Category: Compliance & AML · Reviewed by Chrissie Anderson, Client Executive · Last reviewed June 2026
The FCA Handbook chapter setting out when and how an authorised firm must notify the FCA of significant matters — covering material adverse events, threshold condition concerns, individual departures, complaints patterns, and other regulator-relevant developments.
SUP 15 is the principal notification rulebook. It requires firms to notify the FCA of matters of which the FCA would reasonably expect notice — material events, regulatory concerns, and changes to the firm’s circumstances. It also sets out specific notifications such as Form A (SMF applications), Form C (SMF departures), Form D (changes to SMF holders or their responsibilities), Form E (internal moves between SMFs), the notifications under Principle 11, and the various transaction-specific notification forms.
FCA Handbook, SUP 15. Made under FSMA sections 137A, 138, with substantive notification powers under sections 165 (information gathering) and 387 (warning notices).
SUP 15.3.1R sets the general notification rule — a firm must notify the FCA promptly of (a) significant breaches of relevant requirements; (b) changes that may affect the FCA’s risk assessment; (c) action being taken against the firm by another regulator; (d) civil, criminal or disciplinary proceedings of which the FCA would expect notice. SUP 15.3.11R specifically addresses fraud, errors and other irregularities. Notifications are typically made via Connect or through the named supervisor.
Some notifications are time-bound — for example, fraud notifications to the FCA in the financial crime context, and Form C departures within seven business days. Material events notifications should generally be made on a “without delay” basis (SUP 15.3.4G).
A material PII renewal gap, a senior manager resignation following a Conduct Rule concern, the imposition of a foreign regulator’s action, the discovery of a material financial promotion error, an ICO action or breach above the GDPR Article 33 threshold — each would engage SUP 15. Apex’s notification policy assigns ownership of each trigger to a named SMF and documents the assessment.
FCA Handbook, SUP 15. Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, sections 137A, 138, 165, 387.
By Matt Bartlett, Director, on 2026-06-11.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-11. Apex Insurance Brokers Limited, FCA FRN 724952, Companies House 07014570. Not regulated advice — consult your broker on your specific position.
Apex Insurance Brokers serves UK professional services firms and commercial businesses. Call 0117 325 0027, email hello@apexinsurancebrokers.co.uk, or request a quotation.
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