--- title: Reviewing intermediary applications slug: sales-operations/reviewing-intermediary-applications icon: {"lucideIcon":"ClipboardCheck"} docTags: createdAt: 2026-08-17T11:14:21.576Z --- # ๐ŸŽฏ Purpose Standard operating procedure for the review stage of intermediary onboarding. The outcome of this SOP is a documented accept / decline / refer decision on each application. **Owner:** Distribution Operations Manager ยท **Performed by:** Sales Operations Analyst ยท **Frequency:** per application ยท **SLA:** 3 working days # ๐Ÿ“Š Operational overview ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem ### Operational review metrics - Review SLA target: 3 working days - Four-eyes review compliance target: 100% - Incomplete application return rate monitored monthly - Same-day sanctions escalation target: 100% - Evidence attachment compliance monitored through QA reviews ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ### Continuous improvement priorities - Reduce onboarding review delays caused by incomplete submissions - Improve fit-and-proper assessment consistency across analysts - Increase automation within sanctions and adverse-media screening - Monitor referral and decline trends for process insights - Strengthen evidence-quality standards for audit readiness ::: :::: # โœ… Prerequisites - Application pack received in full (application form, FSP licence copy, bank confirmation, CV of key individual) - Reviewer holds the Sales Operations Analyst role and is not the introducing contact for this intermediary :::hint{type="danger"} **โš ๏ธ Escalation requirement** Any sanctions hit must be escalated to Compliance on the same business day and recorded within the CRM audit trail. ::: # โœ… Procedure ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Confirm completeness against the intake list in the *Onboarding checklist*. If any item is missing, return the pack to the applicant with a single consolidated request โ€” do not drip-feed queries. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Validate the FSP licence number on the FSCA public register. Capture a dated screenshot as evidence. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Perform the fit-and-proper assessment: qualifications, experience, regulatory history. Record the assessment in the review template. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Screen the entity and key individuals for sanctions and adverse media using the screening tool. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Record the recommendation (accept / decline / refer) and route to a second reviewer for the four-eyes check (CTRL-D-03). ::: :::: # โš ๏ธ Exception and escalation handling - Any sanctions hit: **decline**, escalate to Compliance the same day. - Licence category does not cover the products in the requested mandate: **refer** to Distribution Manager. - Adverse media that is unverified or immaterial: note it, proceed, flag for 6-month re-screen. :::ExpandableHeading ## ๐Ÿ”Ž Operational guidance and common failure points - Consolidate information requests to reduce onboarding delays and repeat applicant contact. - Ensure FSCA validation screenshots include the validation date and visible licence reference. - Document rationale clearly when referring applications for management review. - Escalate material adverse-media cases where reputational impact cannot be confidently assessed. - Review quality assurance outcomes monthly to identify recurring reviewer errors or training gaps. ::: # ๐Ÿงพ Records and evidence Store the completed review template, evidence screenshots and screening report against the CRM record. Retention: 5 years after relationship end, per the Records Retention Standard in **Policies and Standards**.