We are writing to you today because you may have individuals within your firm who would fit the definition of a Directory Person, but you have not yet submitted any  Directory Persons data for your firm. If your assessment determines that no individuals in your firm fit the definition of a Directory Person, you will not be required to make a submission to us.

Directory Persons include:

• directors who are not performing Senior Manager Functions (SMFs) – both executive and non-executive
• other individuals who are sole traders or ARs (including those within ARs) where they are undertaking business with clients and require a qualification to do so
• all certified staff (those holding a certification function under the Senior Manager & Certification Regime - SM&CR)

Solo-regulated firms must complete the certification of their staff in compliance with the SM&CR and submit their Directory Persons data via Connect by 31 March 2021. For firms wishing to submit using the multiple upload functionality, this must be done by 18 March to ensure submissions are processed ahead of the deadline. 

Submitting in good time ahead of the deadline will ensure there is enough time to ask questions, resolve any unexpected issues and make sure your data is complete and correct.

Failing to submit required data in time would be a breach of regulatory reporting requirements and could lead to enforcement or supervisory action. A £250 admin fee also applies for late / incorrect submissions.

We have made available a number of tools to help you to submit your application. Please see the Directory Persons webpage for more information including commonly asked questions  and  user guides for single and multiple submissions.  If you have any questions, please  e-mail directorycommunications@fca.org.uk in the first instance.