Senior managers & certification regime (SMCR)
The SMCR package is designed for all firms authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA). Organisations include any Financial Conduct Authority regulated business, such as UK incorporated banks, building societies and credit unions, as well as Prudential Regulation Authority regulated investment banks and insurers.
Contact us for orders exceeding 50 units
Product details
This package is for employers who need to screen their candidate(s) in line with FCA requirements and is also available for job roles which fall under SMR and SMCR.
You can only buy this package if you are screening UK-based candidates. If your candidate requires international checks, click ‘Speak to an expert’ and we’ll create the perfect package for you.
Average turnaround time for this package is 10-15 days*
*For SMCR roles, candidates may require regulatory references where they have held such a position previously, which have a regulator-determined service licence agreement of six weeks for the referee to respond.
Checks included
Verifying the identity of the candidate being screened is the foundation of all screening checks and packages. This ensures all other screening is completed on the principle that the candidate is who they say they are. As such, any flaw or omission in the candidate ID verification can compromise any further screening checks being conducted.
Right to work checks are required for any candidate prior to commencement of employment. This is a non-transferable statutory obligation enforced by the Home Office and carries risk of significant fines and even criminal prosecution if not undertaken appropriately.
We’re experts in facilitating employment credit checks and varying levels, including standard checks based on five years of address history. Our reports clearly highlight any missed payments, defaults, county court judgements (CCJs) or bankruptcies, as well as any linked addresses the candidate may or may not have declared during their application. We can also process a further check using Credit Account Information Sharing (CAIS) data allowing us to review candidates’ full financial history including current accounts, credit cards, secured and unsecured debt, defaults and other measures of financial probity.
*UK checks only, additional costs for international variations.
There are two core elements to what most organisations refer to as an employment reference check: employment verification (date and role confirmation from previous employer) and substantive referencing (meaningful commentary on conduct and competence of individual being referenced). Many organisations not required to by statutory or regulatory obligation will opt to satisfy just the former when they should be mindful of both.
The Protect package includes a Basic DBS level criminal record check on your candidate(s). This check will provide details of any unspent convictions that a candidate may have and is key to making safer recruitment decisions for your organisation. *England and Wales checks only, additional cost for Scotland, Northern Ireland or international variations.
Having five years of address history ensures that all relevant criminal records and other background information are accurately checked across all locations where your candidate has lived. Additionally, it helps avoid gaps or inconsistencies that could raise red flags, confirms a candidates identity, and allows local police to verify that your potential employee has not committed any offences in those areas.
Using cutting edge matching algorithms, we can check your candidates against over 2,000 international sanctions, PEP's and watch-lists to ensure your business is secured against insider threat and complies with relevant AML regulations.
*UK checks only, additional costs for international variations.
For particular staff categories where individuals have significant influence or make major financial and/or risk decisions, a directorship check is essential to ensure that they do not hold positions which would constitute a conflict of interest or a risk to your business.
*UK checks only, additional costs for international variations.
Whether for a qualification specific and relevant to a role, or simply to establish that a benchmark of educational attainment has been met, education/qualification checks are an important part of establishing whether an individual is suitable for a role for which they have applied.
Drawing from a range of sources, our adverse media checks include traditional media, broadcast media and online media to bring to light any detrimental candidate behaviour otherwise unavailable to you. This includes information around organised crime, financial terrorism, drug trafficking, financial threat, money laundering and much more.
FCA screening checks are essential background verifications that ensure individuals are ‘fit and proper’ for roles regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. These checks cover various aspects of an applicant’s suitability, including identity verification, educational background, credit score assessment, and criminal record checks. Only those who successfully pass these comprehensive screenings can earn the title of ‘approved person,’ a designation given to employees performing controlled functions as specified by FCA guidelines.
Why choose SMCR?
Our SMCR package ensures that thorough employment screening checks are conducted for employees in critical roles within your business, giving you peace of mind. With stringent screening requirements, this package enables you to comply with regulations by ensuring your employees are suitable and qualified for their roles, both at the time of hiring and on an ongoing basis.
You can purchase the SMCR package here whenever you need it and start using it immediately. The process is simple, clear, and efficient, minimising administrative tasks and reducing stress. This tried, tested, and perfected screening package is ideal for all FSA, SMR, and SMCR roles.
What's required?
You can purchase this package through the checkout now and your candidate information can be uploaded as and when you need screening to be completed via the form which will be emailed to you.
This package is designed for businesses with up to 50 employees. For anything larger or for checks outside of England and Wales, please reach out to one of our experts who will design you a tailored package that's right for you.
Our refund policy
All screening packages and products offered by Reed Screening are for employers/organisations. If you purchase a product for yourself, we will arrange for the full cost to be refunded to you.
Senior managers & certification regime (SMCR) FAQs
SMCR (Senior Managers and Certification Regime) is a regulatory framework from both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) that aims to improve accountability, transparency, and governance within financial services. It requires firms to clearly define responsibilities and ensure that key individuals are assessed as fit and proper to perform their roles.
The fit and proper check is a mandatory requirement under SMCR. FCA- regulated organisations must assess and certify that individuals in senior management and certified functions are suitable to perform their roles. This helps protect consumers, maintain market integrity, and ensure businesses meet their legal obligations under the Financial Services and Markets (FSMA).
Individuals who need an SMCR (Senior Managers and Certification Regime) check include senior managers, certified persons, and non-executive directors within financial services firms.
This regulatory requirement ensures that these key personnel are fit and proper to perform their roles, maintaining the integrity and trust in the financial sector. Firms must conduct these checks to comply with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations and uphold high standards of conduct and accountability. For a detailed list of roles that fall within the scope, please refer to the FCA's official guidelines here.
Yes, organisations are mandated to assess and certify the fitness and propriety of individuals in certified roles at least every 12 months. This ongoing evaluation ensures continued compliance with SMCR standards.
Yes, international candidates can be screened for SMCR roles. While the standard SMCR package is designed for UK-based candidates, we can tailor the package to meet local regulatory and compliance requirements.
If you’re hiring internationally, please fill in the speak to an expert form, so we can help you build a customised solution that aligns with both SMCR and global screening standards.
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