The Payment Services Regulations 2009

Registration of EEA branch

24.—(1) If the Authority, taking into account any information received from the host state competent authority, has reasonable grounds to suspect that, in connection with the establishment of an EEA branch by an authorised payment institution—

(a) money laundering or terrorist financing within the meaning of the money laundering directive is taking place, has taken place, or has been attempted; or

(b) the risk of such activities taking place would be increased,

the Authority may refuse to register the EEA branch or cancel any such registration already made and remove the branch from the register.

(2) If the Authority proposes to refuse to register, or cancel the registration of, an EEA branch, it must give the relevant authorised payment institution a warning notice.

(3) The Authority must, having considered any representations made in response to the warning notice—

(a) if it decides not to register the branch, or to cancel its registration, give the authorised payment institution a decision notice; or

(b) if it decides to register the branch, or not to cancel the registration, give the authorised payment institution notice of its decision.

(4) If the Authority decides not to register the branch, or to cancel its registration, the authorised payment institution may refer the matter to the Tribunal.

(5) If the Authority decides to register an EEA branch, it must update the register as soon as practicable.

(6) If the Authority decides to cancel the registration, the Authority must, where the period for a reference to the Tribunal has expired without a reference being made, as soon as practicable update the register accordingly.