Compliance E-Learning: FCA Compliance

AIFM Regulations

The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) was developed by the EU in order to create a harmonised framework of rules for regulating AIFMs.

Our AIFM Regulations Training Course explains the aims and benefits of the AIFMD, defines an AIF and an AIFM, and outlines the different requirements that are imposed on AIFMs by the FCA Handbook.

Appointed Representatives Regulatory Responsibilities

The FCA expects companies to ensure all their appointed representatives know the provisions within the FCA handbook.

Our Appointed Representatives Regulatory Responsibilities course outlines the regulatory responsibilities of an appointed representative.

About our FCA Course Library

Skillcast FCA Course Library contains over 60 training modules covering everything from high-level and conduct of business standards to thematic topics, including treating customers fairly.

Our comprehensive compliance training content includes sector-specific versions for banking, investments and mortgages, plus a full set of SMCR training courses.

Appropriate Use of Communication Channels

BCOBS - Distance Communications

The Banking Conduct of Business Sourcebook (BCOBS) applies to all firms accepting deposits from banking customers in the UK. BCOBS rules cover distance marketing and distance banking accounts.

Our BCOBS for Distance Communications Training Course explains the FCA's Conduct of Business Rules for the retail banking business using distance communications.

BCOBS - General Standards

The FCA Banking Conduct of Business Sourcebook (BCOBS) applies to all firms that accept deposits from banking customers in the UK. BCOBS rules outline the general standards for retail banking businesses.

Our BCOBS for General Standards Training Course explains the FCA's Conduct of Business Rules, focusing on how to deal with retail banking customers in the UK.

Benchmarks Regulation

The FCA defines a Benchmark as an index used to determine the value of or the amount payable under a financial instrument (or contract). Alternatively, it measures investment fund performance.

Our Benchmarks Regulation Training Course explains the importance of following proper conduct, the repercussions for violating regulations, and how to avoid these.

Breathing Space Regulations

Breathing Space Regulations apply to creditors whose debtors are eligible for additional time to repay their debt. During this period, creditors need to suspend all actions related to this debt.

Our Breathing Space Regulations Course outlines the basis of these regulations, explains how to identify debtors who qualify for breathing space, and the required actions by creditors.

CASS 6 - Custody Rules

The rules and guidance in CASS 6 apply to a firm when it is safeguarding and administering custody assets. These assets include safe custody investments and any other assets that are held in the same portfolio for the same client.

Our CASS 6: Custody Rules training course provides a high-level introduction to the rules and guidance surrounding the safe custody of client assets.

CASS 7 & 7A - Client Money Rules & Client Money Distribution & Transfer

The rules and guidance in CASS aim to achieve the FCA's objective of ensuring that consumers are adequately protected. CASS 7 & 7A is split into 10 and 3 sections, respectively. 

Our CASS 7 & 7A: Client Money Rules & Client Money Distribution & Transfer course introduces the rules and guidance around the treatment towards client money.

CASS 8 - Mandates

Under the requirements of CASS 8, you must understand what a mandate is and how to deal with them. Learn what your responsibilities are and how you can fully comply with the FCA's rules.

Our CASS 8: Mandates Course provides a high-level introduction to the information that you need to know to comply with the provisions of CASS 8: Mandates.

CASS 9 - Information to Clients

Under the requirements of CASS 9, you are required to pass on certain information to clients, particularly where prime brokers, custody assets and client money are concerned. Learn your responsibilities and how to fully comply with the FCA's rules.

Our CASS 9: Information to Clients Course will give you a high-level introduction to the information you need to know.

CASS 10 - CASS Resolution Pack

A CASS Resolution Pack (RP) contains a specific set of documents that helps speed up client money and assets return if a firm fails. Firms must maintain a CASS RP if CASS 6 or CASS 7 apply them by virtue of their client assets holdings.

Our CASS 10: CASS Resolution Pack provides a high-level introduction to the CASS Resolution Pack, including why it is required and what needs to be in it.

CASS Overview

The FCA's Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS) supports Principle 10 of the FCA's Principles for Businesses. This Principle states that firms must arrange adequate protection for clients' assets.

Our CASS Overview Training Course explains the rules surrounding the protection of client money and client assets, as well as how to apply these rules in your day-to-day work.

CeMAP Competency Refresher

The Certificate in Mortgage Advice & Practice (CeMAP) is a UK specific qualification issued by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF).CeMAP meets the FCA's required standards for a licensed mortgage advisor.

Our CeMAP Competency Refresher Training Course revises all the key aspects of CeMAP and helps identify elements of FCA regulations that feature in the CeMAP examination.

COBS - Appropriateness

The FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to financial firms that deal with customer investments on an execution-only basis. COBS rules cover assessing appropriateness of a product for a customer.

Our COBS for Appropriateness Course explains the FCA Conduct of Business Rules for financial firms, how to test appropriateness and when this test should be applied.

COBS - Client Categorisation

The Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to financial firms in the UK that deal with client investments. COBS rules cover client categorisation. Client categorisation is based on the client's level of sophistication.

Our COBS for Client Categorisation Course covers the different client categories and explains the FCA Conduct of Business Rules for client categorisation in the investment business.

COBS - Client Communications and Financial Promotions

The Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to financial firms in the UK that deal with client investments. COBS rules cover client communications. Client communications refer to any document likely to be read by a retail client.

Our COBS for Client Communications Course explains the FCA Conduct of Business Rules for communicating with clients in the investment business.

COBS - Client Communications High Risk Investments

The Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) rules that relate to client communication apply to all promotional communications that investment firms have with their clients and prospects.

Our COBS for Client Communications High Risk Investments Course explains the FCA's COBS rules for communicating with clients, including financial promotions in the investment business.

COBS - Dealing & Managing

The FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to financial firms in the UK. COBS rules cover dealing and managing in the investment business.

Our COBS for Dealing and Managing Training Course explains the FCA's rules, focusing on best execution, order aggregation and the use of dealing commissions.

COBS - Suitability

The FCA Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to finance and investment firms in the UK. COBS covers assessing product or service suitability for clients.

Our COBS for Suitability Training Course explains the FCA's Conduct of Business Rules for advising and dealing with investments for retail clients on a discretionary basis.

Complaints Handling

The FCA has identified that the number of complaints submitted in the financial services sector has increased year on year in recent times in the UK.

Our Complaints Handling Training Course explains the FCA's rules for appropriately handling complaints from retail clients in the financial services sector.

Complaints Handling for Managers

One of the three operational objections of the FCA is to protect consumers. Firms are required to follow a principles-based approach to dealing with client complaints. Managers play a vital role in enforcing this.

Our Complaints Handling for Managers Course explains the FCA's rules on how best to manage complaints from retail clients in the financial services sector.

Complaints Handling for the Mortgage Market

The FCA outlines complaints handling rules in the Dispute Resolution Sourcebook (DISP). This guidance applies to the mortgage market.

Our Complaints Handling for the Mortgage Market explains the procedures involved in dealing with mortgage client complaints and the best practice for complaints handling.

CONC - Consumer Credit Regulations

The FCA's Consumer Credit sourcebook (CONC) applies to all firms engaged in credit-related regulatory activities in the UK. This includes firms involved with debt counselling and credit broking.

Our CONC - Consumer Credit Regulations Course explains the FCA's Conduct of Business Rules for consumer credit firms and how these impact daily operations.

Conduct Risk

The FCA focuses on good customer outcomes and how a firm achieves this through staff conduct at all levels of the business. Conduct Risk is a keystone of regulation.

Our Conduct Risk Course explains the FCA's approach to Conduct Risk as well as how to recognise and manage conduct risks in daily operations.

Conflicts of Interest in Asset Management

The FCA outlines its expectations that asset management firms establish and maintain an effective framework to identify, control and review conflicts of interest.

Our Conflicts of Interest in Asset Management Course explains how conflicts of interest may arise and best practice for managing them.

