Guidance

Applying for authorisation

Published 18 June 2015

1. Newly formed companies

If you are a limited company or limited liability partnership then you should ensure your company is correctly formed and Companies House records are up to date before applying.

2. What to include with your application

The application form specifies everything you need to provide with your application including:

• A fully completed and signed application form
• The application fee
• Proof of identification and residence

You will also be prompted by the application form should we require you to provide any additional information or documents specific to your business model.

3. Identification

You must return your application with two utility bills showing your name and residential address. They should be no older than 3 months.

Types of utility bills accepted include gas, electricity, water rates and council tax bills.

In addition to this we also require one form of photo identification, preferably a copy of your passport or driving licence, for each of the individuals required to sign section 10 of the application form.

4. Other required documentation

The application form will identify any additional documents you should provide that are specific to your individual business model.

For example:

• if you intend to have a contract with your client we will need you to provide a copy (or draft) of all of your client documentation
• if you intend to handle client money you will need to provide evidence of you client account

5. Common application errors

It is important to complete the application form correctly and provide any required additional information to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.

Errors in an application can be avoided by completing the application online. Examples of some common errors include:

Question	Error	Solution
2.1: Name of applicant	The name given is not the legal entity	You should state your own name not your business or trading name if you are a sole trader. If the applicant is a limited company, you must state the registered name of the company in full
4.7: Data Protection / ICO Registration	No ICO registration details provided	Organisations handling personal information are required to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under the Data Protection Act 1998. You must confirm details of your registration or, if you are not required to be registered, the reasons why you are exempt
6.1 and 7.3: Contracts with clients	The answers to these questions don’t match	You should indicate that you have a contractual relationship with clients next to the appropriate sector in question 6.1 only if you have contracts with clients. This answer should match the answer you provide in question 7.3. You will not have a ‘contract’ with clients if you are to simply refer claims to a solicitor or another business and do not charge a fee directly to the client
6.1 and 7.4 Representing clients	The answers to these questions don’t match	If you intend to represent your clients by presenting the claim to an insurer or ombudsman, or before a court or tribunal, then you will need to indicate this in question 6.1. This answer should match the answer you provide in question 7.4. If you propose to simply refer clients to a solicitor or another business, you will not be deemed to ‘represent’ your clients
6.3: Forecast turnover	No turnover is provided	You must provide a forecast turnover for regulated claims management services
7.1.1: Responsibility for exempt introducers	Answering this question when you have answered “no” to question 7.1	You should only answer this question when you have answered “yes” to question 7.1
7.3.1 to 7.3.7: Contracts with clients	Answering these questions when you have answered “no” to question 7.3	You should only answer these questions when you have answered “yes” to question 7.3
7.4.1 to 7.4.4: Representing clients	Answering these questions when you have answered “no” to question 7.4	You should only answer these questions when you have answered “yes” to question 7.4
7.5: Handling client money	Answering ‘yes’ to this question in error	You will be handling ‘client money’ if you will be operating client accounts to receive your client’s compensation payments. You will be required to supply evidence of your client account if you are to handle client money
7.5.1 and 7.5.2: Operating client accounts	Answering these questions when you have answered “no” to question 7.5	You should only answer these questions if you have answered “yes” to question 7.5
8.1: Applicant directed by competent person	Answering “no” when you are a sole trader or sole director	This question refers to you, personally, if you are a sole trader or the sole director of a company
Section 10: Declaration	The application form is not signed, or is signed by someone without appropriate authority	The application must be signed in accordance with the instructions given on the declaration

6. Client Specific Rules

The Client Specific Rules are contained within the Conduct of Authorised Persons Rules 2014. All applicants should read this document before completing sections 7 & 8.

7. Submitting an application online

Once completed, you must print the application, sign it and send to us with the supporting documents. This must be done by clicking the ‘Preview & Print’ button on the final page.

Once you have printed the form, you will be able to return to the previous page and click the ‘Submit’ button. Please note however that the application is not deemed to have been received until we receive the signed hard copy of the application form, all relevant additional documentation and the payment of the appropriate fee has cleared.

8. Amending applications after submitting online

Until you have printed the application, you are able to return to any of the answers and amend them, before submitting. If you have already submitted the application, you are no longer able to access the online version of the application. If you wish to make any changes to your answers on the application, please make these by hand on a printed version of the form, initialling any amendments, before sending it to us.

9. Providing additional information with your application

We would encourage you to provide any relevant additional information if you feel that it would support or clarify any points in your application.

10. Application fees not honoured

If your application fee payment is not honoured your application will be terminated and no further processing will be completed. You will need to provide a replacement cheque and your application will not be processed until this payment has cleared. You may have to re-apply if there is a delay in providing the replacement fee.