Financial Services and Markets Act 2000

Appointment of investigatorsU.K.

167 Appointment of persons to carry out general investigations.U.K.

(1)If it appears to [F1an investigating authority] that there is good reason for doing so, the investigating authority may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf into—

(a)the nature, conduct or state of the business of [F2a person to whom subsection (1A) applies or] an appointed representative;

(b)a particular aspect of that business; or

(c)the ownership or control of [F3a person to whom subsection (1A) applies].

[F4(1A)This subsection applies to the following persons—

(a)a recognised investment exchange;

(b)an authorised person;

(c)a relevant parent undertaking of an FCA investment firm;

(d)a person who provides a service to an FCA investment firm or to a relevant parent undertaking of such a firm.]

(2)If a person appointed under subsection (1) thinks it necessary for the purposes of his investigation, he may also investigate the business of a person who is or has at any relevant time been—

(a)a member of the group of which the person under investigation (“A”) is part; F5...

(b)a partnership of which A is a member [F6; or]

[F7(c)where A is an insurance undertaking, reinsurance undertaking or third-country insurance undertaking, a person who provides services to A.]

(3)If a person appointed under subsection (1) decides to investigate the business of any person under subsection (2) he must give that person written notice of his decision.

F8(3A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F9(4A)The power conferred by this section may be exercised in relation to a person who has at any time been an authorised person or a person described in subsection (1A)(c) or (d) but only in relation to—

(a)business carried on at any time when the person was an authorised person or a person described in subsection (1A)(c) or (d), or

(b)the ownership or control of the person at such a time.

(4B)The power conferred by this section may be exercised in relation to a person who has at any time been an appointed representative but only in relation to business carried on at any time when the person was an appointed representative.]

(5)Business” includes any part of a business even if it does not consist of carrying on regulated activities.

[F10(5A)“Investigating authority” means—

(a)in relation to a recognised investment exchange, the Secretary of State or the FCA;

(b)in relation to an authorised person or former authorised person, the FCA or the PRA;

(c)in relation to an appointed representative or former appointed representative, the FCA or the PRA.

[F11(d)in relation to a person who is, or has at any time been, a person described in subsection (1A)(c) or (d) who is not an authorised person, the FCA.]]

[F12(6)References in subsection (1) to a recognised investment exchange do not include references to an overseas investment exchange (as defined by section 313(1)).]

Textual Amendments

F1Words in s. 167(1) substituted (1.4.2013) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 7(2) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F5Word in s. 167(2)(a) omitted (1.1.2016) by virtue of The Solvency 2 Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/575), reg. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 8(2)(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services Act 2012 (Consumer Credit) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1882), arts. 1(1), 3(5)

C2Pt. 11 modified (E.W.S.) (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 82(13)

C3Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), reg. 2(1)(e)(2), Sch. 1 para. 10 (with reg. 52(3), Sch. 3)

C4Pt. 11 applied (with modifications) (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/105), regs. 2(2)(3), 44(4) (with regs. 48-50)

C5S. 167 modified (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2657, arts. 1(1), 17 (which was revoked (8.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 23); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

S. 167 modified (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 17; S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

C6S. 167 amended (18.7.2002 for certain purposes and 21.8.2002 otherwise) by The Electronic Commerce Directive (Financial Services and Markets) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1775), regs. 1, 12(3)

C9S. 167 applied (with modifications) (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1881), arts. 1(2)(6), 12(9)

C10S. 167 applied (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 23(2)(c) (with Pt. 4)

C11S. 167 modified (E.W.S.) (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 55(4)

C12S. 167 applied (with modifications) (8.6.2023 for specified purposes, 7.10.2023 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) (Amendment) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/612), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 16 (with art. 11)

C13S. 167(1) applied (with modifications) (1.1.2014) by The Capital Requirements Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/3115), regs. 1(2), 14

168 Appointment of persons to carry out investigations in particular cases.U.K.

(1)Subsection (3) applies if it appears to an investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—

F13(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)a person may be guilty of an offence under section [F14122F,] 177, [F15191F], 346 or 398(1) F16....

