Find out how to report on close links, controllers, high earners and financial crime.
Close links
A ‘close link’ is 2 or more ‘natural or legal persons’ linked by participation or control. Our rules give the full definition in Threshold Conditions (COND) 2.3[1].
REP001 – Close Links Report
Q: What is REP001?
A: REP001 is an annual report as set out in Supervision Manual (SUP) 16.5, which provides a comprehensive list of all your close links. This list helps us ensure that you are continuing to satisfy the effective supervision threshold condition (COND 2.3[1]) while ensuring appropriate protection of consumers.
Firms must submit REP001 via RegData, our data collection platform for gathering regulatory data from firms.
Q: How can I find out more about REP001?
A: The rules setting out the requirement and purpose for collecting this information are set out in the FCA and PRA Handbooks - please see the Supervision Manual (SUP) 16.5[2]. Guidance notes for completion of REP001 are also available in SUP 16 Annex 36BG[3].
Q: How do I report changes in my close links?
A: While REP001 provides us with an annual list of all your close links, the rules for notifying us of changes to your close links throughout the year are set out in FCA and PRA Handbooks – please see the Supervision Manual (SUP) 11.9[4].
Download the event-driven Close Links Notification Form[5] (xls) you must use to notify us of changes to your close links.
Q: How do I submit if I have no close links?
A: If your firm does not have any close links, select ‘No’ to questions 1, 3 and 5. Please leave all other questions unanswered before validating and submitting the report.
Q: How do I attach an organisation chart to my report?
A: The online report in RegData contains an ‘Add/View Attachment’ button at the foot of the report. This will take you to a new page where you can upload, view and delete the organisation chart.
If using the Direct Communication method of submission, please download our technical pack for details of how to add a PDF file to your direct communications submission.
Q: Can I report for multiple firms?
A: Yes, although each firm is individually subject to the obligation to report. You must make sure that the firms you are reporting on behalf of have the equivalent reporting requirement (ie, are required to report REP001 and for the same reporting period).
Q: How do I report for multiple firms?
A: You must list the firm reference numbers (FRNs) of the firms you wish to report for in question 2 (excluding the submitting firm).
Once you submit, REP001 will show as ‘Submitted’ for the submitting firm (Firm A) while the equivalent REP001 will show as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for the other firms (Firm B), but only if Firm B has the equivalent reporting requirement (ie. are required to report REP001 and for the same reporting period).
If Firm B is not entered in question 2 or does not have the equivalent reporting requirement, then the equivalent REP001 will not be marked as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for Firm B. This means Firm B may be subject to a late return fee (under SUP 16.3.14R) if it is not submitted by Firm B for the period specified.
Only Firm A will be able to access the data that is submitted using RegData.
If you are using XML upload or Direct Communications to submit your report, include the firm reference numbers in the XML file, as required by the schema.
REP001a – Close Links Notification
Q: What is REP001a?
A: REP001a is a monthly notification, set out in Supervision Manual (SUP) 11.9, which gives us and the PRA a comprehensive list of all your close links, plus a list of any that are no longer closely linked with you. This list helps us ensure that you are continuing to satisfy the effective supervision threshold condition (COND 2.3[2]) while ensuring appropriate protection of consumers.
Firms must submit REP001a via RegData, our data collection platform for gathering regulatory data from firms.
Q: How can I find out more about REP001a?
A: The rules setting out why we collect this information are set out in the FCA and PRA Handbooks - please see the Supervision Manual (SUP) 11.9[5]. Guidance notes for completing REP001a are also available in SUP 16 Annex 35BG[5].
Q: How do I attach an organisation chart to my report?
A: The online report in RegData contains an ‘Add/View Attachment’ button at the foot of the report. This will take you to a new page where you can upload, view and delete the organisation chart.
If using the Direct Communication method of submission, please look at our technical pack[6] for details on how to add a PDF file to your direct communications submission.
Q: Can I report for multiple firms?
A: Yes, although the requirement to notify, and the responsibility for notifying remains with each firm. You must make sure that the firms you are reporting have the equivalent reporting requirement (ie have REP001a scheduled and for the same reporting period).
