http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/8/section/401/2002-08-21Financial Services and Markets Act 2000An Act to make provision about the regulation of financial services and markets; to provide for the transfer of certain statutory functions relating to building societies, friendly societies, industrial and provident societies and certain other mutual societies; and for connected purposes.2000-06-15texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-04-072002-07-18 Part XXVII Offences Institution of proceedings Proceedings for offences.4011In this section “offence” means an offence under this Act or subordinate legislation made under this Act.2Proceedings for an offence may be instituted in England and Wales only—aby the Authority or the Secretary of State; orbby or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.3Proceedings for an offence may be instituted in Northern Ireland only—aby the Authority or the Secretary of State; orbby or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.4Except in Scotland, proceedings for an offence under section 203 may also be instituted by the Director General of Fair Trading.5In exercising its power to institute proceedings for an offence, the Authority must comply with any conditions or restrictions imposed in writing by the Treasury.6Conditions or restrictions may be imposed under subsection (5) in relation to—aproceedings generally; orbsuch proceedings, or categories of proceedings, as the Treasury may direct.S. 401 applied (1.12.2001) by S.I. 1995/1537, reg. 23(6) (as amended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 509(g))S. 401 amended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/2657, arts. 1(1), 10(8), 11(8), 13(1)(3) (which was revoked (8.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 23); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)S. 401 amended (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3083, arts. 1(2), 10(8), 11(8), 13(1); S.I. 2001/3538, art. 2(1)S. 401 modified (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3646, arts. 1(1), 12(2), 13(3)