.4.3RRP
(1) If a firm sells or arranges the sale of a packaged product to a retail client, and subsequently if the retail client requests it, the firm must disclose to the client in cash terms:2(a) any commission receivable by it or any of its associates in connection with the transaction; (b) if the firm is also the product provider, any commission or commission equivalent payable in connection with the transaction; and (c) if the firm or any of its associates is in the same immediate
COBS 6.4.4GRP
Where a firm is required to disclose the value of commission equivalent, the value will be at least as high as the amount of any commission.
COBS 6.4.4ARRP
3If the firm or its associate is the pure protection contractinsurer, it may comply with COBS 6.4.3R (1)(b) and (c) by disclosing to the consumer an indicative adviser charge as an alternative to a commission equivalent.
COBS 6.4.4BRRP
3The indicative adviser charge must be at least reasonably representative of the services associated with making the personal recommendation in relation to the pure protection contract.
COBS 6.4.4CGRP
3An indicative adviser charge is likely to be reasonably representative of the services associated with making the personal recommendation if:(1) the expected long term costs associated with making a personal recommendation and distributing the pure protection contract do not include the costs associated with manufacturing and administering the pure protection contract;(2) the allocation of costs and profit to the indicative adviser charge and product charges is such that any
COBS 6.4.5RRP
(1) A firm must make the disclosure required by the rule on disclosure of commission or equivalent (COBS 6.4.3 R) as close as practicable to the time that it sells or arranges the sale of a packaged product.2(2) The firm must make the disclosure:(a) in a durable medium; or(b) when a retail client does not make a written application to enter into a transaction, orally. In these circumstances, the firm must give written confirmation as soon as possible after the date of the transaction,
COBS 6.4.6ERP
(1) When determining the value of cash payments, benefits and services under the rule on disclosure of commission equivalent (COBS 6.4.3 R), a firm should follow the provisions of COBS 6 Annex 6.(2) Compliance with this evidential provision may be relied on as tending to establish compliance with COBS 6.4.3 R; and(3) Contravention of this evidential provision may be relied on as tending to establish contravention of COBS 6.4.3 R.
COBS 1.1.1RRP
1This sourcebook applies to a firm with respect to the following activities carried on from an establishment maintained by it, or its appointed representative, in the United Kingdom:(1) [deleted]33(2) designated investment business;(3) long-term insurance business in relation to life policies;and activities connected with them.
COBS 1.1.1ARRP

3This sourcebook does not apply to a firm with respect to the activity of accepting deposits carried on from an establishment maintained by it, or its appointed representative, in the United Kingdom, except for COBS 4.6 (Past, simulated past and future performance), COBS 4.7.1 R (Direct offer financial promotions), COBS 4.10 (Systems and controls and approving and communicating financial promotions), COBS 13 (Preparing product information) and COBS 14 (Providing product information to clients) which apply as set out in those provisions, COBS 4.1 and the Banking: Conduct of Business sourcebook (BCOBS).

