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Fit & Proper FSP License (Fit & Proper/Operational Ability)

Why do discretionary (Category II) and administrative (Category III) FSPs face additional financial requirements compared with a basic Category I adviser?

RE5 practice question with a worked answer. This is one of hundreds of FSCA RE5 questions in the RegulatoryExams question bank.

  1. a) Because they handle or control client assets/money to a greater degree, so they must hold additional capital and liquidity to protect clients.Correct
  2. b) Because their representatives earn more commission.
  3. c) Because they are located in larger cities.
  4. d) Because they advertise more than Category I FSPs.

Why this is the answer

Categories that take greater control of client assets (discretionary management, administration) carry higher prudential requirements — additional capital and liquidity — precisely because more client money is at risk if the FSP fails. It is risk-based, not about commission, location or advertising.

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