FCA / SMCR guidance hub
FCA and SMCR individual investigations: guidance and solicitor matching
Guidance for senior managers, certified staff and approved persons facing an FCA investigation, conduct-rule allegation, approval action or prohibition risk.
Independent commercial matching service · Not a law firm · General information, not legal advice.
What this guidance covers
A stage-specific map for FCA / SMCR.
Guidance for senior managers, certified staff and approved persons facing an FCA investigation, conduct-rule allegation, approval action or prohibition risk.
Use the supporting guides to move from the first notice through evidence, hearings, outcomes and any review. Start with the question raised by the latest letter rather than trying to read the whole process at once.
Common entry points
- FCA investigation notice: first steps for an individual
- FCA compelled information and investigation interviews
- SMCR duty of responsibility investigations
- FCA conduct rules allegations against individuals
- FCA fit and proper assessments: honesty, competence and soundness
Guides for each stage
8 focused guides in procedural order.
Start with the guide matching the latest letter or decision. From there, you can move to the stages immediately before and after it, or return to this overview.
FCA investigation notice: first steps for an individual
FCA contact may concern an individual, a firm or both. Identify the statutory appointment, subject matter, compulsory powers and response timetable before treating a request as an allegation or final disciplinary case.
Read the guide Guide 02FCA compelled information and investigation interviews
The FCA can use statutory information-gathering powers during an investigation. A requirement, document request and compelled interview raise different questions about scope, privilege, confidentiality and the permitted use of answers.
Read the guide Guide 03SMCR duty of responsibility investigations
An FCA case against a Senior Manager may examine whether a regulatory contravention occurred in the area for which the manager was responsible and whether reasonable steps were taken. Responsibility maps, governance and escalation evidence therefore matter.
Read the guide Guide 04FCA conduct rules allegations against individuals
Conduct Rules apply differently according to role and facts. A response should identify the exact rule, alleged conduct and period, then distinguish the firm's certification or disciplinary decision from any FCA enforcement action.
Read the guide Guide 05FCA fit and proper assessments: honesty, competence and soundness
Fitness and propriety may involve honesty, integrity and reputation, competence and capability, and financial soundness. The relevant evidence depends on the role and concern; an adverse employment conclusion does not automatically settle the FCA test.
Read the guide Guide 06FCA warning notices, decision notices and representations
Formal statutory notices mark distinct decision stages. Representations should address the proposed action and supporting material within the stated process, while preserving any later reference to the Upper Tribunal.
Read the guide Guide 07Withdrawal or variation of FCA approval
The FCA may consider withdrawing approval or, in some circumstances, varying it by imposing conditions. That decision is distinct from a firm ending employment and must be analysed against the controlled function, present fitness and statutory objectives.
Read the guide Guide 08FCA prohibition orders and Upper Tribunal references
A prohibition order may restrict particular functions or regulated activity more broadly and can accompany withdrawal of approval. The wording, evidence and future scope require separate attention before deciding whether to make representations or a tribunal reference.
Read the guideHow an introduction works
The law firm remains independent.
A participating firm would assess your information, decide whether it can help and explain its own terms. An introduction alone does not create a retainer or guarantee an outcome.
- 01Choose your regulator and current stage.
- 02Provide only basic contact, stage and deadline information.
- 03Review the named recipient and referral disclosure before sharing.
- 04The independent firm decides whether to offer a consultation or accept the matter.
Primary-source register
Built from current regulator material.
Sources checked 19 September 2026. Check the linked regulator material for later amendments and use the corrections route if a source or summary needs attention.
Independent matching service
Need help identifying the right type of representation?
The matching service will open after participating firms, referral terms and privacy arrangements are verified.