Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR)

From senior managers to onboarding new advisers, are you confident as to your obligations? It can be tricky to understand how SM&CR applies in your firm. Choose us, and we’ll ensure you understand the rules and implement change successfully.

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Meeting the criteria

SM&CR applications are subject to ever-greater scrutiny, so any time invested before your application is well spent.

Our team has assisted with numerous senior management function (SMF) applications. The work starts well before the forms are completed to ensure that your candidate is best placed to be approved.

Our service

Straight-talking feedback on what the SM&CR really means for your business and why it matters
Help with the senior management regime and structuring your team’s responsibilities accordingly
Friendly advisers who understand the pressures you face and will give you much-needed reassurance
Support in implementing the certification regime among the relevant members of your team
Expert insight into the three distinct elements of the SM&CR and what each of them entail
An assessment of your “fit and proper” test and support in making any necessary tweaks
A deeper understanding of the scope and requirements of the updated regime’s conduct rules
Analysis of your training and competence scheme to ensure that it’s fit for purpose under SM&CR

What clients say

David Bashforth

It’s early days in our relationship with Vicky and B-Compliant, but my business partners and I have so far been very impressed with the service and technical knowledge provided. For the first time in a long time, we can see compliance in a more positive light, as a tool to improve our business as a whole.

Kate Barnard

B-Compliant seem to have the balance just right for small financial advisers like us from a support and price point. They offer on-site visits or remote help, both of which are extremely helpful. Vicky and her team offer a no-nonsense approach to compliance where what you see is what you get. Perfect!

Debbie Jukes

B-Compliant has delivered everything that we expected, and then some – even at short notice. I feel that they have our best interests at heart, and I have complete confidence in the guidance they provide. They have a flexible approach and a great work ethic.

William Stevenson

What we want from a compliance consultant is threefold: to keep our compliance programme both up to date and (more importantly) effective, to offer solutions and not point out problems, and, yes, to be fairly priced! We get all three from B-Compliant.

Anonymous

We now feel confident our systems would stand up to scrutiny. The support is clear, responsive and proportionate to a firm of our size.

Anonymous

It feels like having an internal compliance manager without the overhead. Straight answers, practical advice and real peace of mind.

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of clients believe working with us has helped or will help them to achieve their compliance objectives

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of clients would recommend us to other firms or connections

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of clients are very satisfied that we understand their regulatory requirements

Your questions, answered

The scope of the SM&CR is greater than previous comparable regimes, so you need the right support team in place to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Find out more about our approach below.

View all FAQs

Can’t I just follow a pre-existing template?

You could and our document library has some useful examples. But the support you receive from us is completely tailored to the individual needs of you and your business.

Is the advice I get from you as up to date as possible?

Always. As proud and active members of the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants, we attend regular training and education sessions to stay abreast of all the latest FCA developments.

Will you only help businesses in the north-west?

Not at all. Although we are based in Manchester, we’re completely remote and have consultants across the UK. Whatever questions you have about SM&CR, our team is available to help.

    
 
 
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   Donna Penny 
 25 September 2024
 
 
  Vicky and her team have been with us for four years and we have found their support, knowledge and genuine care for our firm invaluable. They are all so approachable, no query is too small and they are always willing to provide training so we fully understand and embed the knowledge we need to be compliant and successful. Thank you to everyone at B-Compliant!
  
 
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   Tomas Samel 
 23 September 2024
 
 
  B-Compliant has been supporting us with FCA consulting for more than 4 years. They have always been highly professional, resourceful and customer-oriented.
  
 
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   Jessica Woollaston 
 23 September 2024
 
 
  We have worked with B-Compliant for a few years now, and they are a brilliant company with a very knowledgeable team! No task is too big or small - B-Compliant are always ready and happy to assist and any solutions given are communicated clearly and effectively. A lovely team to work with and would highly recommend!
  