COBS 1.1.1BRRP
4COBS 4.4.3 R, COBS 5 (Distance communications), COBS 15.2 (The right to cancel), COBS 15.3 (Exercising a right to cancel), COBS 15.4 (Effects of cancellation) and COBS 15 Annex 1 (Exemptions from the right to cancel) apply to a firm with respect to the activity of issuing electronic money as set out in those provisions.
COBS 1.1.1CRRP
5The following rules in COBS apply to a firm in relation to its carrying on of auction regulation bidding:(1) COBS 5 (Distance communications);(2) (for a firm that has exercised an opt-in to CASS in accordance with CASS 1.4.9 R in relation only to those clients for which it holds client money or safe custody assets in accordance with CASS) COBS 3 (Client categorisation), COBS 6.1.7 R (Information concerning safeguarding of designated investments belonging to clients and client
COBS 1.1.2RRP
The general application rule is modified in COBS 1 Annex 1 according to the activities of a firm (Part 1) and2 its location (Part 2)2.
COBS 1.1.3RRP
The general rule is also modified in the chapters to this sourcebook for particular purposes, including those relating to the type of firm, its activities or location, and for purposes relating to connected activities.
COBS 1.1.4GRP
Guidance on the application provisions is in COBS 1 Annex 1 (Part 3).
COBS 9.4.1RRP
1A firm must provide a suitability report to a retail client if the firm makes a personal recommendation to the client and the client:(1) acquires a holding in, or sells all or part of a holding in:(a) a regulated collective investment scheme;(b) an investment trust where the relevant shares have been or are to be acquired through an investment trust savings scheme;(c) an investment trust where the relevant shares are to be held within an ISA which has been promoted as the means
COBS 9.4.2RRP
If a firm makes a personal recommendation in relation to a life policy, it must provide the client with a suitability report.[Note: article 12(3) of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.3RRP
The obligation to provide a suitability report does not apply:(1) if the firm, acting as an investment manager for a retail client, makes a personal recommendation relating to a regulated collective investment scheme;(2) if the client is habitually resident outside the EEA and the client is not present in the United Kingdom at the time of acknowledging consent to the proposal form to which the personal recommendation relates;(3) to any personal recommendation by a friendly society
COBS 9.4.4RRP
A firm must provide the suitability report to the client:(1) in the case of a life policy, before the contract is concluded unless the necessary information is provided orally or immediate cover is necessary; or(2) in the case of a personal pension scheme or stakeholder pension scheme, where the rules on cancellation (COBS 15) require notification of the right to cancel, no later than the fourteenth day after the contract is concluded; or(3) in any other case, when or as soon
COBS 9.4.5RRP
If, in respect of a life policy, the firm gives necessary information orally or gives immediate cover, it must provide a suitability report to the client in a durable medium immediately after the contract is concluded.[Note: article 13(2) of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.6RRP
In the case of telephone selling of a life policy, when the only contact between a firm and its client before conclusion of a contract is by telephone, the suitability report must:(1) comply with the distance marketing disclosure rules (COBS 5.1);(2) be provided immediately after the conclusion of the contract; and(3) be in a durable medium.[Note: article 13(3) of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.7RRP
The suitability report must, at least:(1) specify the client's demands and needs;(2) explain why the firm has concluded that the recommended transaction is suitable for the client having regard to the information provided by the client; and(3) explain any possible disadvantages of the transaction for the client.[Note: article 12(3) of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.8GRP
A firm should give the client such details as are appropriate according to the complexity of the transaction.[Note: article 12(3) of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.9RRP
If a firm is providing a suitability report in the course of insurance mediation activity, the information must be provided:(1) in a durable medium which is available and accessible to the client;(2) in a clear and accurate manner, comprehensible to the client; and(3) in an official language of the State of the commitment in which the contract of insurance is made or in any other language agreed by the parties.[Note: article 13 of the Insurance Mediation Directive]
COBS 9.4.10GRP
