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COCON Conduct Rules Self-Assessment

Free tool for FCA-regulated firms

Answer each question to identify which COCON conduct rules may be relevant to a specific misconduct scenario at your firm. Covers all six individual conduct rules, senior manager rules, and PS25/23 non-financial misconduct guidance.

Question 1 of 9

Did the individual act dishonestly, mislead others, or behave in a way that lacks integrity?

Examples: falsifying records, misleading clients or the FCA, acting against the spirit of regulations, concealing information.

Question 2 of 9

Did the individual fail to perform their role competently, or neglect their duties?

Examples: giving unsuitable advice without proper research, failing to follow established procedures, ignoring known compliance requirements.

Question 3 of 9

Did the individual withhold information from, or fail to cooperate with, the FCA, PRA, or other regulators?

Examples: not responding to an FCA information request, coaching staff on what to say during a supervisory visit, concealing a known breach.

Question 4 of 9

Did the individual fail to consider customers' interests or treat them unfairly?

Examples: recommending higher-charging products for personal benefit, failing to disclose material information, ignoring a client complaint.

Question 5 of 9

Did the individual engage in market abuse, insider dealing, or improper use of confidential information?

Examples: trading on inside information obtained through their role, sharing client portfolio details with third parties, market manipulation.

Question 6 of 9

Did the individual fail to act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers?

Examples: identifying unsuitable products held by clients and not acting on the finding, failing to consider Consumer Duty requirements.

Question 7 of 9

Did the individual engage in serious non-financial misconduct — such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, or violence — with a sufficient workplace connection?

PS25/23 (effective 1 September 2026): Serious NFM can breach Rule 1 (integrity) and/or Rule 2 (skill, care, diligence). The misconduct must have a work connection — at the office, work events, in work communications, or involving colleagues.

Question 8 of 9

Is the individual a senior manager (SMF holder) who failed to ensure effective control of the business area they are responsible for?

Senior manager conduct rule SC1. Examples: no documented investigation process for conduct breaches, failure to establish NFM handling procedures, inadequate oversight of compliance functions.

Question 9 of 9

Is the individual a senior manager who failed to ensure their area of the business complies with regulatory requirements?

Senior manager conduct rule SC2. Examples: failure to ensure the firm can handle NFM allegations by the PS25/23 deadline, not updating policies for regulatory changes.

About this tool

This self-assessment helps compliance officers at small FCA-regulated firms identify which COCON conduct rules may apply to a specific misconduct scenario. It covers all six individual conduct rules (COCON 2.1), the senior manager conduct rules (COCON 3.1), and the new PS25/23 guidance on non-financial misconduct effective from 1 September 2026.

The tool does not determine whether a breach has occurred — that requires a formal investigation with evidence gathering. It identifies which rules are potentially relevant so you can focus your investigation on the right areas.

For the full investigation process, use our NFM Investigation Checklist. To assess whether a finding affects an individual's fitness and propriety, use our F&P Decision Tree.

This tool is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice.