Related provisions for SYSC 4.4.2

1 - 20 of 20 items.
Results filter

Search Term(s)

Filter by Modules

Filter by Documents

Filter by Keywords

Effective Period

Similar To

To access the FCA Handbook Archive choose a date between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2004 (From field only).

SYSC 4.3A.-1RRP
2In SYSC 4.3A.6 R and SYSC 4.3A.8 R a common platform firm that is significant4 means a significant IFPRU firm.
SYSC 4.3A.1RRP
1A common platform firm4 must ensure that the management body defines, oversees and is accountable for the implementation of governance arrangements that ensure effective and prudent management of the firm, including the segregation of duties in the organisation and the prevention of conflicts of interest, and in a manner that promotes the integrity of the market and the interests of clients4. The firm must ensure that the management body:(1) has overall responsibility for the
SYSC 4.3A.1ARRP
4Without prejudice to SYSC 4.3A.1R, a common platform firm must ensure that the management body defines, approves and oversees:(1) the organisation of the firm for the provision of investment services and/or activities and ancillary services, including the skills, knowledge and expertise required by personnel, the resources, the procedures and the arrangements for the provision of services and activities, taking into account the nature, scale and complexity of its business and
SYSC 4.3A.2RRP
A common platform firm4 must ensure that the chairman of the firm's management body does not exercise simultaneously the PRA’s Chief Executive function (controlled function SMF14) or 3chief executive function within the same firm4.[Note: article 88(1)(e) of CRD and article 9(1) of MiFID4] 3
SYSC 4.3A.3RRP
A common platform firm4 must ensure that the members of the management body of the firm: (1) are of sufficiently good repute;(2) possess sufficient knowledge, skills and experience to perform their duties;(3) possess adequate collective knowledge, skills and experience to understand the firm's activities, including the main risks;(4) reflect an adequately broad range of experiences; (5) commit sufficient time to perform their functions in the firm; and(6) act with honesty, integrity
SYSC 4.3A.4RRP
A common platform firm4 must devote adequate human and financial resources to the induction and training of members of the management body.[Note: article 91(9) of CRD and article 9(1) of MiFID4]
SYSC 4.3A.5RRP
A common platform firm4 must ensure that the members of the management body of the firm do not hold more directorships than is appropriate taking into account individual circumstances and the nature, scale and complexity of the firm's activities.[Note: article 91(3) of CRD and article 9(1) of MiFID4]
SYSC 4.3A.6RRP
2(1) A common platform firm4 that is significant must ensure that the members of the management body of the firm do not hold more than one of the following combinations of directorship in any organisation at the same time:(a) one executive directorship with two non-executive directorships; and(b) four non-executive directorships. (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to members of the management body that represent the United Kingdom.[Note: article 91(3) of CRD and article 9(1)
SYSC 4.3A.8RRP
A common platform firm4 that is significant must:(1) establish a nomination committee composed of members of the management body who do not perform any executive function in the firm;(2) ensure that the nomination committee is able to use any forms of resources the nomination committee deems appropriate, including external advice; and(3) ensure that the nomination committee receives appropriate funding. [Note: article 88(2) of CRD and article 9(1) of MiFID4]
SYSC 4.3A.9RRP
A common platform firm4 that has a nomination committee must ensure that the nomination committee:(1) engages 4a broad set of qualities and competences when recruiting members to the management body and for that purpose puts in place a policy promoting diversity on the management body; (2) identifies and recommends for approval, by the management body or by general meeting, candidates to fill management body vacancies, having evaluated the balance of knowledge, skills, diversity
SYSC 4.3A.10RRP
A common platform firm4 that does not have a nomination committee must engage a broad set of qualities and competences when recruiting members to the management body. For that purpose a common platform firm4 that does not have a nomination committee must put in place a policy promoting diversity on the management body.[Note: article 91(10) of CRD and article 9(1) of MiFID4]
SYSC 8.1.-2GRP

