Home FCA Handbook COBS COBS 9A COBS 9A.1 Application and purpose
Note: ESMA has also issued guidelines under article 16(3) of the ESMA Regulation on certain aspects of the MiFID suitability requirements , 28 May 2018/ESMA-35-43-869 (EN).
You are viewing COBS 9A.1 Application and purpose as of . COBS 9A.1 Application and purpose was last updated on 02/03/2026.

COBS 9A.1 Application and purpose

Application

01/10/2018R

This chapter applies to a firm which provides:

  1. (1)

    investment advice or portfolio management in the course of MiFID, equivalent third country or optional exemption business; or

  2. (2)

    investment advice in relation to an insurance-based investment product.

02/03/2026G

The rules in this chapter do not apply to a firm in relation to the provision of a targeted support service within the scope of the rules in COBS 9B.

Application to investment advice in relation to insurance-based investment products

23/10/2025R

The only rules in this chapter which apply to a firm when providing investment advice in relation to an insurance-based investment product are:

(1) those which implemented the IDD; and

(2) those which are derived from the IDD Regulation.

23/10/2025G

For the purposes of COBS 9A.1.5R, if a rule implemented a requirement of the IDD or is derived from the IDD Regulation, a note (“Note:”) to that effect follows the relevant rule.