Developing Secure Applications

The way companies build software and technology systems is evolving very rapidly. It is becoming increasingly automated and integrated.

Our Developing Secure Applications course explains the principles behind ensuring secure software development and deployment are in place.

Ethical Standards in Finance & Investment

The FCA's ethical standards apply to individuals in finance and investment. These standards cover their responsibilities to their firm and clients.

Our Ethical Standards in Finance and Investment Course explains the fundamental responsibilities of professionals working in financial services.

Good Outcomes for Vulnerable Customers

Companies have a legal obligation to identify the signs of vulnerability and ensure that vulnerable individuals are fairly treated and shown appropriate care.

Our Good Outcomes for Vulnerable Customers Course will help your employees to better identify, understand and address the needs of those in vulnerable circumstances.

Financial Crime Prevention

Financial crime ranges from fraud, tax evasion, bribery, market abuse, insider dealing, money-laundering, to terrorist financing.

Our Financial Crime Prevention Training Course will help your employees recognise the various types of financial crime as well as when and how to seek advice or report concerns.

FSCS Deposit Protection

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) safeguards customers' finances. It has protected over 4.5m customers and paid out over £2.6bn in compensation since 2001.

Our FSCS Deposit Protection Course explains which financial products and services are covered, the obligations for informing consumers and the levels of compensation.

FX Global Code

The FX Global Code is a set of global principles of good practice in the foreign exchange market. This code is maintained by the Global Foreign Exchange Committee and applies to all FX market participants.

Our FX Global Code Course will explain the FX Global Code, how it applies to each role, and what staff need to do to comply with its 55 principles.

ICOBS - Cancellation & Claims

The Insurance Conduct of Business Sourcebook (ICOBS) applies to all non-investment insurance businesses. ICOBS covers the FCA's rules for cancellation and claims.

Our ICOBS for Cancellation and Claims Course explains the FCA's conduct of business rules for cancellation and claims that apply to the insurance business.

ICOBS - Distance Communications

The Insurance Conduct of Business Sourcebook (ICOBS) for distance communications applies to all insurance firms that engage in distance marketing activity in the UK.

Our ICOBS for Distance Communications Course explains the FCA's business rules for dealing with distance communications in the insurance business.

ICOBS - General Matters

The Insurance Conduct of Business Sourcebook (ICOBS) for general matters applies to all firms engaged in the insurance business. The rules are made up of two levels: high-level and business standards.

Our ICOBS for General Matters Course explains the FCA's general conduct of business rules for the insurance market.

ICOBS - Providing Information & Advising

The Insurance Conduct of Business Sourcebook (ICOBS) for Providing Information and Advising applies to insurance intermediaries.

Our ICOBS for Providing Information and Advising Course explains the FCA's rules for providing customers with information.

Information Barriers

The flow of information in financial firms needs monitoring between businesses involved with private and public side activities.

Our Information Barriers Course explains the different kinds of Information Barriers and which laws and regulations these help firms comply with.

Introduction to the Consumer Duty

The Consumer Duty is a set of rules that regulated firms need to follow in order to ensure these firms are fair to customers for the entirety of their relationship with them.

Our Introduction to the Consumer Duty Course provides an introduction to the new FCA Principle and the expectations that it sets out.

Introduction to UK Financial Regulation

The regulatory framework in the UK applies to the financial services sector. Each body that makes up the framework is responsible for overseeing different UK financial services sector areas.

Our Introduction to UK Financial Regulation Course explains how the financial services industry is regulated and how compliance with these regulations is both an individual and collective responsibility.

Introduction to the Perimeter Guidance Manual

PERG helps clarify when financial activities need FCA authorisation, as outlined by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).

Our Introduction to the Perimeter Guidance Manual course provides a clear overview of PERG, explaining its role in FCA regulation and how it can be applied in your daily work. You will gain an understanding of the regulatory perimeter and how to navigate PERG’s contents effectively. 

MiFID II

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) originally aimed to increase competition and integration in markets for financial instruments. After the financial crisis, it was evident that greater investor protection was needed. The EU created MiFID II to broaden the scope.

Our Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) Course explains the MiFID II rules and what is required to comply with these rules.

MCOB - Advising & Selling

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) Advising and Selling standards apply to businesses that advise on or arrange mortgage contracts, equity release transactions, home purchase plans or sale and rent back agreements. These standards amplify three of the FCA's principles.

Our MCOB for Advising and Selling Course explains the FCA's business rules that apply to advising and selling in the home finance business.

MCOB - APRC, Shortfalls & Charges

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) for the Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC), shortfalls, and charges apply to home finance businesses.

Our MCOB for APRC, Shortfalls & Charges Course explains the FCA's business rules for calculating the APRC and charges as well as dealing with shortfalls.

MCOB - Disclosures

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) for Disclosures applies to businesses involved in home finance transactions. MCOB for Disclosures covers the disclosure requirements for these transactions.

Our MCOB for Disclosures Course explains the FCA's business rules for pre and post-sale disclosures in the home finance business.

MCOB - Equity Release

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) for Equity Release applies to businesses that make recommendations or provide personalised information to customers on equity release products.

Our MCOB for Equity Release Course explains the FCA's rules for equity release contracts in the home finance business.

MCOB - Financial Promotions

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) for Financial Promotions applies to financial promotions in the home finance business. These rules state that all financial promotions need to be approved by an authorised person.

Our MCOB for Financial Promotions Course explains the FCA's conduct of business rules that apply to financial promotions in the home finance business.

MCOB - General Standards

The Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB) for General Standards applies to all firms that deal with home finance. Namely, lenders, administrators, advisors, arrangers and those that communicate or approve financial promotions.

Our MCOB for General Standards Course explains the FCA's general conduct of business rules that apply to the home finance business.

Mortgage Credit Directive

The EU Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) applies to all businesses dealing with first-charge, second-charge, and buy-to-let mortgages. The MCD exists to protect consumers and covers credit agreements and lending solely or predominantly secured on residential immovable property.

Our Mortgage Credit Directive Course explains the procedural requirements and documentation related to mortgage credit.

Operational Resilience

An operational resilience framework involves identifying important business services, setting impact tolerances, and mapping and testing to respond to operational disruptions.

Our Operational Resilience course provides you with a better understanding of what the FCA means by operational resilience and how to comply with the FCA's new requirements.

Outsourcing and Third Party Risk Management

As the risk inherent to business relationships grow, regulators have been drafting and implementing outsourcing and third-party risk management rules and guidance. 

Our Outsourcing & Third Party Risk Management course provides insight into outsourcing and third-party risk management rules and procedures firms must comply with.

Overview of the Consumer Duty

Learn about the FCA's Principle 12 and the rules that flow from it, and see how you can apply Consumer Duty in your day-to-day work.

Our Consumer Duty Training Course provides an overview of the FCA's strategic objectives and how Consumer Duty impacts each regulated sector.

Payment Services Regulations

The Payment Services Regulations (PSRs) 2017 was introduced in 2018 and set the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) in motion. This regulation applies to payment services provided by an establishment in the UK. PSD2 primarily aims to protect consumers and level the playing field for Payment Service Providers (PSPs).

Our Payment Services Regulations Course explains the FCA's regulations that apply to the payment services business in the UK.

Pensions Ombudsman Complaints Handling

In the UK, the Pensions Ombudsman handles pension complaints and disputes at no cost to members of occupational and personal pension schemes.

Our Pensions Ombudsman Complaints Handling training course will help you learn how to receive and handle complaints that go before the Pensions Ombudsman in the financial services sector.

Personal Conflicts of Interest

The FCA states that a firm must manage conflicts of interest between itself and its customers or other clients. Firms need to take appropriate steps to identify and manage these conflicts.

Our Personal Conflicts of Interest course explains how to recognise conflicts of interest that arise and manage these to comply with regulations.

PRIIPs Regulation

The Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Product (PRIIP) Regulation affects retail investors who need to understand the complexities of these products. The regulation aims to create greater efficiency in the EU markets.