7For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    General requirements

    SYSC 8.1.1R, SYSC 8.1.2G, SYSC 8.1.3G, SYSC 8.1.12G

SYSC 8.1.1RRP
1A common platform firm must:(1) when relying on a third party for the performance of operational functions which are critical for the performance of regulated activities, listed activities or ancillary services (in this chapter "relevant services and activities") on a continuous and satisfactory basis, ensure that it takes reasonable steps to avoid undue additional operational risk; and7(2) not undertake the outsourcing of important operational functions in such a way as to impair
SYSC 8.1.3GRP
SYSC 4.1.1 R requires a firm to have effective processes to identify, manage, monitor and report risks and internal control mechanisms. Except in relation to those functions described in SYSC 8.1.5R and (for a common platform firm in article 30(2) of the MiFID Org Regulation)7, where a firm relies on a third party for the performance of operational functions which are not critical or important for the performance of relevant services and activities (see SYSC 8.1.1 R (1)) on a
SYSC 8.1.4RRP
For the purposes of this chapter an operational function is regarded as critical or important if a defect or failure in its performance would materially impair the continuing compliance of a firm (other than a common platform firm)7 with the conditions and obligations of its authorisation or its other obligations under the regulatory system, or its financial performance, or the soundness or the continuity of its relevant services and activities.7
SYSC 8.1.6RRP
If a firm (other than a common platform firm)7 outsources critical or important operational functions or any relevant services and activities, it remains fully responsible for discharging all of its obligations under the regulatory system and must comply, in particular, with the following conditions:2(1) the outsourcing must not result in the delegation by senior personnel of their responsibility;(2) the relationship and obligations of the firm towards its clients under the regulatory system
SYSC 8.1.6AGRP
7A UCITS investment firm should take account of the provisions that apply to a common platform firm in relation to its MiFID business in accordance with SYSC 8.1.-2G.
SYSC 8.1.11RRP
A firm (other than a common platform firm)7 must make available on request to the FCA7 and any other relevant competent authority all information necessary to enable the FCA7 and any other relevant competent authority to supervise the compliance of the performance of the outsourced activities with the requirements of the regulatory system.7
SYSC 4.2.1RRP
The senior personnel of a common platform firm, a management company3, a full-scope UK AIFM,5 or of the UK branch of a non-EEA bank1must be of sufficiently good repute and sufficiently experienced as to ensure the sound and prudent management of the firm.[Note: article 9(1)(4) 9of MiFID, article 7(1)(b) of the UCITS Directive,9 article 8(1)(c) of AIFMD9 and article 91(1) 9of CRD4]35
SYSC 4.2.2RRP
A common platform firm, a management company, a full-scope UK AIFM53 and the UK branch of a non-EEA bank1must ensure that its management is undertaken by at least two persons meeting the requirements laid down in SYSC 4.2.1 R and : 9(a) for a full-scope UK AIFM, SYSC 4.2.7R; or9(b) for a common platform firm, SYSC 4.3A.3R.9[Note: article 9(6) 9first paragraph of MiFID, article 7(1)(b) of the UCITS Directive3, article 8(1)(c) of AIFMD5and article 13(1) of CRD]566
SYSC 4.2.4GRP
At least two independent minds should be applied to the formulation and implementation of the policies of a common platform firm, a management company3, a full-scope UK AIFM5 and the UK branch of a third country firm9. Where a firm1 nominates just two individuals to direct its business, the FCA9 will not regard them as both effectively directing the business where one of them makes some, albeit significant, decisions relating to only a few aspects of the business. Each should
SYSC 4.2.5GRP
Where there are more than two individuals directing the business of a common platform firm, a management company3, a full-scope UK AIFM5 or the UK branch of a third country firm9,1 the FCA9 does not regard it as necessary for all of these individuals to be involved in all decisions relating to the determination of strategy and general direction. However, at least two individuals should be involved in all such decisions. Both individuals' judgement should be engaged so that major
SYSC 4.2.6RRP
If a common platform firm, (other than a credit institution or AIFM investment firm5) or the UK branch of a third country firm9, is:11(1) a natural person; or(2) a legal person managed by a single natural person; then:9(3) it must have alternative arrangements in place which ensure: 9(a) sound and prudent management of the firm; and9(b) adequate consideration of the interests of clients and the integrity of the market; and9(4) the natural persons concerned must be of sufficiently
SYSC 9.1.-2GRP

5For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    General requirements

    SYSC 9.1.1AR

    6Specific requirements for insurance distribution

    SYSC 9.1.2AR, SYSC 9.1.2DR

    Guidance on record-keeping

    SYSC 9.1.2BG,6SYSC 9.1.4G, SYSC 9.1.5G, SYSC 9.1.6G, SYSC 9.1.6AG6

SYSC 9.1.1RRP
A firm (other than a common platform firm)5 must arrange for orderly records to be kept of its business and internal organisation, including all services and transactions undertaken by it, which must be sufficient to enable the FCA5 or any other relevant competent authority under 5the UCITS Directive4 to monitor the firm's compliance with the requirements under the regulatory system, and in particular to ascertain that the firm has complied with all obligations with respect to
SYSC 9.1.1ARRP
(1) 5A common platform firm must arrange for records to be kept of all services, activities and transactions undertaken by it. (2) The records in (1) must be sufficient to enable the FCA to fulfil its supervisory tasks and to perform the enforcement actions under the regulatory system including MiFID, MiFIR and the Market Abuse Regulation, and in particular to ascertain that the common platform firm has complied with all obligations including those with respect to clients or potential
SYSC 9.1.2RRP
A common platform firm3must retain all records kept by it under this chapter in relation to its MiFID business for a period of at least five years.53
SYSC 9.1.6GRP
Schedule 1 to each module of the Handbook sets out a list summarising the record-keeping requirements of that module.1 A common platform firm should also refer to the record-keeping requirements in the MiFID Org Regulation.551
SYSC 4.1.-2GRP

21For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    General requirements