When a firm is making a personal recommendation to a retail client about income withdrawals or purchase short-term annuities, explanation of possible disadvantages in the suitability report should include the risk factors involved in entering into an income withdrawal or purchase of a short-term annuity. These may include:(1) the capital value of the fund may be eroded;(2) the investment returns may be less than those shown in the illustrations;(3) annuity or scheme pension rates
COBS 3.5.1RRP
A professional client is a client that is either a per se professional client or an elective professional client. [Note: article 4(1)(11) of MiFID]
COBS 3.5.2RRP
Each of the following is a per se professional client unless and to the extent it is an eligible counterparty or is given a different categorisation under this chapter:(1) an entity required to be authorised or regulated to operate in the financial markets. The following list includes all authorised entities carrying out the characteristic activities of the entities mentioned, whether authorised by an EEA State or a third country and whether or not authorised by reference to a
COBS 3.5.2ARRP
1In relation to MiFID or equivalent third country business a local authority or a public authority is not likely to be a regional government for the purposes of COBS 3.5.2 R (4). 2In the FSA's opinion, a local authority may be a per se professional client for those purposes if it meets the test for large undertakings in COBS 3.5.2 R (2)2.22
COBS 3.5.3RRP
A firm may treat a client as an elective professional client if it complies with (1) and (3) and, where applicable, (2):(1) the firm undertakes an adequate assessment of the expertise, experience and knowledge of the client that gives reasonable assurance, in light of the nature of the transactions or services envisaged, that the client is capable of making his own investment decisions and understanding the risks involved (the "qualitative test");(2) in relation to MiFID or equivalent
COBS 3.5.4RRP
If the client is an entity, the qualitative test should be performed in relation to the person authorised to carry out transactions on its behalf. [Note: fourth paragraph of section II.1 of annex II to MiFID]
COBS 3.5.5GRP
The fitness test applied to managers and directors of entities licensed under directives in the financial field is an example of the assessment of expertise and knowledge involved in the qualitative test. [Note: fourth paragraph of section II.1 of annex II to MiFID]
COBS 3.5.6RRP
Before deciding to accept a request for re-categorisation as an elective professional client a firm must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the client requesting to be treated as an elective professional client satisfies the qualitative test and, where applicable, the quantitative test. [Note: second paragraph of section II.2 of annex II to MiFID]
COBS 3.5.7GRP
An elective professional client should not be presumed to possess market knowledge and experience comparable to a per se professional client [Note: second paragraph of section II.1 of annex II to MiFID]
COBS 3.5.8GRP
Professional client are responsible for keeping the firm informed about any change that could affect their current categorisation. [Note: fourth paragraph of section II.2 of annex II to MiFID]
COBS 3.5.9RRP
(1) If a firm becomes aware that a client no longer fulfils the initial conditions that made it eligible for categorisation as an elective professional client , the firm must take the appropriate action.(2) Where the appropriate action involves re-categorising that client as a retail client, the firm must notify that client of its new categorisation. [Note: fourth paragraph of section II.2 of annex II to MiFID and article 28(1) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 18.6.1RRP
1This section applies to a firm when it carries on Lloyd's market activities.
COBS 18.6.2RRP
Only COBS 3 (Client categorisation) and the financial promotion rules apply when a firm is carrying out Lloyd's market activities.
COBS 18.6.3GRP
Firms are reminded that syndicate business plans may be used in ways that bring them within the definition of a financial promotion.
COBS 18.6.4RRP
When a firm is carrying on Lloyd's market activities, any reference in COBS to the term:(1) designated investment is to be taken to include the following specified investments:(a) the underwriting capacity of a Lloyd's syndicate;(b) membership of a Lloyd's syndicate; and (c) rights to or interests in the specified investments in (a) or (b);(2) designated investment business is to be taken to include the following regulated activities:(a) advising on syndicate participation at
COBS 18.6.5GRP
Whilst COBS has limited application to Lloyd's market activities, firms conducting Lloyd's market activities are reminded that they are required to comply with the Principles.
COBS 2.1.1RRP
(1) 1A firm must act honestly, fairly and professionally in accordance with the best interests of its client (the client's best interests rule).(2) This rule applies in relation to designated investment business carried on:(a) for a retail client; and(b) in relation to MiFID or equivalent third country business, for any other client.(3) For a management company, this rule applies in relation to any UCITS scheme or EEA UCITS scheme the firm manages.2[Note: article 19(1) of MiFID
