Glossary Flashcards
Allocation
The division of a single aggregated order between two or more investors’ accounts
Alternative Trading Systems (ATS)
Term formerly used for a facility provided by authorised firms to allows for multilateral trading, by bringing together buyers and sellers of securities. From 01/11/07 ATSs were authorised as multilateral trading facilities
American Depositary Receipt (ADR)
A negotiable instrument representing rights to a block of shares in (generally) a non-US company, traded on a US exchange. The ADR is an acknowledgement from a bank or trust that the block of shares is held by it. ADRs are a means for non-US companies to have their shares traded in the US
Ancillary Services Activities
an activity which is not a regulated activity but which is:
(a) carried on in connection with a regulated activity; or
(b) held out as being for the purposes of a regulated activity.
Such as giving advice on MiFID instruments, which are only passportable if the firm is already passported in relation to a core investment service or activity, such as dealing and if the firm is providing those services as ancillary services to that activity.
Appointed Representative
An individual or organisation carrying out regulated activities on behalf of an authorised firm under contract The authorised person must have accepted responsibility in writing for the conduct of these regulated activities
Approved Persons
Individuals approved by the FCA to undertake controlled functions. They must comply with the FCA’s Statements of Principle and Code of Practice for Approved Persons
Authorisation
The FSMA requires firms to obtain authorisation before undertaking investment business. This is gained by receiving one or more Part 4 permissions from the FCA
Bank of England
UK’s central bank. Acts as the government’s banker and determines interest rates via its monetary policy committee (MPC). IS responsible for the stability of the financial system through the PRA
Best Execution
Requires firms to look at many factors when determining the means of obtaining the best outcome for a client when executing a deal. Includes:
1) Price Factors
2) Speed
3) Likelihood of execution and settlement
4) Size and nature of the deal
Bribery Act
2010 Law applicable to all commercial organisations. Offence to offer or take bribes or negligently prevent bribery. Can be a defence for a firm if it proves it has adequate measures to prevent this conduct from person’s associated with it
Capital Requirements Directive (CRD)
EU directive setting out financial rules for investment firms. Came into force on 01/01/07 and applies to banks, building societies and most investment firms. implemented by the FCA in the UK through the General Prudential Sourcsbook (GENPRU) and the Prudential Sourcebooks for Banks, Building Societies and Investment Firms (BIPRU) The aim of the CRD is to ensure firms hold adequate financial resources and have adequate systems and controls to prudentially manage the business and risks.
Chinese Walls
Organisational barriers to the flow of information set up in large firms. These prevent the movement of confidential, sensitive information between departments and manage potential conflicts on interest
Churning / Switching
Excessive trading by a broker in order to generate commission, regardless of the interest of the customer
Client
Individuals or firms conducting business through an authorised person. Either a customer (retail or professional) or an eligible counterparty (ECP)
Code of Practice for Approved Persons
FCA code about the behaviour of approved persons. Compliance with the code indicates whether or not an approved person is in compliance with the Statements of Principle for Approved Persons
Common-Platform Firm
Broadly, a firm that is subject to MiFID or the CRD, and so subject to the common platform of organisational systems and controls
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
Independent body that investigates mergers and acquisitions and other anti-competitive situations, to establish whether they will have an adverse effect on competition within a particular UK market
Conduct of Business (COBS) Rules
FCA rules under the financial services and markets act 2000, dealing with the relationship between an authorised firm and its clients
Contract for Difference
Investment instrument consisting of a contract - parties hope to make a profit by reference to the movement in the price of an underlying asset, which does not change hands
Contracts of Insurance
Financial products specified by Part 3 of the Regulated Activities Order (RAO). 2 Sub Divisions:
1) General insurance contracts
2) Long term insurance contracts
Controlled Functions
Roles within authorised firms where the FCA requires the occupant to be approved
Criminal Justice Act 1993 (CJA)
A substantial act which includes provisions relating to insider dealing, including a definition of that offence
Customer/Client Due Diligence
The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and the FCA rules require firms to take sufficient steps to identify a client.
Customer Function
The controlled function conducted by person’s who interact with a firm’s customers, such as an investment manager or advisor
Debt Securities
Securities where the issuer acknowledges a loan made to it. Includes: Bonds, Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper