The FSA handbook contains both the rules and guidance set by FSA. All financial advisory firms, regardless of size, are required to strictly follow the FSA rules listed in the handbook. However, the Guidance sections are to simply assist such firms in the best ways to do so – they don’t necessarily have to be followed.
There are several options to choose from if you need to learn or review the rules and guidance provided by the handbook. You can
- read it online
- order a hard copy of the complete handbook
- print a copy from the available pdf file
- order a tailored handbook suitable for your particular service sector, or
- even build your own personal handbook.
If you mistakenly breach a requirement in the handbook while using a tailored version, disciplinary actions will not be taken.
To make the handbook easier to read there is a comprehensive glossary provided in the beginning, which is great if the terminology is unfamiliar to you. Additionally helpful (online) options available include: hiding the guidance sections if you would prefer to only read the rules sections and emailing links to any part of the online handbook if necessary. Although the handbook is updated monthly, it is possible to view both color coded ‘upcoming’ and ‘previous’ versions of the FSA handbook.
