Understanding the Appointed Representative (AR) route
Appointed Representatives (ARs) carry on regulated activity under the responsibility of an authorised firm, known as 'the principal'. We have supported a number of principal firms with the onboarding and monitoring of their networks. We have onboarded and currently monitor over 500 ARs and can help you grow your network whilst providing the visibility and control you require.
It is the responsibility of a principal firm to make sure that any AR in their network is ‘fit and proper’ and complies with the FCA rules and regulations. Ensuring the compliance of a network is imperative as any indications of non-compliance will come back to the principal firm. If you are looking to become a principal or develop a network of ARs, this can present an attractive opportunity to expand your salesforce and grow your businesses. Firms taking advantage of these benefits have to meet strict FCA regulatory obligations and require significant compliance resources and robust systems and processes in order to manage these networks.
If you are not looking to become a principal firm but are considering becoming an AR, download our factsheet below to fully understand the differences between becoming an AR and achieving full FCA authorisation. Should you discover that becoming an AR is not the appropriate route for your firm, we can support you with your full FCA authorisation application, visit our dedicated webpage to find out more.
Authorisation vs AR factsheet
AR support options
If you are looking to become a principal or build a network of ARs, take a look at our service options below to see how we could support.
AR monitoring
Our service combines our knowledge of AR compliance management with advanced technology to offer you a service that is most appropriate to meet your needs. With an interactive data reporting studio, our system provides deeper risk insight and business intelligence to enable smarter risk and compliance decisions to be made on an ongoing basis, keeping you ahead. We can support you with:
- Ongoing due diligence
- Fitness and proprietary
- e-audits
- DBS checks
AR framework
We can provide an appropriate and compliant AR framework for firms wanting to become a Principal and host their own network of ARs. Our system is well-equipped to evidence the implementation and management of your AR compliance framework and ensure that your framework is structured appropriately to mitigate any risk posed by AR activities.
If you have already started producing your framework, we can review your progress and help you to ensure that it is in line with the FCA’s expectations.
FCA authorisation
Should you decide that becoming an AR isn't the right path for your business, we offer three different service options to support you with a full FCA authorisation application. If you aren’t sure where to begin, our team of compliance experts and ex-FCA regulators can help you through the whole process from start to finish including preparation and ongoing support.
About FCA authorisation
SPEAK TO US ABOUT OUR AR SUPPORT OPTIONS
The sectors we work with...
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Consumer Credit
We have successfully managed over 800 FCA applications for credit firms and currently have over 350 credit clients benefitting from our ongoing support.
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Insurance, Mortgages & Claims
Whether you are looking for support in the insurance, mortgages, claims management or funeral planning space, our dedicated team of ex-regulators and industry practitioners are here to support you.
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Wealth Management
Cosegic’s experienced Wealth Management team can help you interpret the regulations, using our in-depth knowledge to simplify complex regulations.
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Why choose Cosegic?
Our 360 degree perspective of regulatory affairs
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Our 360 degree perspective of regulatory affairs
Our wide range of financial sector experts come together on a regular basis to discuss their interactions with the FCA and the regulatory trends that they are seeing, providing us with a more informed understanding of the FCA than our competitors.
Direct, proportionate advice
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Direct, proportionate advice
Our unique perspective means we really do have our fingers on the pulse of regulation, which helps us to ensure that the advice we offer is practical, helpful and directly proportionate to our clients’ needs.
Our understanding of the role of compliance in firms
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Our understanding of the role of compliance in firms
We have watched the evolution of compliance over the past twenty years and understand that compliance must now become a core part of how financial services carry out their businesses in order for them to be successful.
Compliance confidence for visionary growth
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Compliance confidence for visionary growth
In recognising this, our services have been built in a way that can help you navigate regulation ensuring you will keep your vision and objectives intact. Our breadth of experience allows us to balance your business objectives with your compliance requirements.
