SMCR - a practical workshop

With SMCR due to start on 9th December for all solo regulated intermediary firms this event will focus on ensuring that you’ve got it right!

The event will focus on your progress to date for implementation (have you identified your Senior Managers and Certified staff correctly and drawn up appropriate Statements of Responsibilities, etc?) and the speakers are happy to take questions (ideally submitted in advance) to do with your own firm’s specific issues.

You will understand what checks will be needed to ensure relevant staff are fit and proper and how the Conduct Rules will apply to all staff. Everyone attending will receive a GI specific template that incorporates a Statement of Responsibility, allocation of Prescribed and Other Responsibilities. You will also be made aware of other documents that will be needed and the new reporting requirements. it is an important opportunity to consolidate what you have done and pick up things you may have missed.

By the end of this event delegate will have gained an insight into:

• The New Senior Managers Regime, Certification requirements and Conduct Rules that will apply to all relevant staff – checking that your plans are in line with what is needed
• Current topics of concern to the FCA - culture, pricing, customers' best interests, value measures and due diligence and how these should be allocated across the Statements of Responsibilities
• Current enforcement issues highlighting the increased focus on individual accountability

This session will include presentations from:

Branko Bjelobaba will take delegates through the Senior Managers and Certification Regime that becomes law on 9 December 2019 and will outline what firms will need to do. He will highlight what needs to happen with Statements of Responsibility and who could become Certified and how the Conduct Rules will apply to all staff. He will also explain how all this will happen and what action firms will need to take in readiness for the new regime.

Craig Weston has wide experience in defending large and complex criminal/regulatory investigations/prosecutions by bodies such as the FCA, SFO and HMRC and will focus on the people side of enforcement and use examples of previous cases and will emphasise the shift to individuals' accountability and will also cover issues such as: the diagnostic approach, current enforcement caseload, recent tribunal and Regulatory Decisions Committee decisions, the new settlement regime for liability and penalties and protecting a firm's reputation under investigation.

Caitlin Windsor will talk about the project so far to implement SMCR at Connells Group which is part of Skipton Building Society. She has led the work to deliver this to over 500 advisers that operate throughout the UK and, as an enhanced firm, the additional requirements placed on them by the FCA. Her enthusiasm for the subject is impressive!

In addition to the three presentations there will be an extended group Q&A session that will take questions on the three topics presented plus anything else troubling you to do with FCA.

Session Rates:

• CII/PFS member: £250 + VAT
• Non-members: £350 + VAT

Feedback from the previous session:

"Very knowledgeable speakers"

"Expert, clarity and engagement were key strengths; Insightful seminar"

"Engaging discussions and presentation style - very informative but explained clearly"

"Very useful output in terms of slides and how to implement SMCR"

"Openness of debate and real life case studies"

Speaker Bios:

Please contact info@branko.org.uk (0800 619 6619) with any queries and to submit your questions in advance of the event.