COBS 2.1.2RRP
A firm must not, in any communication relating to designated investment business seek to:(1) exclude or restrict; or(2) rely on any exclusion or restriction of;any duty or liability it may have to a client under the regulatory system.
COBS 2.1.3GRP
(1) In order to comply with the client's best interests rule, a firm should not, in any communication to a retail client relating to designated investment business:(a) seek to exclude or restrict; or(b) rely on any exclusion or restriction of;any duty or liability it may have to a client other than under the regulatory system, unless it is honest, fair and professional for it to do so.(2) The general law, including the Unfair Terms Regulations, also limits the scope for a firm
COBS 19.2.1GRP
A financial promotion for1 a 1FSAVC should contain a prominent warning that, as an alternative1 an AVC arrangement 1exists, and that details can be obtained from the scheme administrator (if that is the case).1
COBS 19.2.2RRP
When a firm prepares a suitability report it must:(1) (in the case of a personal pension scheme), explain why it considers the personal pension scheme to be at least as suitable as a stakeholder pension scheme; and(2) (in the case of a personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or2FSAVC) explain why it considers the personal pension scheme, stakeholder pension scheme or2FSAVC to be at least as suitable as any facility to make additional contributions to an occupational
COBS 19.2.3RRP
When a firm promotes a personal pension scheme, including a group personal pension scheme, to a group of employees it must:(1) be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the scheme is likely to be at least as suitable for the majority of the employees as a stakeholder pension scheme; and(2) record why it thinks the promotion is justified.
COBS 13.2.1GRP
1When a firm prepares documents or information in accordance with this chapter, the firm should consider the rules on providing product information (COBS 14). Those rules require a firm to provide the product information in a durable medium or via a website that meets the website conditions (if the website is not a durable medium). [Note: article 29(4) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 13.2.2RRP
A key features document and a key features illustration2must also:(1) (if it is a key features document) 2be produced and presented to at least the same quality and standard as the sales or marketing material used to promote the relevant product;(2) (if it is a key features document) 2display the firm's brand at least as prominently as any other;(3) (if it is a key features document or a key features illustration which does not form an integral part of the key features document)
COBS 13.2.3GRP
The Consolidated Life Directive information can be included in a key features document, a key features illustration2or any other document.
COBS 13.2.4RRP
The documents and information prepared in accordance with the rules in this chapter must not include anything that might reasonably cause a retail client to be mistaken about the identity of the firm that produced, or will produce, the product.
COBS 13.5.1RRP
1A firm that communicates a projection for an in-force packaged product which is not a financial instrument:(1) must include a standardised deterministic projection; (2) may also include an alternative projection except that the most prominent projection must be a standardised deterministic projection; andmust follow the projectionrules in COBS 13 Annex 2.
COBS 13.5.2RRP
A firm that communicates a projection for a packaged product which is not a financial instrument,(1) for which a key featureillustration is not required to be provided; and (2) which is not an in-force packaged product;must ensure that such a projection is either a standardised deterministic projection or an alternative projection in accordance with COBS 13 Annex 2.
COBS 13.5.3RRP
A firm that communicates a projection of benefits for a packaged product which is not a financial instrument, as part of a combined projection where other benefits being projected include those for a financial instrument or structured deposit, is not required to comply with the projection rules in COBS 13.4, COBS 13.5 and COBS 13 Annex 2 to the extent that it complies with the future performance rule (COBS 4.6.7 R).
COBS 13.5.4GRP
The general requirement that communications be fair, clear and not misleading will nevertheless mean that a firm that elects to comply with the future performance rule in COBS 4.6.7 R will need to explain how the combined projection differs from other information that has been or could be provided to the client, including a projection provided under the projectionrules in COBS 13.4, COBS 13.5 and COBS 13 Annex 2.
COBS 18.2.1RRP