 
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   jon stevens 
 20 September 2024
 
 
  We have found B-Compliant to be really good to work with and have had good, open, honest discussions with them. Their training has been good and their staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
  
 
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   Simon 
 20 September 2024
 
 
  The business I founded and lead started working with B-Complaint (Vicky & Rebecca) in early 2024 and haven't looked back, they are knowledgeable and pragmatic, 'get' our business and focus on client service and help us balance that with being FCA compliant at all times.
  
 
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   Dean Hurst 
 4 September 2023
 
 
  B-Compliant are a refreshing breath of air in the FCA Consultancy Industry. Everyone we have worked with has been extremely warm, friendly and of course have all the knowledge and expertise you would need. They talk to you in plane common sense English and make what can be a tough topic seem far more understandable. Thoroughly recommend.
  
 
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   Roderic Rennison 
 3 May 2023
 
 
  Detailed, in-depth knowledge, and great service.
  
 
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   dean gough 
 7 April 2023
 
 
  Excellent support service with an experienced and swift responding network of staff across the country.  We required an integrated file checking support system and B Compliant made the while process very simple.
  
 
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   Lydia Buchanan 
 6 April 2023
 
 
  We have found B-Complaint to be brilliant. The team are highly knowledgable and quick to get back to you when you have any queries.
  
 
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   Sally Collie 
 7 July 2022
 
 
  Always receive excellent service from Vicky and her team at B-Compliant, they are a very knowledgeable team and make a point of knowing our business inside out in order to give us a high standard of support.
  
 
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   Richard White 
 6 July 2022
 
 
  I approached B-Compliant regarding helping us with our FCA application for an VoP Permissions application, right away I new that we had contacted the right people. Their attitude and positive approach was fantastic. Maria Fox-Leonard was fully informed in helping us prepare our responses back to the FCA and Jeremy Smith helped with his knowledgeable insight into the FCA and how to ask the right questions. We have now successfully received out VOP permissions and I would definitely recommend them to others.
  
 
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   Asmus Ohle 
 27 June 2022
 
 
  We have worked with Jeremy and his team for the last four years. They initially guided us through the FCA application process and since approval have provided us with compliance advice. They set out the to dos very clearly, communicate efficiently and ensure that all deadlines are met. They also make sure that we understand what is required from us as a newly regulated firm and explain everything in detail and in a way that we understand it. I would definitely recommend them.
  
 
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   Jonathan Smith 
 27 June 2022
 
 
  Having worked with B-Compliant Ltd for the past 2 years. Vicky, Simon and Annabel have changed not only our business outlook, but also our attitude toward compliance! Their positive, proactive approach has helped us immeasurably in understanding the complexities of the FCA and regulation. They are always available with answers in plain English and more importantly, solutions! Thank you
  
 
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   jacqui davidson-slack 
 11 February 2020
 
 
  I met Vicky through a professional organisation and instantly established how knowledgeable and experienced she is in relation to compliance. Given the importance of this function within a regulated firm, Vicky provided me with some initial guidance without commitment or cost. I established that the service proposition could be tailored to exactly what I needed. Without exception staff and management have been extremely supportive and held my hand through a highly legislative process. I feel save in the hands of B-Compliant. Top Class Service. First Class Knowledge. Took all the worry from me and i now feel safe in their care. For a highly personalised service which is truly value for what is spent, you really do need to speak to Vicky and her team. Thank you !
  
 
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   Victoria Hicks 
 6 February 2020
 
 
  A very knowledgeable firm that I would happy recommend to all of my clients!
  
 
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   David Brown 
 25 November 2019
 
 
  I would recommend B-Compliant to any financial adviser looking for compliance support and help with their business
  
 
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   simon bellis 
 10 October 2019
 
 
  Fantastic support, very knowledgable team. A+ Service.
  
 
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   Alan Whittle 
 27 August 2019
 
 
  Fantastic FCA compliance consultancy.  Very friendly, expert staff.  Would highly recommend.
  
 
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   Karen Trafford 
 29 July 2019
 
 
  FCA compliance support from friendly staff who are knowledgeable and helpful.
  
 
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   Carol Liddle 
 24 July 2019
 
 
  Experts in FCA compliance, highly recommended.