| Link(s): | Using the new Form A | FCA |
Context
Following publication of its webpage on the new Form A, the FCA has announced that it plans to gradually roll out the new form to all firms from April 2024.
Form A applications which relate to becoming authorised for the first time, or to variations of permission or Appointed Representatives will be updated with the new requirements shortly. The FCA has clarified that any outstanding draft applications that have been created can still be submitted using the old version, but all new applications will use the improved form.
Key points to note and next actions
- The improved Form A has some changes to requirements and some new questions. These are outlined on the webpage.
- The FCA plans to gradually roll out the new form to all firms from April.
- Once the improved form is available to your firm, you will be automatically directed to it via the Connect platform.
- Any outstanding draft applications that have been created can still be submitted using the old version, but all new applications will use the improved form.
- Form A applications which relate to becoming authorised for the first time, or to variations of permission or appointed representatives will be updated with the new requirements shortly.
- There is more information about the changes made by the FCA and answers to frequently asked questions on its webpage.
The next form the FCA plan to work on is for Sensitive Business Names which will be available for testing shortly.
Where the FCA sends an e-mail to firms about the new Form A, this is merely information to inform the firm that, if it needs to use a Form A, it should access the new form (via the link in the e-mail) and not the old form. Firms that already have access should use the new version for all applications going forwards.