    SYSC 4.1.1R, SYSC 4.1.1CR, SYSC 4.1.2R, SYSC 4.1.2AAR

    Business continuity

    SYSC 4.1.6R, SYSC 4.1.7R, SYSC 4.1.8G

    Audit committee

    SYSC 4.1.11G, SYSC 4.1.13G, SYSC 4.1.14G

    Persons who effectively direct the business

    SYSC 4.2.1R, SYSC 4.2.2R, SYSC 4.2.3G, SYSC 4.2.4G, SYSC 4.2.5G, SYSC 4.2.6R

    Responsibility of senior personnel

    SYSC 4.3.3G

    Management body

    SYSC 4.3A.-1R to SYSC 4.3A.7R

    Nominations committee

    SYSC 4.3A.8R to SYSC 4.3A.11R

    Management responsibilities maps for UK relevant authorised persons

    SYSC 4.5

    Management responsibilities maps for non-UK relevant authorised persons

    SYSC 4.6

    Senior management responsibilities for UK relevant authorised persons

    SYSC 4.7

    Handover procedures and material

    SYSC 4.9

SYSC 4.1.1RRP
3(1) A firm must have robust governance arrangements, which include a clear organisational structure with well defined, transparent and consistent lines of responsibility, effective processes to identify, manage, monitor and report the risks it is or might be exposed to, and internal control mechanisms, including sound administrative and accounting procedures and effective control and safeguard arrangements for information processing systems.8(2) [deleted]1313[Note: article 74
SYSC 4.1.2RRP
For a common platform firm, the 3 arrangements, processes and mechanisms referred to in SYSC 4.1.1 R must be comprehensive and proportionate to the nature, scale and complexity of the risks inherent in the business model and of13 the common platform firm's activities and must take into account the specific technical criteria described in article 21(3) of the MiFID Org Regulation21, SYSC 5.1.7 R, SYSC 7 and whichever of the following as applicable:3817131312817(1) (for a
SYSC 4.1.4RRP
A firm (with the exception of a common platform firm and a 21sole trader who does not employ any person who is required to be approved under section 59 of the Act (Approval for particular arrangements))3 must, taking into account the nature, scale and complexity of the business of the firm, and the nature and range of the financial services and activities 3undertaken in the course of that business:310(1) (if it is 21a management company)10 establish, implement and maintain decision-making
SYSC 4.1.4AGRP
3A firm that is not a common platform firm or a management company10 should take into account the decision-making procedures and effective internal reporting rules (SYSC 4.1.4R (1),10(3) and (4))10 as if they were guidance (and as if "should" appeared in those rules21 instead of "must") as explained in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.3 R(1)21.5
SYSC 4.1.6RRP
A common platform firm must take reasonable steps to ensure continuity and regularity in the performance of its regulated activities. To this end the common platform firm3 must employ appropriate and proportionate systems, resources and procedures.[Note: article 1621(4) of MiFID]
SYSC 4.1.8GRP
The matters dealt with in a business continuity policy should include:(1) resource requirements such as people, systems and other assets, and arrangements for obtaining these resources;(2) the recovery priorities for the firm's operations; (3) communication arrangements for internal and external concerned parties (including the FCA21, clients and the press);(4) escalation and invocation plans that outline the processes for implementing the business continuity plans, together with
SYSC 10.1.-2GRP

9For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance in the table below apply:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    Provision of services

    SYSC 10.1.2G

    Identifying conflicts

    SYSC 10.1.3R

    Types of conflicts

    SYSC 10.1.5G

    Managing conflicts

    SYSC 10.1.7R

    Conflicts policy

    SYSC 10.1.12G

  3. (3)

    SYSC 10.1.7AR (Proportionality – insurance distribution activities), SYSC 10.1.8R (Disclosure of conflicts) and SYSC 10.1.11ABR (Contents of policy) also apply in relation to the carrying on of insurance distribution activities.12

SYSC 10.1.4AGRP
3Other firms (except common platform firms, UCITS management companies and insurance intermediaries12) should take account of the rule on the types of conflicts (see SYSC 10.1.4 R) in accordance with11SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.3R9. 94
SYSC 10.1.6AGRP
3Other firms (other than common platform firms and insurance intermediaries12)9 should also9 take account of the rule on records of conflicts (see SYSC 10.1.6 R) in accordance with SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2BR, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2CR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.3R)9.4
SYSC 10.1.6BGRP
9A firm (other than a common platform firm and an insurance intermediary12) should read SYSC 10.1.6AAR as if “should” appeared in that rule instead of “must”12.
SYSC 10.1.11AGRP
3Other firms (except common platform firms, UCITS management companies and insurance intermediaries12 )9 should take account of the rules relating to conflicts of interest policies (see SYSC 10.1.10 R and SYSC 10.1.11 R) in accordance with SYSC 1 Annex 1.3.2BR, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2CR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.3R9.4
SYSC 10.1.11BGRP
9A firm (other than a common platform firmand an and an insurance intermediary ) should 12) should read SYSC 10.1.11AAR as if “should” appeared in that rule instead of “must”.
SYSC 10.1.16RRP
3The rules relating to:(1) types of conflict (see SYSC 10.1.4 R);(2) records of conflicts (see SYSC 10.1.6 R); and(3) conflicts of interest policies (see SYSC 10.1.10 R and SYSC 10.1.11 R);also apply to a firm which is not a common platform firm when it produces, or arranges for the production of, investment research that is intended or likely to be subsequently disseminated to clients of the firm or to the public10, and when it produces or disseminates non-independent research,10
SYSC 5.1.-2GRP

10For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    Competent employees rule, knowledge and competence and segregation11 of functions