The provisions of COBS in the table do not apply in relation to any energy market activity or oil market activity carried on by a firm which is MiFID or equivalent third country business:

COBS

Description

36.1A

Adviser charging and remuneration

36.1B

Retail investment product provider requirements relating to adviser charging and remuneration

36.2A

Describing advice services

6.3

Disclosing information about services, fees and commission - packaged products

6.4

Disclosure of charges, remuneration and commission

9.4

Suitability reports

9.6

Special rules for providing basic advice on a stakeholder product

11.6

Use of dealing commission

16.3.9

Guidance on contingent liability transaction

16.5

Quotations for surrender values

16.6

Life insurance contracts - communications to clients

16 Annex 1 R (1) 14

Information to be provided in accordance with COBS 16.2.1 R and 16.3

COBS 18.2.2GRP

The provisions of COBS in the table are unlikely to be relevant to any energy market activity or oil market activity carried on by a firm which is MiFID or equivalent third country business:

COBS

Description

5

Distance communications

7

Insurance mediation

13

Preparing product information

14.2

Providing product information to clients

15

Cancellation

17

Claims handling for long-term care insurance

18.1

Trustee firms' regime

18.3

Corporate finance business

18.4

Stock lending activity

19

Pensions - supplementary provisions

20

With-profits

COBS 18.2.7RRP
1The duty to provide best execution does not apply where:(1) the firm has agreed with a professional client that it does not owe a duty of best execution to him; or(2) the firm relies on another person to whom it passes a customer order for execution to provide best execution, but only if it has taken reasonable care to ensure that he will do so.
COBS 18.2.8RRP
1To provide best execution, a firm must:(1) take reasonable care to ascertain the price which is the best available for the customer order in the relevant market at the time for transactions of the kind and size concerned; and (2) execute the customer order at a price which is no less advantageous to the customer, unless the firm has taken reasonable steps to ensure that it would be in the customer's best interests not to do so.
COBS 18.2.9ERP
(1) 1In order to take reasonable care to ascertain the price which is the best available, a firm:(a) should disregard any charges and commission made by it or its agents that are disclosed to the customer under COBS 6.1.9 R (Information about costs and associated charges);(b) need not have access to competing exchanges, or to all, or a minimum number of, available price sources; but if a firm can access prices displayed by different exchanges and trading platforms and make a direct
COBS 16.4.1RRP
(1) A firm that holds clientdesignated investments or client money for a client must send that client at least once a year a statement in a durable medium of those designated investments or that client money unless such a statement has been provided in a periodic statement.(2) A credit institution need not send a statement in respect of deposits held by it.(3) This rule does not apply in relation to a firm holding clientdesignated investments or client money under a personal pension
COBS 16.4.2RRP
A firm must include in a statement of client assets referred to under this section the following information:(1) details of all the designated investments or client money held by the firm for the client at the end of the period covered by the statement;(2) the extent to which any clientdesignated investments or client money have been the subject of securities financing transactions; and(3) the extent of any benefit that has accrued to the client by virtue of participation in any
COBS 16.4.3RRP
In cases where the portfolio of a client includes the proceeds of one or more unsettled transactions, the information in a statement provided under this section may be based either on the trade date or the settlement date, provided that the same basis is applied consistently to all such information in the statement. [Note: article 43(2) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 16.4.4RRP
A firm which holds designated investments or client money and is managing investments for a client may include the statement under this section in the periodic statement it provides to that client. [Note: article 43(3) of the MiFID implementing Directive]
COBS 16.4.5GRP
1In reporting to a client in accordance with this section, a firm should consider whether to provide details of any assets loaned or charged including:(1) which investments (if any) were at the end of the relevant period loaned to any third party and which investments (if any) were at that date charged to secure borrowings made on behalf of the portfolio; and(2) the aggregate of any interest payments made and income received during the period in respect of loans or borrowings
COBS 13.3.1RRP
A key features document must:(1) include enough information about the nature and complexity of the product, how it works, any limitations or minimum standards that apply and the material benefits and risks of buying or investing for a retail client to be able to make an informed decision about whether to proceed; and(2) explain:(a) the arrangements for handling complaints about the product;(b) that compensation might be available from the FSCS if the firm cannot meet its liabilities
COBS 13.3.2RRP

Table

A key features document for a packaged product must:

(1)

Include the title: ‘key features of the [name of product]’;

(2)

describe the product in the order of the following headings, and by giving the following information under those headings:

Heading

Information to be given

‘Its aims’

A brief description of the product’s aims

‘Your commitment’ or ‘Your investment’

What a retail client is committing to or investing in and any consequences of failing to maintain the commitment or investment

‘Risks’

The material risks associated with the product, including a description of the factors that may have an adverse effect on performance or are material to the decision to invest

‘Questions and Answers’

(in the form of questions and answers) the principle terms of the product, what it will do for a retail client and any other information necessary to enable a retail client to make an informed decision.