Q: How do I report for multiple firms?
A: You must list the firm reference numbers (FRNs) of the firms you wish to report for in question 2 (excluding the submitting firm).
Once you submit, REP001a will show as ‘Submitted’ for the submitting firm (Firm A) while the equivalent REP001a will show as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for the other firms (Firm B), but only if Firm B has the equivalent reporting requirement (i.e. are required to report REP001a and for the same reporting period).
If Firm B is not entered in question 2 or does not have the equivalent reporting requirement, then the equivalent REP001a will not be marked as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for Firm B. This means Firm B may be subject to a late return fee (under SUP 16.3.14R) if it is not submitted by Firm B for the period specified.
Only Firm A will be able to access the data that is submitted using RegData.
If you are using XML upload or Direct Communications to submit your report, you will need to include the firm reference numbers in the XML file, as required by the schema.
Q: How do I elect to report on a monthly basis?
A: You must send a request to your usual supervisory contact at the FCA and PRA, who will arrange for your RegData schedule to be adjusted.
Monthly reporting of changes in close links is only appropriate for firms which make a lot of changes each month and those firms which are part of large groups.
If reporting on behalf of a group, please notify us of all the firms you are intending to report for so we can adjust the RegData schedules for these firms too.
Q: How do I stop reporting on a monthly basis?
A: Please send a request to your usual supervisory contact at the FCA and PRA, giving at least one month’s written notice. Your supervisor will arrange for your RegData schedule to be adjusted.
REP002 – Controllers Report
Q: What is REP002?
A: REP002 is an annual report, as set out in Supervision Manual (SUP) 16.4, which provides the FCA and PRA with regular and comprehensive information about the identities of all the controllers of your firm.
Firms must submit REP002 via RegData, our data collection platform for gathering regulatory data from firms.
Q: What is a controller?
A: Our Handbook glossary[7] sets out the definition of a controller.
Q: How can I find further information on REP002?
A: The rules setting out the requirement and purpose for collecting this information are set out in the FCA and PRA Handbooks - please see the Supervision Manual (SUP) 16.4. Guidance notes for completion of REP002 is also available in SUP 16 Annex 37BG[8].
Q: How do I obtain approval for or notify the FCA/PRA of a change in control?
A: While REP002 provides us with an annual list of all your controllers, individuals or corporate bodies wishing to acquire control in regulated firms must seek prior approval from us, or for dual-regulated firms, from the PRA.
A change in control may also occur when an existing controller decreases control.
Supervision Manual Chapter 11[9] sets out the rules that firms must follow when they have a change in control.
See our change in control[10] page for further information and to download the relevant forms and supporting documentation.
Q: How do I submit if I have no controllers?
A: If your firm does not have any controllers, you can select ‘No’ to questions 1A and 3B and enter your firm reference number in question 3A. Please leave all other questions unanswered before validating and submitting the report.
Q: How do I attach an organisation chart to my report?
A: The online report in RegData contains an ‘Add/View Attachment’ button at the foot of the report. This will take you to a new page where you can upload, view and delete the organisation chart.
If using the Direct Communication method of submission, please look at our technical pack for details on how to add a PDF file to your direct communications submission.
Q: Can I report for multiple firms?
A: Yes, although each firm is individually subject to the obligation to report. You must make sure that the firms you are reporting on behalf of have the equivalent reporting requirement (ie are required to report REP002 and for the same reporting period).
Q: How do I report for multiple firms?
A: You must list the firm reference numbers (FRNs) of the firms you wish to report for in question 2 (excluding the submitting firm)
You must also complete question 3 for each firm listed in question 2 plus the submitting firm.
Once you submit, REP002 will show as ‘Submitted’ for the submitting firm (Firm A) while the equivalent REP002 will show as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for the other firms (Firm B), but only if Firm B has the equivalent reporting requirement (ie are required to report REP002 and for the same reporting period).