(2)Subsection (3) also applies if it appears to an investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—

(a)an offence under section 24(1) F17... [F18or under Part 7 of the Financial Services Act 2012] or under Part V of the M1Criminal Justice Act 1993 may have been committed;

(b)there may have been a breach of the general prohibition;

[F19(ba)an authorised person may have contravened section 20 in relation to a credit-related regulated activity;]

(c)there may have been a contravention of section 21 or 238; or

[F20(d)a person has contravened Article 14 (prohibition of insider dealing and of unlawful disclosure of inside information) or Article 15 (prohibition of market manipulation) of the market abuse regulation.]

(3)The investigating authority may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf.

(4)Subsection (5) applies if it appears to [F21an investigating authority] that there are circumstances suggesting that—

(a)a person may have contravened section 20;

(b)a person may be guilty of an offence under prescribed regulations relating to money laundering;

[F22(ba)a person may be guilty of an offence under Schedule 7 to the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (terrorist financing or money laundering);]

(c)[F23a person] may have contravened a rule made by the [F24investigating authority];

[F25(ca)a recognised investment exchange may have contravened the recognition requirements (within the meaning of Part 18) [F26or a rule made by the FCA under section 300H];]

(d)an individual may not be a fit and proper person to perform functions in relation to a regulated activity carried on by an authorised or exempt person;

(e)an individual may have performed or agreed to perform a function in breach of a prohibition order;

(f)[F27a person] may have failed to comply with section 56(6);

(g)an authorised person may have failed to comply with section 59(1) or (2);

(h)a person in relation to whom [F28a regulator] has given its approval under section 59 may not be a fit and proper person to perform the function to which that approval relates; F29. . .

[F30(ha)a person may have performed a controlled function without approval for the purposes of section 63A;]

(i)a person may be guilty of misconduct for the purposes of section 66 [F31; F32...

[F33(ia)a person may have failed to comply with section 143R;

(ib)an individual may have performed or agreed to perform a function in breach of a Part 9C prohibition order;

(ic)a person may have failed to comply with section 143S(6);]

[F34(id)a person may have contravened any provision made by or under the Securitisation Regulations 2024;]

(j)a person may have contravened any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the markets in financial instruments directive F35...]

[F36(ja)a person may have contravened—

(i)any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the alternative investment fund managers directive; F37...

(ii)any provision made by the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013; F38...

[F39(iii)any provision made by or under this Act for the purpose of implementing the UCITS Directive; or

(iv)any provision made by the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Regulations 2011; F40....]]

[F41(jb)a person may have contravened—

(i)any provision made by or under this Act for the purposes of the market abuse regulation; or

(ii)a requirement imposed on that person under sections 122A to 122C, 122G to 122I, 123A or 123B;

(jc)a person may have been knowingly concerned in the contravention of—

(i)a provision of the market abuse regulation other than Article 14 (prohibition of insider dealing) or 15 (prohibition of market manipulation) of that regulation; or

(ii)[F42any [F43assimilated direct] legislation originally made under the market abuse regulation or any subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978) made on or after IP completion day] under the market abuse regulation; or]

[F44(k)a person may have contravened a [F45qualifying provision] that is specified, or of a description specified, for the purposes of this subsection by the Treasury by order.]

[F46(4A)Subsection (5) applies if it appears to the investigating authority that there are circumstances suggesting that—

(a)an individual may not be a fit and proper person to perform functions in relation to an activity carried on by a relevant recognised body;

(b)an individual may have performed, or agreed to perform, a function in breach of a Part 18 prohibition order;

(c)a person may have failed to comply with section 309F(1);

(d)a relevant recognised body may have failed to comply with section 309G(1);

(e)a person in relation to whom the FCA has given approval under section 309G may not be a fit and proper person to perform the function to which that approval relates;

(f)a person may have performed a designated senior management function without approval under section 309G (see section 309U(3));

(g)a person may be guilty of misconduct for the purposes of section 309Z2.]

(5)The [F47investigating authority] may appoint one or more competent persons to conduct an investigation on its behalf.

[F48(6)Investigating authority” means—

(a)in subsections (1) to (3), the FCA, the PRA or the Secretary of State;

(b)in subsections (4) and (5), the FCA or the PRA.]