COBS 13.3.3RRP
3A key features document for a short-term money market fund, a money market fund or a qualifying money market fund must include a statement identifying it as such a fund and a statement that the authorised fund's investment objectives and policies will meet the conditions of the definition of short-term money market fund, money market fund or qualifying money market fund, as appropriate.
COBS 13.3.4RRP
4A key features document for a feeder NURS must include:(1) a statement identifying it as such a scheme;(2) information specific to the feeder NURS and its qualifying master scheme which enables investors to understand the qualifying master scheme's key particulars; and(3) a description and explanation of any material differences between the risk profile of the feeder NURS and that of the qualifying master scheme.
COBS 13.3.5GRP
4When producing the key features document, the authorised fund manager of the feeder NURS should have due regard to the provisions in COLL 4.6.8 R (Contents of the simplified prospectus) in terms of additional information appropriate to a feeder NURS and its qualifying master scheme. In particular, the appropriate charges information required by COBS 13.4.1 R and COBS 13 Annex 3 (Charges) should represent the aggregate of the charges of the feeder NURS and its qualifying master
COBS 4.9.1RRP
(1) 4Subject to (2) and (3), this section applies to a firm in relation to the communication or approval of a financial promotion that relates to the business of an overseas person.4(2) This section does not apply to a firm in relation to its MiFID or equivalent third country business.(3) 4If a communication relates to a firm's business that is not MiFID or equivalent third country business, this section does not apply:4(a) to the extent that it is an excluded communication;(b)
COBS 4.9.3RRP
A firm must not communicate or approve a financial promotion which relates to a particular relevant investment or relevant business of an overseas person, unless:(1) the financial promotion makes clear which firm has approved or communicated it and, where relevant, explains:(a) that the rules made under the Act for the protection of retail clients do not apply;(b) the extent and level to which the compensation scheme will be available, or if the scheme will not be available, a
COBS 4.9.4RRP
A firm may only2communicate or approve a financial promotion to enter into a life policy with a person who is:22(1) an authorised person; or(2) an exempt person who is exempt in relation to effecting or carrying out contracts of insurance of the class to which the financial promotion relates; or(3) an overseas long-term insurer that is entitled under the law of its home country or territory to carry on there insurance business of the class to which the financial promotion rel
COBS 4.9.5RRP
A financial promotion for an overseas long-term insurer, which has no establishment in the United Kingdom, must include:(1) the full name of the overseas long-term insurer, the country where it is registered, and, if different, the country where its head office is situated;(2) a prominent statement that 'holders of policies issued by the company will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them'; and(3)
COBS 4.9.6RRP
A financial promotion for an overseas long-term insurer which is authorised to carry on long-term insurance business in any country or territory listed in paragraph (c) of the Glossary definition of overseas long-term insurer must also include:(1) the full name of any trustee of property of any description which is retained by the overseas long-term insurer in respect of the promoted contracts;(2) an indication whether the investment of such property (or any part of it) is managed
COBS 4.9.7RRP
If a financial promotion relates to a life policy with an overseas long-term insurer but does not name the overseas long-term insurer by giving its full name or its business name:(1) it must include the following prominent statement: "This financial promotion relates to an insurance company which does not, and is not authorised to, carry on in any part of the United Kingdom the class of insurance business to which this promotion relates. This means that the management and solvency
COBS 11.4.1RRP
Unless a client expressly instructs otherwise, a firm must, in the case of a clientlimit order in respect of shares admitted to trading on a regulated market which is not immediately executed under prevailing market conditions, take measures to facilitate the earliest possible execution of that order by making public immediately that clientlimit order in a manner which is easily accessible to other market participants. [Note: article 22(2) of MiFID]
COBS 11.4.2GRP
In respect of transactions executed between eligible counterparties, the obligation to disclose clientlimit orders should only apply where the counterparty is explicitly sending a limit order to a firm for its execution. [Note: recital 42 to MiFID]
COBS 11.4.3EURP
An investment firm shall be considered to disclose clientlimit orders that are not immediately executable if it transmits the order to a regulated market or MTF that operates an order book trading system, or ensures that the order is made public and can be easily executed as soon as market conditions allow. [Note: article 31 of MiFID Regulation]
COBS 11.4.4GRP
MAR 5.8.2 EU sets out the conditions required for an arrangement to make clientlimit orders1 public under this section. MAR 5.8.3 G and MAR 5.8.4 G provide guidance on these conditions.1
COBS 11.4.5RRP
The obligation to make public a limit order will not apply to a limit order that is large in scale compared with normal market size. [Note: article 22(2) of MiFID]
COBS 11.4.6GRP
MAR 5.7.10 EU and MAR 5.7.11 EU set out when an order shall be considered large in scale compared with normal market size.
