SIFA 2
Accessing the Handbook and Handbook Developments
SIFA 2.1
Accessing the Handbook
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SIFA 2.1.1
See Notes
The FSA Handbook can be found:
(1) on our website; and
(2) on the monthly CD-ROMs (sent to all firms).
You can buy
paper copies from our Publications Order Helpline or order online through
our website. The contents are the same in each medium.- 01/12/2004
Installing the CD-ROM
SIFA 2.1.2
See Notes
When you first install the CD-ROM, selecting
'Preferences' enables you to select the entire Handbook or one or more sourcebooks,
thus allowing you to refine your search within the Handbook. Tick each sourcebook
to select it for your search. You can amend your selection of sourcebooks
whenever you wish. This function does not remove any content from the CD-ROM.
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Further information
SIFA 2.1.3
See Notes
You can find further information from
the following sources:
(1) The Reader's Guide describes the contents
of the Handbook; where to find them and how to make use of them.
(2) The Tables of Derivations and Destinations
show where the rules of a previous regulator correspond to a provision in
the FSA Handbook. The Tables provide a guide to the derivation and destination
of the Handbook text, but you should not rely on them as a complete statement
of the derivation and destination. You can find the Consolidated Tables of
Derivations and Destinations on the CD-ROM under Handbook or on our website
by clicking on FSA Handbook and scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
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Structure of each sourcebook
SIFA 2.1.4
See Notes
Any word that is in Italics throughout
the Handbook is defined in the Handbook Glossary.
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SIFA 2.1.5
See Notes
There is no index to the Handbook, although
our website and CD-ROM contain search facilities that can be used to find
particular words and phrases.
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SIFA 2.1.6
See Notes
Transitional provisions are included
at the beginning of each sourcebook. Many of these provisions have now expired.
There are some TSPs (Timeless Savings Provisions) that apply to your existing
clients at 30 November 2001 (N2) and allow you to continue to use, or rely
on, documentation or compliance work undertaken in line with a previous regulator's
rules provided the work remains valid and up-to-date. The Conduct of Business
(COB) rules relating to terms of business, client agreements and client classification
benefit from TSPs.
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SIFA 2.1.7
See Notes
A Rule at the beginning of each chapter
of the Handbook sets out which firms the chapter applies to. For example, COB
5.4.1 R states 'This section applies to a firm that conducts designated investment business with
or for a private customer'.
It is therefore recommended that you read the application rule first before
moving on to the rest of the chapter, checking the terms in italics with the
Handbook Glossary, where necessary.
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SIFA 2.1.8
See Notes
There are tables of information at the end of each sourcebook. These are numbered consistently throughout the Handbook and provide a summary of requirements as set out below:
| Schedule | Contents |
| Schedule 1 | Record keeping requirements (see Chapter 13 of this Overview) |
| Schedule 2 | Notification and reporting requirements (see Chapter 12 of this Overview) |
| Schedule 3 | Fees (see Chapter 18 of this Overview) |
| Schedule 4 | FSA powers used in making the provisions |
| Schedule 5 | Rules where rights of action exist under Section 150 of the Act (action for damages by a person who suffers loss as a result of a breach of the rules) |
| Schedule 6 | Rules which the FSA has powers to waive or modify (See Chapter 16 of this Overview) |
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Keeping up-to-date
SIFA 2.1.9
See Notes
Handbook Notices and Handbook Development
newsletters are an important means of keeping up-to-date with changes to the
Handbook and regulatory issues. They are sent to each FSA-regulated firm every
month.
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SIFA 2.1.10
See Notes
The Handbook Development Newsletter summarises
Consultation and Discussion Papers and Policy Statements issued by us over
the preceding month, lists forthcoming publications with expected month of
issue and gives other information, such as training offered by us to the industry.
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SIFA 2.1.11
See Notes
The Handbook Notice is published after
each monthly FSA Board meeting, and summarises and explains the additions
and changes to the Handbook made by the Board at its meeting. The Handbook
Notice also includes Policy Statements where we are not publishing them separately
(usually for minor amendments that do not warrant a separate policy statement).
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SIFA 2.1.12
See Notes
Our website points to where recent FSA
publications can be found, such as Discussion Papers (DPs), Consultation Papers
(CPs) and Policy Statements (PSs). We also organise conferences, training
workshops and other events to update firms on regulatory priorities and current
developments. You can contact our Events team on 020 7066 0098 if you want
to find out more. Other sources of further information are explained in Chapter
19 of this Overview.
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SIFA 2.1.13
See Notes
Alongside information from the FSA, trade
associations, newspapers and magazines also have an important role in summarising
regulatory developments and keeping IFA firms informed of changes.
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