The Commission is reminding operators they must notify us of a Change of Corporate Control (CoCC) by means of a key event within five working days of the event happening and apply for a change of control within five weeks of the change taking place.
Currently, upon receipt of a late CoCC application, the Licensee is given an opportunity to explain the delay and an extension to apply has been granted where an adequate and reasonable explanation has been given. However, an increase in the complexity, and number, of applications means we will be taking a stricter approach to late submissions.
From July, where the explanation is considered not to be adequate or reasonable, there will be a refusal to grant an extension and revocation in instances where the new controller is unknown to the Commission and is not:
- regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or
- an immediate family member entering a small family business.
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