COBS 15.4.1RRP
By exercising a right to cancel, the consumer withdraws from the contract and the contract is terminated.
COBS 15.4.2RRP
(1) This rule applies in relation to a distance contract that is not a life policy, personal pension scheme, cash deposit ISA or CTF.(2) When the consumer exercises his right to cancel he may be required to pay, without any undue delay, for the service actually provided by the firm in accordance with the contract. The performance of the contract may only begin after the consumer has given his approval. The amount payable must not:(a) exceed an amount which is in proportion to
COBS 15.4.3RRP
(1) The firm may require the consumer to pay for any loss under a contract caused by market movements that the firm would reasonably incur in cancelling it. The period for calculating the loss shall end on the day on which the firm receives the notification of cancellation.(2) This rule:(a) does not apply for a distance contract or for a contract established on a regular or recurring premium or payment basis; and(b) only applies if the firm has complied with its obligations to
COBS 15.4.4RRP
The firm must, without any undue delay and no later than within 30 calendar days, return to the consumer any sums it has received from him in accordance with the contract2, except for any amount that the consumer may be required to pay under this section. This period shall begin from the day on which the firm receives the notification of cancellation.2 [Note: article 7(4) of the Distance Marketing Directive]
COBS 15.4.5RRP
The firm is entitled to receive from the consumer any sums and/or property he has received from the firm without any undue delay and no later than within 30 calendar days. This period shall begin from the day on which the consumer dispatches the notification of cancellation. [Note: article 7(5) of the Distance Marketing Directive]
COBS 15.4.6RRP
Any sums payable under this section on cancellation of a contract are owed as simple contract debts and may be set off against each other.
COBS 20.5.1RRP
1A firm must, in relation to each with-profits fund it operates:(1) appoint:(a) a with-profits committee; or(b) a with-profits advisory arrangement (referred to in this section as an ‘advisory arrangement’), but only if appropriate, in the opinion of the firm'sgoverning body, having regard to the size, nature and complexity of the fund in question;(2) ensure that the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement operates in accordance with its terms of reference; and(3) make
COBS 20.5.2GRP
(1) Ultimate responsibility for managing a with-profits fund rests with the firm through its governing body. The role of the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement is, in part, to act in an advisory capacity to inform the decision-making of a firm'sgoverning body. The with-profits committee or advisory arrangement also acts as a means by which the interests of with-profits policyholders are appropriately considered within a firm's governance structures. The with-profits
COBS 20.5.3RRP
A firm must ensure that the terms of reference contain, as a minimum, terms having the following effect:(1) the role of the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement is, as relevant, to assess, report on, and provide clear advice and, where appropriate, recommendations to the firm'sgoverning body on:(a) the way in which each with-profits fund is managed by the firm and, if a PPFM is required, whether this is properly reflected in the PPFM;(b) if applicable, whether the firm
COBS 20.5.4GRP
(1) The FSA expects that a with-profits committee will meet at least quarterly and ad hoc if required. (2) The FSA expects that, in general, a with-profits committee or advisory arrangement will work closely with the with-profits actuary, and obtain his opinion and input as appropriate.
COBS 20.5.5RRP
A firm must: (1) ensure that its governing body, in the context of its consideration of issues referred to in COBS 20.5.3R (1)(a) to (d) and (2)(b)(i) to (x):(a) obtains, as relevant, assessments, reports, advice and/or recommendations of the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement, if the governing body, the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement considers that significant issues concerning the interests of with-profits policyholders need to be considered by the
COBS 20.5.6GRP
(1) COBS 20.5.5R (2) requires that a firm provides a with-profits committee or advisory arrangement with sufficient resources. A with-profits committee or advisory arrangement should be able to obtain external professional, including actuarial, advice, at the expense of the firm, if the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement considers the advice to be necessary to perform its role effectively. In a proprietary firm the with-profits committee or advisory arrangement should
COBS 20.5.7GRP
(1) The FSA expects the governing body of the firm to decide whether a member of the with-profits committee or a person (other than a non-executive director) carrying out the advisory arrangement is independent. The FSA expects a firm'sgoverning body to adopt the following approach and have regard to the following factors when making this assessment:(a) the governing body should determine whether the person is independent in character and judgment and whether there are relationships
COBS 20.5.8GRP
In complying with the rule on systems and controls in relation to compliance, financial crime and money laundering (SYSC 3.2.6 R), a firm should maintain governance arrangements designed to ensure that it complies with, maintains and records, any applicable PPFM. These arrangements should:(1) be appropriate to the scale, nature and complexity of the firm'swith-profits business; and(2) include the approval of the firm'sPPFM by its governing body.