Mandatory Competencies Flashcards
What are the two type of conflict of interest?
Professional conflicts and party conflicts
What are the two recognised financial reporting frameworks in UK company law?
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP)
Which frameworks do publicly listed companies have to apply in the preparation of their group accounts and individual parent accounts?
Group accounts - IFRS
Individual parent accounts - Choice between IFRS and GAAP
What is Bidwells policy on gifts?
On receiving a gift, an employee should consider whether it is;
- Appropriate
- Proportionate
- Given openly and transparently
If the gift is accepted it should be recorded on the gift register if it is above the value of £50. If it is above the value of £100 if requires signed off by a line manager. Above the value of £250 should be pre-approved by the cheif operating officer.
What is the act governing gifts and hospitality/bribery?
Bribery Act 2010 (UK act)
What is considered an offence in relation to gifting, under the Bribery Act 2010?
If a person accepts a financial or other advantage intending that a function or activity should be informed improperly
What are the RICS 5 ethical standards?
Act with integrity
Always provide a high level of service
Act in a way that promotes trust in the profession
Take responsibility
Treat others with respect
What are the RICS principles of better regulation?
Proportionality
Accountability
Consistency
Targeting
Transparency
Who is the current RICS president?
Clement Lau just took over from Kath Fontana
What are the key areas of policy that the RICS presidential team are looking into?
- Responding to the recommendations of the Levitt review (Alison Levitt QC)
- Sustainability
- Technology
- Diversity and inclusion
What were the headline recommendations of the Levitt review?
- To conduct a review of purpose, governance and strategy
- To change the structure of the management board and governing council
What is the RICS’s take on sustainability?
The RICS has launched a ‘Value the Planet’ campaign which promotes the UN’s sustainable development goals and details how these can be implemented within the surveying profession.
What is the definition of sustainability?
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
What is anti-money laundering?
Policy and legislation enforced on firms which handle client money, to monitor their clients in order to prevent money laundering
What is money laundering?
Disguising the origin or illegally sourced money by transacting it through financial systems, such as investing it in property.
Give some examples of countries on Bidwells high-risk money laundering list. Why are they high risk?
Barbados
Cayman Islands
Iran
Jamaica
Mauritius
Pakistan
Russia
Syria
Yemen
- there are high levels of organised crime
- there are inadequate measures in place against AML or terrorism
- High levels of organised crime
What does MLRO stand for?
Money Laundering Reporting Officer
What is detailed in the Bidwells anti-money laundering manual?
- The objectives
- A risk-based approach
- The nominated MLRO
- Scope of application
- Policy statement
- Roles and responsibilities
- Training
- Non-compliance
- AML procedures including sector-specific
What legislation governs AML?
The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 AND 2019, and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
To what transactions do the AML procedures apply?
- Sale and purchase
- Letting over value of £8k per month
- Leases
- Option agreements
What is Bidwells principle in relation to roles and responsibilities for AML?
Three lines of defence:
- Fee earner
- Team Leaders and DMP’s
- MLRO and the oversight of policy
What is a PEP and why is it relevant to AML?
A Politically Exposed Person - someone who is (or has connections to) politicians, heads of state or any prominant public person.
They are considered high-risk as they are vulnerable to and targets for corruption.
What is a UBO?
Ultimate benificial owner
At what point should AML checks be carried out?
At the point of ‘an intended business relationship’ with the client. At the point of issuing a draft contract to the tenant/purchaser.
What is the AML procedure for sites with existing option or lease agreements?
AML not required until the point that the lease is exercised, unless terms are renegotiated (then AML check should take place).
What are examples of suspicious behaviour in relation to money laundering?
- Acting secretive about their ID, the source of funding or the UBO
- Uncooperative with due dilligence checks
- paying all or part in currency
- Sales at above or below market price
- loss making investment
- No obvious reason for using Bidwells
- Property is not in the profile of the consumer
What is Bidwells AML procedure?
- *New clients:**
- Agent to complete AML ID check and issue to compliance.
- Client entity
- Details of individual with authority to act (agent)
- copy of due dilligence such as passport or official company docs
- Explanation of the job/transaction involved and id any red flags
- Compliance carry out due dilligence and risk assessment
- Enhanced Due Dilligence if considered ‘high risk’
Counterparty:
- Agent issues counterparty AML request to counterparty
- Same process as above
Existing Clients:
- Constantly monitor for any suspicious activity or red flags
- Renew AML process as above every 3 years
How many years should you keep clients files for?
Maximum of 6 years
What does GDPR stand for?
General Data Protection Regulations
What legislation did the UK use to enforce the GDP regulation?
Data Protection Act 2018
What are the principles of GDPR?
That data should be used fairly, lawfully and transparently
What are personal rights under GDPR?
- Right to access any data held about you
- Be informed on how data is being used
- have incorrect data updated
- Have data erased
How can companies comply with GDPR?
- NECESSARY - limited to as little data as is actually required
- ACCURATE - Ensure data is accurate and up to date
- PURPOSE - Have a valid purpose to process data
What is the structure of the RICS?
- Privy council
- Governing Council
- Standards & Regulations Board
- Management Board
- Audit Committee
- (several other discretionary governance bodies - committees)
What is the role of the Governing Council?
The Governing Council has oversight and sets out overall strategy