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COBS - Client Categorisation

The Conduct of Business Sourcebook (COBS) applies to financial firms in the UK that deal with client investments. COBS rules cover client categorisation.

Client categorisation is based on the client's level of sophistication. This classification determines the degree of regulatory protection the client is entitled to and the types of investment products they can be offered. 

Our COBS for Client Categorisation Course explains the FCA Conduct of Business Rules for client categorisation in the investment business.
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  • 20 Minutes
  • All staff
  • Based on UK legislation, but suitable for global audiences upon the removal of UK-specific references and translation as necessary.

Learning objectives

  • Appreciate why we categorise clients
  • Recognise different client categories
  • Recognise the criteria and procedure by which certain clients can opt for re-categorisation
  • Identify and apply the record-keeping requirements

    What can you expect your employees to learn?

Welcome

What is COBS - Client Categorisation?

Why is it critical to categorise clients correctly?

Retail clients

Professional clients

  • Elective professionals
  • Exercise: Elective professionals

Eligible counterparties

Professionals opting down to retail

Exercise: Client categorisation

Client agreement

Record keeping


Summary
Affirmation
Assessment

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Financial Crime

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Our Compliance Breach Register allows you to securely log and monitor incidents of financial crime, such as bribery or money laundering. The tool enables you to track resolution progress and maintain a clear audit trail, ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Our Policy Hub enables you to distribute policies such as your Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policy to employees, track acknowledgements, and send automated reminders. This ensures everyone understands their obligations and helps you maintain compliance with financial crime regulations.
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