1.2.1. Modifications and exclusions stated in a COB rule

The general application rule in COB 1.1 may be modified or excluded to the extent stated in the relevant provision in COB, depending on the type of Authorised Firm involved, the nature of its activities, and/or the classification of the Client to whom it provides services.

1.2.2. Exclusions in relation to certain categories of Centre Participant

For the avoidance of doubt, the requirements in COB do not apply to:

(a) a Representative Office;

(b) unless otherwise provided under Rules made by the AFSA, an Authorised Market Institution (other than an Authorised Crowdfunding Platform), except for COB 3 (Communications with Clients and Financial Promotions), unless otherwise provided under Rules made by the AFSA;

(c) an Authorised Crowdfunding Platform, except for COB 3 (Communications with Clients and Financial Promotions), COB 4 (Key Information and Client Agreement);

(d) intentionally omitted

(e) unless otherwise provided under Rules made by the AFSA, a MTF Operator and an OTF Operator, except for COB 15 (Complaints Handling and Dispute Resolution).

For the purposes of 1.2.2(c), references in COB 3, COB 4, COB 7, COB 8 and COB Schedule

2 to:

(a) "Authorised Firms" shall be read as if it were a reference to "an Authorised Crowdfunding Platforms";

(b) "Regulated Activities" shall be read as if it were a reference to "Market Activities";

(c) references to "Professional Client" or a "Market Counterparty" shall be read as if they were a reference to "Accredited Lender or Accredited Investor"; and

(d) references to "Retail Client" shall be read as if they were a reference to "Retail Lender or Retail Investor".

For the purposes of 1.2.2(e), references in COB 15 to "Retail Client" shall be read as if they were a reference to "Member, who is a natural person with Direct Electronic Access".

Guidance: Other applicable requirements

Although the Centre Participants listed in COB 1.2.2 are not generally subject to the requirements in COB, they will be subject to requirements in other Rules, which may include but are not limited to requirements in REP, AMI and GEN as applicable.

1.2.3. Application in respect of Insurance Intermediaries

The requirements in COB do not apply to Insurance Intermediaries, with the exception of COB 3 (Communications with Clients and Financial Promotions), COB 4 (Key Information and Client Agreement), COB 8.5 (Client money: Insurance Intermediation and Insurance Management) and COB 11</a> (Insurance Intermediaries).

Guidance: Insurance Intermediaries

Given the different nature of their activities compared with other Authorised Firms, Insurance Intermediaries are subject to specific conduct of business requirements that are set out in COB 11.

1.2.4. Application in respect of Trust Service Providers

The requirements in COB do not generally apply to Trust Service Providers, with the exception of COB 3 (Communications with Clients and Financial Promotions), COB 4 (Key Information and Client Agreement), COB 5.2 (Suitability Assessments), COB 7 (Conflicts of Interest), COB 12 (Trust Service Providers), and COB 15 (Record Keeping).

Guidance: Trust Service Providers

Trust Service Providers provide services that are distinct from those provided by other Authorised Firms, so they are not required to comply with all of the COB rules. COB 12 imposes a specific framework on Trust Service Providers that takes into account the nature of their activities and the risk profile that they represent compared with other Authorised Firms.

1.2.5. Application in respect of Ancillary Service Providers

The requirements in COB do not apply to Ancillary Service Providers, with the exception of COB 13 (Ancillary Service Providers).

Guidance: Ancillary Service Providers

Ancillary Service Providers may already be subject to professional standards, regulation by professional bodies, and/or codes of conduct. As a result, they are not required to comply with most of the requirements in COB. Instead, they are subject to duties and obligations under COB 13, which sets out high-level principles applicable to these firms.

1.2.6. Application in respect of Credit Rating Agencies

The requirements in COB do not apply to Credit Rating Agencies, with the exception of COB 14 (Credit Rating Agencies).

Guidance: Credit Rating Agencies

In order to ensure that Credit Rating Agencies provide independent analyses and opinions, COB 14 requires Credit Rating Agencies to comply with high-level principles that are based on international standards promoted by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions.

1.2.7. Table summarising modifications and exclusions

The general application rule in COB 1.1 is modified or excluded to the extent stated in this table in COB 1.2.7 by reference to the category of Client receiving services from the Authorised Firm ("who?") and/or the nature of the activity ("what?").