Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls

The Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls (SYSC) Sourcebook apply to authorised financial services firms. It ensures the allocation of responsibility in a way that helps leaders monitor and control a business.

The purpose of SYSC rules is to encourage directors and managers to take practical responsibility, employ adequate risk management systems, and create a common standard for systems and controls.

Our Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls Course explains the responsibilities of senior managers as contained in the FCA Handbook.

25 Minutes
For managers
UK
FCA Compliance Library

What you’ll learn in
this course

Recognise the purpose of Senior Management Arrangements, Systems and Controls
Identify how responsibilities are apportioned and recorded
Know the necessary systems and controls
Recognise the critical areas of systems and controls
Explain how the Public Interest Disclosure Act protects whistleblowers

Hear from our customers

Skillcast has truly transformed our approach to compliance training and tracking at Imagination. Not only does it seamlessly manage our global company's compliance requirements, but it also enhances employee engagement through its user-friendly interface and interactive content. What sets Skillcast apart is not just the platform itself, but also their exceptional customer service team. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing tailored solutions to our unique needs. It's been instrumental in streamlining our compliance processes and fostering a culture of proactive risk management, growth & development."

Feefo Customer Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5

Want to explore more courses?

Browse all courses and search by topic to find what matters most to you.

Search all courses

Our LMS or yours?

Award-winning LMS

Leverage the award-winning Skillcast Portal to deliver your compliance training, track performance with analytics, and access compliance tools to support and strengthen your compliance programme.

Discover LMS

Skillcast Remote Services

If you prefer to use your own LMS, we offer flexible pricing plans and delivery options to suit your unique needs, from off-the-shelf course libraries to fully bespoke solutions.

Explore SRS

Your questions, answered

Financial Crime

How can I log and track incidents of financial crime in my organisation?

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.

How can I ensure my employees understand and comply with our internal policies in relation to financial crime?

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.
.

Can small businesses be held accountable under competition law?

Yes. Competition law applies to businesses of all sizes. Even small companies can face investigations and serious penalties for engaging in anti-competitive conduct.

Are informal conversations with competitors risky?

Absolutely. Informal chats, especially those involving prices, market plans, or customers, can constitute unlawful agreements and should be avoided.

What are the consequences of breaking competition law?

Violations can lead to heavy fines for companies, director disqualification, criminal prosecution, and reputational damage.

How can companies prevent anti-competitive behaviour?

By implementing regular compliance training, setting clear internal policies, encouraging reporting of concerns, and ensuring employees understand the legal risks.

Does the Criminal Finances Act 2017 apply to non-UK companies?

Yes. The Act can apply to overseas entities if any part of the tax evasion facilitation occurs within the UK or involves UK tax liabilities. Multinational firms with UK operations should take note.

What industries are most at risk under the Criminal Finances Act?

Industries with complex financial transactions, high-value assets, or extensive third-party relationships such as banking, legal services, real estate, and professional consulting are particularly exposed to conduct and facilitation risks.

How often should businesses review their tax evasion prevention procedures?

Best practice is to conduct reviews annually or whenever there are significant changes in business operations, regulatory guidance, or risk exposure. Regular audits help ensure ongoing compliance.

Can small businesses be prosecuted under the Criminal Finances Act 2017?

Yes. The Act applies to all organisations, regardless of size. However, the HMRC’s guiding principles allow for proportionality, meaning smaller firms are expected to implement controls that match their risk level and operational complexity.

What industries are most vulnerable to proliferation financing risks?

Industries dealing with dual-use goods, advanced technologies, chemicals, and logistics are particularly exposed. Financial institutions supporting international trade also face elevated risks.

How can small businesses ensure compliance with proliferation financing regulations?

Even SMEs should implement basic risk assessments, maintain up-to-date sanctions screening tools, and train staff on red flags related to trade-based money laundering and dual-use items.

Are there international standards for combating proliferation financing?

Yes. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) provides global guidelines, including Recommendation 7, which focuses on targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation.

What are “dual-use goods” and why are they significant?

Dual-use goods are items that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Their trade is tightly regulated due to the potential for misuse in weapons development.

How often should proliferation financing risk assessments be updated?

Best practice suggests reviewing risk assessments annually or whenever there are significant changes in business operations, customer profiles, or geopolitical developments.

What is an anti-money laundering check?

As per Experian, AML checks “help prevent money laundering by confirming potential customers and businesses are who they say they are, and assessing how likely it is they’re involved in financial crime. For entities regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), this due diligence is considered essential and is a legal requirement”.

What is anti-money laundering compliance?

Following AML laws, regulations and procedures to detect and stop suspicious and illicit money flows, including fraud and terrorist financing.

Senior Management Arrangements Systems and Controls