Our PRIIPs Regulation Course reviews the key points of the PRIIPs Regulation, including the production and delivery of mandatory key information to retail investors.

Principles for Businesses

The FCA's Principles for Businesses apply to all financial services firms in the UK regulatory system. Dual-regulated firms will need to be mindful of the Prudential Regulation Authority's Fundamental Rules.

Our Principles for Businesses Training Course explains the FCA's Principles for Businesses that apply to financial services firms in the UK.

Prudential Regulation

Prudential Regulation applies to firms in financial services. Prudence is vital to the ethical and moral framework surrounding healthy financial systems. In finance, imprudence can bring economies to the point of collapse.

Our Prudential Regulation Training Course explains the prudential standards for the financial services business in the UK.

Responsible Lending & Affordability

Responsible Lending and Affordability are non-negotiable principles that underpin the UK's mortgage market reform. The Mortgage Market Review (MMR) now monitors firms in the home finance business.

Our Responsible Lending and Affordability Course explains the FCA's responsible lending and affordability rules for the home finance business in the UK.

Retail Distribution Review

The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) guides advice relating to retail investment products. These rules apply to all advisors in the UK investment market and the firms they work for. The RDR is part of the FCA's plan to achieve better protection for UK investors.

Our Retail Distribution Review Course explains the FCA's Retail Distribution Review for the financial advice business in the UK.

SEC Rule 15a-6

To engage in securities transactions with United States (US) clients, non-US firms must comply with Rule 15a-6 requirements. This rule provides limited exemptions to the US registration requirement for firms.

Our SEC Rule 15a-6 Course addresses non-US bank employees, and it explains the exemptions under this rule in doing business in the US.

SEFs & DCMs

Swap Execution Facilities (SEFs) and Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) exist as part of the US response to the financial crisis. This is also in line with the G-20 group of nations agreement to bring better transparency to the swaps market.

Our SEFs and DCMs Course provides an overview of each platform when to use them and the key rules applicable to transactions.

Senior Management Arrangements Systems & Controls

The Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls (SYSC) Sourcebook apply to authorised financial services firms. It ensures the allocation of responsibility.

Our Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls Course explains the responsibilities of senior managers as contained in the FCA Handbook.

Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) & Investment Labels

The introduction of sustainability rules aims to enhance the transparency and credibility of financial products with sustainability objectives.

Our Sustainability Disclosure Requirments & Investment Labels course provides an overview of these regulations, including the anti-greenwashing rule and how to comply.

Training & Competence

Training and Competence (T&C) forms an important part of UK regulations under the FCA. These rules apply, in particular, to employees in financial services who deal with or on behalf of customers.

Our Training and Competence Course explains the FCA's rules for the training and competence of staff in the financial services sector.

Treating Customers Fairly

Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) applies to firms in the financial services industry. This is a significant part of the regulatory landscape intending to promote fair treatment of customers.

Our Treating Customers Fairly Course explains the FCA's rules for TCF as well as managing Conduct Risk.

UCITS

Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) Directive aims to offer asset managers and investors greater business opportunities.

Our UCITS Course provides an overview of this regulation, including the UCITS V Directive and its implications for managers and depositaries.

UK Money Markets Code

The UK Money Markets Code provides a set of principles to promote the integrity and effective functioning of the UK money markets. This code sets out the expectations of those who participate in the UK markets.

Our UK Money Markets Code Course introduces the Code and how to comply with it to promote market integrity.

Whistleblowing in FS for Managers

Whistleblowing refers to disclosing corrupt, illegal or fraudulent activities committed by organisations.

Our Whistleblowing for Managers in FS Course explains the value of whistleblowing, your duty to blow the whistle when appropriate and how you are protected for doing so.

Whistleblowing in FS for All Staff

Whistleblowing about internal malpractices and external threats is extremely important for the functioning and survival of your Company.

This Course will help your staff to understand their responsibility to blow the whistle and the protection they get if they do so.