[F49(c)in subsection (4A), the FCA.]

[F50(7)Relevant recognised body” has the same meaning as in Chapter 2A of Part 18 (see section 309A).]

Textual Amendments

F13S. 168(1)(a) omitted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(2)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F15Word in s. 168(1)(b) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(2)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F18Words in s. 168(2)(a) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(3)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F19S. 168(2)(ba) inserted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(3)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F21Words in s. 168(4) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(a) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F22S. 168(4)(ba) inserted (27.11.2008) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), ss. 62, 100(2), Sch. 7 para. 33(3) (with s. 101(2), Sch. 7 para. 43)

F23Words in s. 168(4)(c) substituted (8.4.2010) by Financial Services Act 2010 (c. 28), ss. 24(1), 26(1), Sch. 2 para. 16(2)

F24Words in s. 168(4)(c) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(b) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F25S. 168(4)(ca) inserted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(c) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F27Words in s. 168(4)(f) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(d) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F28Words in s. 168(4)(h) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(e) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F29Word in s. 168(4) omitted (1.4.2007 for certain purposes and 1.11.2007 otherwise) by virtue of The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/126), regs. 1(2), 3(5), Sch. 5 para. 8(a)

F31S. 168(4)(j) and preceding word inserted (1.4.2007 for certain purposes and 1.11.2007 otherwise) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/126), regs. 1(2), 3(5), Sch. 5 para. 8(b)

F34S. 168(4)(id) inserted (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), reg. 2(1)(e)(2), Sch. 1 para. 5 (with Sch. 3)

F35Words in s. 168(4)(j) omitted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(f) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F44S. 168(4)(k) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(4)(g) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F46S. 168(4A) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(2)

F47Words in s. 168(5) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(5) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F48S. 168(6) substituted (24.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services Act 2012 (c. 21), s. 122(3), Sch. 12 para. 8(6) (with Sch. 20); S.I. 2013/113, art. 2(1)(b), Sch. Pt. 2; S.I. 2013/423, art. 3, Sch.

F49S. 168(6)(c) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(3)

F50S. 168(7) inserted (29.6.2023 for specified purposes) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(1)(e), Sch. 10 para. 8(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14S. 168 amended (18.7.2002 for certain purposes and 21.8.2002 otherwise) by The Electronic Commerce Directive (Financial Services and Markets) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1775), regs. 1, 12(3)

C16S. 168 applied (with modifications) (26.7.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2014 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1881), arts. 1(2)(6), 50(2)

C17S. 168 modified (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 23(3) (with Pt. 4)

C18S. 168 applied (with modifications) (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 57(2)(3)

C19S. 168 modified (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 55(5)

C21S. 168 applied (8.6.2023 for specified purposes, 7.10.2023 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) (Amendment) Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/612), art. 1(2), Sch. para. 1(h) (with art. 11)

C22S. 168(3)(5) applied (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2657, arts. 1(1), 18(1)(3) (which was revoked 8.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 23); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

S. 168(3)(5) applied (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 18(1)(3); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)

C24S. 168(4)-(6) applied (20.4.2015 for specified purposes, 21.12.2015 for specified purposes, 21.3.2016 in so far as not already in force) by The Mortgage Credit Directive Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/910), arts. 1(5), 23(2)(d) (with Pt. 4)

C25S. 168(4)(c) amended (18.7.2002 for certain purposes and 21.8.2002 otherwise) by The Electronic Commerce Directive (Financial Services and Markets) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1775), regs. 1, 12(5)

C27S. 168(4)(ja)(ii) modified (30.1.2024 for specified purposes) by The Securitisation Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/102), regs. 2(1)(e)(2), 34(7)(8)(b) (with Sch. 3)

Commencement Information

I1S. 168 wholly in force at 3.9.2001; s. 168 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 431(2); s. 168(4)(b) in force for certain purposes at 25.2.2001 by S.I. 2001/516, art. 2(b), Sch. Pt. 2; s. 168 in force in so far as not already in force at 3.9.2001 by S.I. 2001/2632, art. 2(2), Sch. Pt. 2

Marginal Citations