If Firm B is not entered in question 2 or does not have the equivalent reporting requirement, then the equivalent REP002 will not be marked as ‘Satisfied for Group’ for Firm B. This means Firm B may be subject to a late return fee (under SUP 16.3.14R) if it is not submitted by Firm B for the period specified.
Only Firm A will be able to access the data that is submitted using RegData.
If you are using XML upload or Direct Communications to submit your report, you will need to include the firm reference numbers in the XML file, as required by the schema.
Q: How do I add more firm or controllers to REP002?
A: You can add rows to the firm/controller details in question 3 by selecting the necessary number from the dropdown next to ‘Number of Firms to add’ or ‘Number of Controllers to add’.
REP005 – High Earners Report
Q: How do I submit REP005?
A: Due to the complexities of the reporting requirement, where firms may be required to report across multiple payment brackets and EEA states, there is no online form for REP005. Firms must therefore create an xml file containing their data and upload it into RegData (via the 'Upload data, Upload XML data' menu option).
A sample xml file for a ‘full’ submission containing dummy data, and a sample nil return, is available on our data reference guides page. Search for REP005.
For more information on how to use xml in RegData, please refer to our web upload development guide pages.
Q: How do I submit a nil return?
A: You should follow these steps in order to submit a nil return:
- Navigate to the data reference guide page and search for REP005, where we have published a Sample Nil Return xml file.
- Right-click on the xml link under the Sample Nil Return heading, select "Save target as…" and save as an xml file to a folder of your choice.
- Locate the file on your local computer, right-click on it and select "Open with... Notepad".
In Notepad, amend the 3 key dates at the bottom of the text to match the reporting dates of the REP005 data item you wish to submit. Please note the reverse date format in the sample must be maintained, for example:
<reportingPeriod>
<startDate>2015-01-01</startDate>
<endDate>2015-12-31</endDate>
<submissionDueDate>2016-05-03</submissionDueDate>
</reportingPeriod>- When the dates have been amended, select File > Save, and then close the file.
- Log into RegData, select the 'upload data', 'upload XML data menu' option.
- Browse for the xml file on your local computer and click on 'Upload'.
- Once the file has uploaded, locate the item on the reporting schedule, validate it and then submit.
- If you encounter any difficulties with this process, please contact the Supervision Hub[11].
REP-CRIM – Financial Crime Return
Q: What is REP-CRIM?
REP-CRIM is the financial crime data return that came into force on 31 December 2016.
Information collected through REP-CRIM will allow our supervisory approach to be more data-led and broaden our understanding of firms that may have inherent money laundering risks due to their activities. This information will help us improve the focus and effectiveness of our risk-based supervisory approach.
Q: Who does REP-CRIM impact?
Firms we supervise under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs). MLRs cover a variety of firms such as banks, building societies and cryptoasset businesses. Please refer to SUP 16.23 Annual Financial Crime Report[12] for further details on scope. With effect 30 March 2022, we extended REP-CRIM to additional firms as detailed in our policy Extension of Annual Financial Crime Reporting Obligation PS21/4[13].
Q: When do I submit REP-CRIM?
Firm must submit REP-CRIM within 60 business days of the firm’s accounting reference date.
Make sure you understand the requirements of the new rules and read the amendments to the Supervision Manual (SUP 16.23[16]) and submit your return by the deadline.
Q: Does REP-CRIM apply to general insurers and general insurance intermediaries?
REP-CRIM applies to firms which are subject to the MLRs. General insurers and general insurance intermediaries are not subject to the MLRs. However, there can be circumstances where these firms will need to submit REP-CRIM as per the relevant rules set out in our Extension of Annual Financial Crime Reporting Obligation PS21/4[14]. This will be where the firm offers other services that do fall within the scope of the REP-CRIM rules.
Q: Who do I contact about removing or adding REP-CRIM?
If you have assessed, based on SUP 16.23[18] and our Extension of Annual Financial Crime Reporting Obligation PS21/4[19],that you do not require to submit REP-CRIM, then please notify FCA along with your assessment on why you are not in scope, through your usual supervisory contact well before the REP-CRIM due dates. Similarly, if you have not received the prompt to submit REP-CRIM when you should, please notify us.
