Working in a role of influence and responsibility, FCA approved persons must undergo a standard DBS check.

A standard DBS check is a mid-level, formal criminal record check carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This level of vetting is consistent with the statutory requirements for all influential roles across the financial sector.

The Disclosure and Barring Service is a public body sponsored by the Home Office. DBS checks for FCA approved persons came into force in 1974 with the introduction of the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

The purpose of the act is to safeguard the public, particularly children and adults, from those who are unsuitable for public-facing roles.

What will a DBS check for a FCA approved person involved:

As a FCA approved person you will need to evidence you are suitable for the role and undertake the FCA’s ‘fit and proper’ test. If approved, you will be able to perform a controlled or senior management function (SMF) within your company.

The test measures: honesty, competence, capability and financial soundness.

You will need to undertake a standard DBS check and all required information must be disclosed.

A standard DBS check for a FCA approved person will involve a search for any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence on the Police National Computer.

This type of CRB check is a prerequisite for roles across the legal and financial sectors, including positions where work is carried out under Money Laundering Regulations. To find out more about the requirements for the FCA’s ‘fit and proper’ test visit: fca.org/fitness-propriety.

For further information about DBS checks, visit our home page.