10Authorisation to act
(1)An approved regulator may not exercise any of its regulatory functions unless it is authorised to do so by the Scottish Ministers under this section.
(2)The Scottish Ministers may give their authorisation if they are satisfied (or continue to be satisfied)—
(a)as mentioned in subsection (1) of section 7,
(b)as regards any criteria provided for under subsection (5)(b) of that section.
(3)Their authorisation may be given with restrictions imposed by reference to particular categories of—
(a)licensed provider,
(b)legal services.
(4)Their authorisation may be given—
(a)either—
(i)without limit of time, or
(ii)for a fixed period of at least 3 years,
(b)subject to conditions.
(5)The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting the approved regulator, vary (including by addition or deletion) any restrictions or conditions imposed under subsection (3) or (4)(b).
(6)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about authorisation under this section including (in particular) the process for requests for their authorisation.