Category: Compliance & AML · Reviewed by Simon Temme, Account Executive · Last reviewed June 2026
The FCA Handbook sourcebook that sets out how firms are supervised — including authorisation, notifications, periodic reporting, individual approvals, controlled functions, complaints data and the FCA’s information-gathering powers.
SUP is the Supervision manual. It is a procedural rulebook that explains how authorised firms interact with the FCA — what to notify, when to file periodic returns, how to apply for or vary a permission, who is approved for what role, and how supervisory information requests are handled.
Made under FSMA sections 137A and 138, with substantive supervisory powers drawn from FSMA Part X (general rule-making), Part XI (information and investigations), Part V (performance of regulated activities), and Part XII (control over authorised persons).
SUP is divided into 18 chapters. SUP 4 covers actuaries; SUP 6 covers VOP (variation of permission); SUP 9 covers individual guidance; SUP 10A and SUP 10C cover the controlled function and SM&CR application regimes; SUP 11 covers controllers (change in control notifications); SUP 12 covers Appointed Representatives; SUP 15 covers notifications to the FCA; SUP 16 covers periodic reporting (RMAR, GABRIEL/RegData submissions); SUP 17 covers transaction reporting; SUP 18 covers transfers of business.
SUP 16.12 sets out the population of returns by firm type. For a non-MiFID general insurance intermediary, the principal return is the RMAR (Retail Mediation Activities Return) with sections A–K covering balance sheet, income statement, capital, PII, conduct data, threshold conditions, etc. SUP 15.3 sets the trigger conditions for notification — significant matters of which the FCA would reasonably expect notice.
A change of registered office, a senior manager resignation, a serious complaint pattern, a PII expiry, a material adverse event, a planned acquisition or disposal — each engages a SUP 15 notification obligation, generally to be made promptly and in writing using the Form A / Form D / Connect channel as appropriate.
FCA Handbook, Supervision manual (SUP). Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, sections 137A, 138, Part V, Part X, Part XI, Part XII. UK retained Insurance Distribution Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/97).
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.
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