    SYSC 5.1.2G to SYSC 5.1.5AG, SYSC 5.1.5AAR, SYSC 5.1.5ABR, SYSC 5.1.5ACG to SYSC 5.1.5AEG,11SYSC 5.1.7R, SYSC 5.1.8G to SYSC 5.1.11G

    Certification regime

    SYSC 5.2

SYSC 5.1.1RRP
1A firm (other than a common platform firm) 10 must employ personnel with the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for the discharge of the responsibilities allocated to them.[Note:10 articles 12(1)(a) and 14(1)(c) of the UCITS Directive and article 5(1) of the UCITS implementing Directive]63
SYSC 5.1.5AARRP
11SYSC 5.1.5ABR applies to a common platform firm and a third country firm:(1) in relation to its MiFID or equivalent third country business;(2) in respect of any natural persons (“relevant individuals”) who, on behalf of the firm:(a) make personal recommendations to clients in relation to financial instruments or structured deposits; or(b) provide information to retail clients or professional clients about financial instruments, structured deposits, investment services or ancillary
SYSC 5.1.7RRP
The senior personnel of a common platform firm must define arrangements concerning the segregation of duties within the firm and the prevention of conflicts of interest.[Note: article 88 of 10CRD and 8article 9(1) of MiFID10]
SYSC 5.1.13RRP
The systems, internal control mechanisms and arrangements established by a firm (other than a common platform firm) 10in accordance with this chapter must take into account the nature, scale and complexity of its business and the nature and range of financial services and activities 3undertaken in the course of that business.[Note:10 articles 4(1) final paragraph and 5(4) of the UCITS implementing Directive]66
SYSC 6.1.-2GRP

16For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    Adequate policy and procedures

    SYSC 6.1.1R, SYSC 6.1.1AG

    Compliance function

    SYSC 6.1.4-AG, SYSC 6.1.7R

    Internal audit

    SYSC 6.2.2G

    Financial crime

    SYSC 6.3.1R to SYSC 6.3.11G

SYSC 6.1.4ARRP
(1) 4A firm which is not a common platform firm or management company8 and which carries on designated investment business with or for retail clients or professional clients must allocate to a director or senior manager the function of:(a) having responsibility for oversight of the firm's compliance; and(b) reporting to the governing body in respect of that responsibility.(2) In SYSC 6.1.4A R (1) compliance means compliance with the rules in:(a) COBS (Conduct of Business sourcebook);(b)
SYSC 6.1.7RRP
(1) 9This rule applies to a common platform firm conducting investment services and activities from a branch in another EEA State.(2) References to the regulatory system in SYSC 6.1.1R, SYSC 6.1.2 R and SYSC 6.1.3 R apply in respect of a firm'sbranch as if regulatory system includes a Host State's requirements under MiFID and the MiFID Org Regulation16 which are applicable to the investment services and activities conducted from the firm'sbranch.[Note: article 16 16of MiFID]
SYSC 7.1.-2GRP

19For a common platform firm:

  1. (1)

    the MiFID Org Regulation applies, as summarised in SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2G, SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-AR and SYSC 1 Annex 1 3.2-BR; and

  2. (2)

    the rules and guidance apply as set out in the table below:

    Subject

    Applicable rule or guidance

    Risk assessment

    SYSC 7.1.1G

    Risk management

    SYSC 7.1.4R, SYSC 7.1.4AG

    Risk control: remuneration

    SYSC 7.1.7BG, SYSC 7.1.7BBG

    Risk control: additional provisions

    SYSC 7.1.7CG, SYSC 7.1.8G, SYSC 7.1.9R to SYSC 7.1.16R

    Additional rules for CCR firms

    SYSC 7.1.16CR to SYSC 7.1.22R

SYSC 7.1.4RRP
The management body13 of a common platform firm must approve and periodically review the strategies and policies for taking up, managing, monitoring and mitigating the risks the firm is or might be exposed to, including those posed by the macroeconomic environment in which it operates in relation to the status of the business cycle.[Note: 13article 76(1) of CRD]1313
SYSC 7.1.4AGRP
For a common platform firm included within the scope of SYSC 20 (Reverse stress testing), the strategies, policies and procedures for identifying, taking up, managing, monitoring and mitigating the risks to which the firm is or might be exposed include conducting reverse stress testing in accordance with SYSC 20. A common platform firm which falls outside the scope of SYSC 20 should consider conducting reverse stress tests on its business plan as well. This would further senior
SYSC 7.1.8GRP
2(1) [deleted]1313(2) The term 'risk management function' in SYSC 7.1.6 R and SYSC 7.1.7R, and for a common platform firm in article 23(2) of the MiFID Org Regulation,19 refers to the generally understood concept of risk assessment within a firm, that is, the function of setting and controlling risk exposure.32917(3) For a firm that is not a relevant authorised person, the risk management function is not a controlled function itself, but is part of the systems and controls function
COBS 6.1.4RRP
A firm must provide a client6 with the following general information, if relevant:(1) the name and address of the firm, and the contact details necessary to enable a client to communicate effectively with the firm;(2) [deleted]6(3) the methods of communication to be used between the firm and the client including, where relevant, those for the sending and reception of orders;(4) a statement of the fact that the firm is authorised and the name of the competent authority that has
SYSC 4.3.1RRP
Afirm (with the exception of a common platform firm and 5a sole trader who does not employ any person who is required to be approved under section 59 of the Act (Approval for particular arrangements)),2 when allocating functions internally, must ensure that senior personnel and, where appropriate, the supervisory function, are responsible for ensuring that the firm complies with its obligations under the regulatory system1. In particular, senior personnel and, where appropriate,
SUP 10A.7.2GRP
In requiring someone to apportion responsibility, neither4 a common platform firm nor a Solvency II firm4 or small non-directive insurer5 should 4apply for that person or persons to be FCA-approved to perform the apportionment and oversight function (see SUP 10A.7.1 R, SYSC 2.1.3 R and SYSC 1 Annex 1).
SYSC 6.2.2GRP
(1) The term 'internal audit function' in SYSC 6.2.1R (and SYSC 4.1.11G), and for a common platform firm in article 24 of the MiFID Org Regulation,7 refers to the generally understood concept of internal audit within a firm, that is, the function of assessing adherence to and the effectiveness of internal systems and controls, procedures and policies.6(2) 6For a firm that is not a relevant authorised person, the internal audit function is not a controlled function itself, but
SYSC 19A.2.2GRP
(1) [deleted]2(2) The Remuneration Code covers all aspects of remuneration that could have a bearing on effective risk management including salaries, bonuses, long-term incentive plans, options, hiring bonuses, severance packages and pension arrangements.2(3) As with other aspects of a firm's systems and controls, in accordance with SYSC 4.1.2 Rremuneration policies, procedures and practices must be comprehensive and proportionate to the nature, scale and complexity of the common
SYSC 1.4.2RRP
A contravention of a rule in SYSC 11 to 2SYSC 21,7SYSC 22.8.1R, SYSC 22.9.1R or SYSC 288 does not give rise to a right of action by a private person under section 138D of the Act (and each of those rules is specified under section 138D(3) of the Act as a provision giving rise to no such right of action). 34437
SYSC 19D.2.2GRP
(1) The dual-regulated firms Remuneration Code covers all aspects of remuneration that could have a bearing on effective risk management, including salaries, bonuses, long-term incentive plans, options, hiring bonuses, severance packages and pension arrangements.(2) As with other aspects of a firm's systems and controls, in accordance with SYSC 4.1.2R (general organisational requirements) remuneration policies, procedures and practices must be comprehensive and proportionate to
SYSC 3.1.6RRP
2A firm9must employ personnel with the skills, knowledge and expertise necessary for the discharge of the responsibilities allocated to them.