Make your recruitment
process FCA ready
cFIRST is your essential first line of defence for managing financial regulatory risks with
no disruption. Our tailored FCA screening checks provide the confidence your financial services firm needs.
no disruption. Our tailored FCA screening checks provide the confidence your financial services firm needs.
What is FCA Screening?
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of the UK’s financial system. To achieve this, they have established the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), a framework ensuring all individuals working in financial services are deemed ‘fit and proper’ for their roles. It translates to a series of background checks designed to assess an individual’s honesty, integrity, and reputation. They assess competence and capability, verifying relevant training and qualifications. Our FCA employment checks are designed to be comprehensive yet proportionate, tailored to the specific risks associated with different positions.
The Pillars of FCA Compliance: Secure Financial Future with cFIRST
The Financial Conduct Authority dictates that all personnel, particularly those in senior positions or holding ‘controlled functions’, undergo rigorous background checks. FCA screening checks assess an individual’s ‘fitness and propriety’ based on factors like:
Financial soundness and reputation
Assessing an individual’s financial history for potential red flags that could compromise their judgment or lead to misconduct.
Honesty and Integrity
Their past conduct and reputation are scrutinised to guarantee ethical behaviour within the financial industry.
Competency and Capability
Qualifications, training, and experience are verified to confirm they possess the skills necessary for their designated role.
Who Requires FCA Checks
The FCA’s reach extends beyond traditional financial institutions like banks and building societies. Under the SM&CR (Senior Managers and Certification Regime), a wide range of individuals within the financial ecosystem require FCA compliance checks. It ensures a high bar for ethical conduct and competency across the sector.
- Insurance Companies
- Consumer Credit Firms
- Investment Firms and Advisors
- Payment Service Providers
- Home Finance Providers
- Retail Intermediaries (e.g., mortgage brokers)
- Third-Party Service Providers (e.g., software providers to financial institutions)
Identifying Individuals Requiring Checks:
- Investments or Insurance Contractors
- Senior Managers
- Non-Executive Directors
- Certified Staff
- Financial Advisors
- Insurance Underwriters
- Mortgage Brokers
- Individuals Accepting Deposits
Your One-Stop Shop for FCA Background Checks
Building a secure and trustworthy financial team starts with thorough background checks. At cFIRST, we offer a robust suite of core FCA screening solutions, along
with a variety of tailorable options to address your organisation’s specific needs.
with a variety of tailorable options to address your organisation’s specific needs.
Additional checks to help you achieve a 360° view of your candidates:
- Enhanced Reference Checks
- Detailed DBS Checks (Standard and Enhanced)
- Media Scanning Service
- PCI Compliance Checks
- Highest Qualification Verification
- Professional Memberships Verification
- Directorship Search
- Property Ownership Checks
- Anti-Fraud Checks
- Global Criminal Record Checks
- Sanction Searches
Fast Track to FCA Compliance: A Frictionless Candidate Journey
At cFIRST, we understand that FCA employment checks can feel like a bureaucratic maze to the candidates. That's why we've revolutionised the process, making it a smooth and transparent journey for your valued candidates. Here's how it works:
Quick and Easy Application
Our intuitive portal guides candidates through a streamlined application process — no mountains of paperwork, just the essential details needed for a thorough verification.
Secure Verification Engine
Our robust yet user-friendly platform safeguards candidate information while conducting comprehensive checks. We handle the heavy lifting, ensuring accuracy and compliance every step of the way.
Crystal-clear Reporting
You receive a clear and concise report summarising the background check results. No more deciphering jargon or piecing together information – we present everything you need in a well-organised format.
Why Partner with cFIRST for Your FCA Checks?
- Drive Informed Decisions
- Dedicated Support Team
- Smart Solutions
- Competitive Pricing
- Extreme Customisability
- Global Reach and Expertise
- Inspire Investor and Client Confidence
- Mitigate Risk and Protect Profits
cFIRST, Your Partner in Evolving FCA Regulations
Ensuring compliance with an intricate web of regulations can be daunting. At cFIRST, we stay ahead of the curve, guiding you through the
essential
legal considerations surrounding FCA screening. Here’s an overview of some key areas we address:
legal considerations surrounding FCA screening. Here’s an overview of some key areas we address:
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
This law oversees data privacy and security across the European Union. cFIRST adheres to strict data protection protocols, ensuring the secure storage and handling of candidate information throughout the background check process.
The Police Act 1997
This Act regulates the disclosure of criminal records in the UK. cFIRST ensures DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are conducted in accordance with the law and only the appropriate level of disclosure is obtained.
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA)
This Act establishes the regulatory framework for the financial services industry in the UK. The SM&CR regime, implemented under FSMA, dictates specific background check requirements for individuals performing ‘controlled functions’ within FCA-regulated firms. cFIRST's solutions are designed to meet these stringent requirements.
