On 9 January 2019, the FCA published a Dear CEO letter concerning its expectations as regards clarity in promotions concerning regulated and unregulated business.
The FCA reminds firms that it makes it clear in the Handbook that if a firm names the FCA and/or the PRA as its regulator in a financial promotion that refers to aspects of its business (for example products or services) which are not regulated by the FCA and/or the PRA, then the promotion should make clear those aspects which are not regulated.
Firms are also reminded:
- of the rule in GEN 4.5.4R which states that “a firm must not indicate or imply that it is regulated or otherwise supervised by the FCA in respect of business for which it is not regulated by the FCA”; and
- that before they approve a financial promotion for communication by an unauthorised person, they must confirm that the promotion complies with the FCA’s rules on financial promotions. This includes ensuring that the financial promotions which they approve are fair, clear and not misleading.
The FCA reminds firms of its power under FSMA section 137S of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to direct a firm to withdraw an advert (or its approval of an advert), or to prevent it from being used in the first place.