Regulated activity meaning

Regulated activities and exclusions Section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) bars any individual or entity from undertaking, or holding themselves out as undertaking, a regulated activity in the UK unless they are authorised or exempt under FSMA 2000 (the General Prohibition). Usefully, most activities specified in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/544 (RAO) are carved out by exclusions. Where you conduct a given activity in a manner that fits an exclusion, you will not contravene the General Prohibition. For additional detail on the General Prohibition, see Practice Notes The general prohibition and implications of its breach and Carrying on unauthorised business and breaching the general prohibition. Most RAO regulated activities are subject to exclusions that can be used where applicable. Exclusions fall into two groupings: exclusions tailored to a specific regulated activity; and exclusions that, in defined situations, span several regulated activities...

SM&CR—timeline This Practice Note charts policy and guidance progress and change on the SM&CR, along with key milestone dates, from 1 January 2025 onwards. For more detailed information and LexisPSL material on the SM&CR, see SM&CR and approved persons regime—overview. For a concise primer on the SM&CR, with additional notes on forthcoming developments, see Practice Note: SM&CR—one minute guide. For all activity before 1 January 2025, see: SM&CR—policy development and key dates—to 31 December 2024 [Archived]. For culture, diversity and inclusion (D&I), and non-financial misconduct related updates, see: Culture and social governance in financial services—timeline. Date Source Documents Description 23 January 2026 FCA FCA invites views on additional rules for cryptoasset firms CP26/4: Application of FCA Handbook for regulated cryptoasset activities – part 2 CP26/4: Application of FCA Handbook for regulated cryptoasset activities II [PDF] As a continuation of consultations on cryptoasset regulation, the FCA is seeking input on how it will categorise cryptoasset firms for the SM&CR. Consistent with its commitment in CP25/25 (paragraphs...

ARCHIVED: This Practice Note is archived and is no longer maintained. Amid concerns about potential consumer harm in the pre-paid funeral plan market, HM Treasury launched a call for evidence on sector regulation in June 2018. Responses indicated that detriment was occurring and that mandatory regulation was required. After evaluating various options, including establishing a new statutory regulator, the UK government concluded that extending Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) oversight to all funeral plan providers was the most effective and proportionate way to strengthen market regulation. On 1 June 2019, HM Treasury opened a consultation to gather stakeholder views on proposed legislative changes to bring every funeral plan provider within the FCA’s jurisdiction. The government issued its consultation response in March 2020, confirming its final policy to amend the regulatory framework accordingly. It should be noted that, under article 59(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/544 (RAO), entering into a funeral plan contract as a provider was already a regulated activity…

Background to and scope of this flowchart An individual who conducts a regulated activity in the UK in the course of business, where no relevant exclusion or exemption applies, must be authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000). For details and context on the consequences of carrying on a regulated activity without authorisation, consult Practice Note: The general prohibition and implications of its breach. For an explanation of what it means to carry on business in the UK, see Practice Notes: What does 'by way of business' mean? and Territorial scope of the general prohibition. For guidance on exemptions and exclusions that may apply in particular circumstances, refer to Practice Notes: Regulated activities—exempt persons and Exclusions and exemptions relating to the general prohibition—an introduction...

Aim of this flowchart Under section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, anyone who carries on a regulated activity in the UK in the course of business, without an applicable exclusion or exemption, must hold authorisation from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and/or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This requirement is referred to as the general prohibition. For further detail on the general prohibition and the scope of regulated activities, consult the Practice Notes: The general prohibition and implications of its breach, and What are regulated activities? This flowchart is intended to assist in deciding whether a person is undertaking the regulated activities of effecting and carrying out contracts of insurance as principal, pursuant to article 10(1) and (2) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (SI 2001/544) (RAO). Any references here to PERG are to the FCA’s Perimeter Guidance Manual, which provides regulatory guidance within the FCA Handbook. It serves as a guide to the FCA Handbook...

The defined terms in the flowchart shall have the following meaning: Appointed Representative Regulations — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Appointed Representatives) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/1217 Business Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Carrying on Regulated Activities by Way of Business) Order 2001, SI 2001/1177 Exemption Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) Order 2001, SI 2001/1201 Non-Exempt Activities Order — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Professions) (Non-Exempt Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/1227 PRA-regulated activities — denotes regulated activities designated as PRA‑regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (PRA‑regulated Activities) Order 2013, SI 2013/556 RAO — the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/544 UCITS qualifier — carries the meaning attributed to it in the Glossary of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook To determine whether an activity is regulated, follow the flowchart below. Click below to view or print...

Restructuring & Insolvency weekly highlights—9 October 2025 In this issue: Key R&I developments Corporate insolvency processes Directors and insolvency International restructuring and insolvency Daily and weekly news alerts Key dates for restructuring and insolvency professionals New content New Q&As Key R&I developments Government departments update ECCTA guidance on AML information sharing measures Guidance on information‑sharing measures under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023 has been refreshed by the Home Office, HM Treasury, the Ministry of Justice, Companies House, the Serious Fraud Office and the Department for Business and Trade. Released on 3 October 2025, it explains how anti‑money laundering regulated firms (AML regulated firms) can pass customer data either directly or via third‑party intermediaries to prevent, detect and investigate economic crime. It addresses the warning and request conditions for disclosures made under the direct sharing route, practical issues such as cross‑sector sharing mechanisms, and obligations concerning reports to law enforcement, UK...

In this issue: UK, EU and international regulators and bodies Acountability, culture and social governance Authorisation, approval and supervision Prudential requirements Financial crime and sanctions Investigations, enforcement and discipline Dispute resolution for financial services lawyers Banks and mutuals EU MiFID II Consumer credit, mortgage and home finance Regulation of insurance FSMA regulated pensions activity Payment services and systems Financial Services Enforcement Database Daily and weekly news alerts Intraday news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary UK, EU and international regulators and bodies Regulation to prioritise UK growth over risk-aversion in 2025 Law360, London: Financial watchdogs have vowed, firmly in line with new government objectives, to elevate economic growth above risk-aversion in 2025 — a recalibration that might cut across the recent stress on safeguarding consumers. See: Regulation to prioritise UK growth over risk-aversion in 2025. Acountability, culture and social governance UK...

In this issue: Prudential requirements Financial crime and sanctions Complaints, compensation and claims management Investigations, enforcement and discipline Regulation of capital markets Sustainable finance and ESG Banks and mutuals Investment funds and asset management UK MiFID II Consumer credit, mortgage and home finance Regulation of insurance FSMA regulated pensions activity Payment services and systems Financial Services Enforcement Database Daily and weekly news alerts Intraday news alerts New and updated content Dates for your diary Prudential requirements COREPER asked to endorse agreement on CCP concentration risk treatment After the European Parliament adopted, in April 2024, a proposal for a directive of the Parliament and the Council to amend Directive 2009/65/EC (UCITS), Directive 2013/36/EU (CRD IV) and the Investment Firms Directive (EU) 2019/2034 (IFD), the Council of the EU’s General Secretariat released an ‘I/A’ Item Note inviting the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) to confirm its agreement...

This Practice Note addresses the regulated activity of managing investments... Definition Managing investments is a regulated activity under article 37 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001, SI 2001/544 (RAO). It entails exercising discretion over assets that beneficially belong to another person, where those assets consist of, or include, any investment categorised as a ‘security’, a ‘structured deposit’ or a ‘contractually-based investment’. For further detail on what constitutes a ‘security’, a ‘structured deposit’ or a ‘contractually-based investment’, see Securities, structured deposits or contractually-based investments below)... The exercise of discretion This regulated activity only arises where the investment manager exercises discretion. Where portfolio management is non-discretionary—for example, the manager purchases shares strictly on client instructions, or simply receives and forwards client orders—the work is more likely to fall within another regulated activity, such as ‘dealing in investments, either as principal or agent’ (RAO SI 2001/544, arts 14 and 21) or ‘arranging deals in investments’ (RAO SI 2001/544, art 25)...

Why are construction products regulated? Construction products are regulated to: confirm that any item entering the market meets all legal obligations, and build trust among consumers, public authorities and manufacturers regarding product conformity What sort of products are affected? ‘Construction product’ means any product or kit manufactured and placed on the market for permanent incorporation in construction works, or their parts, where its performance affects how those works satisfy the basic requirements. This includes items such as doors, windows, shutters and gates, membranes, thermal insulation, chimneys and flues, sanitary appliances, fire alarms, flooring, fire-retardant products, space heating appliances, power cables, glass, fixings, and many others. Key definitions Placing on the market ‘Placing on the market’ is the first time a construction product is made available on the GB market, as described in UK government guidance. Making available on the market ‘Making available on the market’ means any supply of a construction product for distribution or use...

Practice Note In this Practice Note, the term ‘bank’ denotes a UK institution authorised under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) to undertake the regulated activity of accepting deposits (as defined by FSMA 2000, s 22, read with Schedule 2 and any order under FSMA 2000, s 22), and any mention of ‘bank’ below also covers a resolution company. In the wake of Silicon Valley Bank’s failure, the government consulted on additional reforms and, in May 2025, passed the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025 (see: LNB News 19/07/2024 30). These changes are not confined to smaller banks and, from 16 July 2025, apply to banks of any size, provided the other entry conditions are met (see Practice Note: Bank resolution reforms under the Bank Resolution (Recapitalisation) Act 2025). Part 1 of the Banking Act 2009 (BA 2009) likewise extends to building societies and investment firms, with modifications specified in BA 2009. Central counterparties, meanwhile, are now subject to their own special resolution regime...

1 Preliminary screening 1.1 Guidance Some forms of fraud must be both reported and handled appropriately and promptly; for instance, suspicions of money laundering should be submitted through a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) to secure protection under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, while someone raising concerns about fraud would ordinarily use our Whistleblowing procedures to receive statutory whistleblowing protection accordingly... 1.2 Actions If the suspected fraud includes any aspect of money laundering, terrorist financing, or proliferation financing, including but not limited to situations that may occasionally arise with, eg, mortgage or property transactions, consult the nominated officer to decide whether a SAR is necessary. Where bribery or corruption is suspected, consult [ insert name or title of person in charge of anti-bribery process ] in accordance with our Anti-bribery and corruption policy. If the suspected fraud could have been committed by a member of staff, a department, or the organisation itself, consult [ insert name of person responsible for whistleblowing process ] under our Whistleblowing...

How to use this test These questions check your understanding following your attendance at training on our risk management procedures. When you have completed the test, please return it to [ insert name ]... General Name of person completing the test [ Insert name ] Role [ Insert role ] Date [ Insert date ] Multiple choice questions Ring the correct answer. What do we mean by risk? (a) A hazard (b) A financial loss (c) The possibility of an adverse/unwelcome outcome (d) A regulatory breach How do we identify risks? (a) By analysing suspicious activity report (SAR) records (b) Using all available sources, including meeting staff, looking at claims and complaints records, reviewing our regulatory experience, analysing our breach report register and reviewing internal risk reports...

The regulation of consumer credit Under section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000), no one may perform a regulated activity, or even hold themselves out as doing so, within the UK unless they are an authorised person—authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and/or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)—or an exempt person, for example as an appointed representative. For a high-level outline of the UK regulated activities regime, see Practice Note: What are regulated activities? An activity is regulated where it is of a ‘specified kind’—that is, specified in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (RAO), SI 2001/544—and is carried on by way of business...

What is the regulatory regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) Under section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the general prohibition applies: a person must not carry on a regulated activity in the UK, or even purport to do so, unless they are within one of the permitted categories below. An authorised person (that is, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and/or the Financial Conduct Authority) An exempt person (for example, an appointed representative) For an outline of the UK regime governing regulated activities, see Practice Note: What are regulated activities? An activity is regulated if it is of a ‘specified kind’—as listed in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (RAO 2001), SI 2001/544—and it is carried on by way of business. For further detail on what amounts to carrying on a regulated activity ‘by way of business’ in the UK, refer to Practice Notes: What does ‘by...

Key legal issues for guarantees Guarantees constitute contracts and must accordingly meet the four essential elements of a contract, namely: offer acceptance consideration the intention to create legal relations As a rule in law, consideration given in the past is ordinarily insufficient. A firm ought not to take a guarantee once it has already agreed to supply services to a client in question. The guarantee must also comply fully with s.4 of the Statute of Frauds 1677. It must thus be recorded in writing and properly signed by the guarantor as required. The Firm should also be alert to potential claims of misrepresentation, duress, and undue influence. It is sound practice to see that the guarantor receives independent legal advice on the implications of giving the guarantee. Is the guarantee a regulated credit agreement? Where undertaken by way of business in the United Kingdom, entering into a regulated credit agreement may potentially amount to a regulated activity under...