REC 4.2 The supervisory relationship with UK recognised bodies

The FCA expects to have an open, cooperative and constructive relationship with UK recognised bodies to enable it to have a broad picture of the UK recognised body's activities and its ability to meet the recognised body requirements. This broad picture is intended to complement the information which the FCA will obtain under section 293 of the Act (Notification requirements) or under notification rules made under that section (see REC 3). The FCA will usually arrange meetings between the Infrastructure and Trading Firms Department and members of the management body of the UK recognised body for this purpose. The frequency and nature of these meetings may vary in accordance with the risk profile of the UK recognised body.

UK recognised bodies are likely to develop and adapt their businesses in response to customer demand and new market opportunities. Where such developments involve changes to the way the UK recognised body operates, they are likely to involve changes to the way it satisfies the recognised body requirements.

The FCA expects a UK recognised body to take its own steps to assure itself that it will continue to satisfy the recognised body requirements when considering any changes to its business or operations.

However, the FCA also expects that UK recognised bodies will keep it informed of all significant developments and of progress with their plans and operational initiatives, and will provide it with appropriate assurance that the recognised body requirements will continue to be satisfied.