Host AFMs are fund operators that delegate investment management to third-party investment managers outside of their corporate group.

The FCA found that, while some firms were operating well, others did not meet FCA standards. The FCA found weaknesses in governance structures, conflicts of interest management and operational controls.

The FCA also found some firms referring to funds as if they were solely operated by delegate third-party investment managers or fund sponsors rather than themselves, and a lack of focus on controlling the risk of harm from investors exposed to inappropriate or poor value products.

The review focussed on host AFMs but some of the findings are also applicable to in-house AFMs.

Sheldon Mills, executive director, consumers and competition at the FCA, said: “Authorised Fund Managers play an important role as fund operators and we want to ensure they contribute to a thriving investment management industry. Our review indicates that some firms are not sufficiently meeting FCA standards and we want to see significant improvement in this area. We expect firms to look at the key findings on governance structures, conflicts of interest, operational controls, and the other areas highlighted in our review and take action. We will take action if we find issues in firms’ responses to our findings.

“Our focus on this sector will aim to ensure that the regulatory framework is in the right place to provide good value for investors balanced by appropriate protections, and we will consider whether we need to make changes to rules to supplement the work of this review and its findings.”

All authorised funds in the UK are required to have an AFM, who is responsible for ensuring that the fund complies with the FCA rules.

Firms which operate effectively typically are well capitalised and well-resourced, with senior management recognising and controlling the conflicts of interest inherent in the business model.

The FCA will provide written feedback to all firms in the review and a small number will be required to undertake section 166 Skilled Person reports to improve compliance. The regulator will also review the progress each firm has made in 12-18 months. Firms may also be asked to hold additional capital to guard against the risks they have in their business.