An Introduction to Client Assets (CASS)
Description
A Half-Day Course for Financial Services Professionals
The Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS) is a cornerstone of the FCA’s regulatory framework, designed to safeguard consumers and uphold transparency across financial operations. More than a compliance requirement, CASS offers insight into a firm’s governance, culture, and risk management approach.
This course provides a practical introduction to the strategic importance of CASS, its core chapters, and its interplay with other regulations. Participants will explore:
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CASS Fundamentals
Understand the purpose and scope of CASS, including key chapters and the Client Money and Assets Report (CMAR).
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Governance & Culture
Examine how CASS reflects a firm’s operational integrity, leadership accountability, and cultural alignment with FCA expectations.
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Enforcement & Risk
Review recent enforcement actions, learn the fundamentals of CASS and explore common failures.
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Cross-Regulatory Considerations
Discover how CASS interacts with broader regulatory obligations and what this means for your role.
This course is ideal for professionals beginning their CASS journey, those whose roles intersect with CASS, and managers responsible for CASS oversight within their teams.
Delivery Format:
This course is offered in a hybrid format. In-person spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Booking Note:
If you register for both the morning and afternoon CASS sessions, you’ll benefit from the full-day course rate.
Need Help?
If you see the “Join waiting list” button and wish to attend, pleasecontact training@theia.org for assistance.
WHY ATTEND
This immersive workshop equips professionals with the tools and insight to navigate the demands of CASS with confidence and clarity.
Whether you're stepping into a new role or driving regulatory change, you’ll leave ready to:
- Decode the CASS framework and apply its principles to your day-to-day responsibilities
- Demystify CMAR and understand its significance in shaping accurate reporting
- Strengthen cross-functional alignment by recognising how different teams contribute to compliance
- Elevate your approach to oversight by aligning with governance and culture expectations
- Apply practical knowledge of Custody, Client Money, Mandates, and Resolution Pack chapters to real-world scenarios
AGENDA
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Introduction
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Overview of the key learning objectives
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Insight into the importance of CASS for the FCA’s regulatory approach
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Understanding CASS in its barometer regulation capacity
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CASS in regulatory context and its ‘top down’ presence
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CASS impact cross-regulation
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Insight into the importance of CASS for Investor protection
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Overview of the Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS)
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CASS 6 Custody overview, purpose and key provisions
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CASS 7 Client money overview, purpose, key provisions and calculation methodologies
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CASS 8 Mandates overview, purpose and key provisions
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CASS 10 CASS resolution pack (CASS RP) overview, purpose and key provisions
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Client Money and Assets Return (CMAR) overview
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CASS culture and governance
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FCA CASS enforcement action
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Message summary
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Close
SPEAKERS
Sarah Peaston
Regulatory Governance Expert | INED & NED | Industry Contributor
Sarah is a respected voice in financial services, known for her strategic clarity, industry influence and ability to lead complex regulatory change.
Career highlights include:
- Over 25 years in investment banking and financial services, with senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Citi, Barclays and Société Générale
- Founder of Regulatory Governance Consulting Limited, advising firms on regulatory strategy, governance frameworks and control environments
- 15+ years leading programmes across client money and assets, multi-jurisdictional regulatory reporting, and quality assurance
- Independent Non-Executive Director and experienced Independent Chair (SMF9), serving on fund governance boards and chairing of value assessment committee
Industry impact:
- Contributor to association working groups and regulatory forums
- Partnering with peers and authorities to shape and influence policy
- Speaker and moderator at industry events
Recognition:
- Compliance Register Platinum Special Award for Transaction Reporting
- 2025 Investment Week Women in Investment Awards Nominee
- Appointed INED across multiple fund structures
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This interactive session is ideal for:
- CASS process owners seeking clarity and confidence in managing operational responsibilities
- Project and programme managers working on CASS-related initiatives who want to align delivery with regulatory expectations
- Change managers involved in regulatory transformation looking to embed CASS effectively across functions
- Compliance, oversight, and quality assurance professionals aiming to strengthen governance and assurance frameworks
- Emerging professionals stepping into CASS roles and looking to build foundational knowledge and practical insight
PRICING
IA Member £395.00 +VAT
Non-Member £545.00 +VAT
Pay using a credit card online, or if you wish to be invoiced please email your full details to: Training@theia.org
PLEASE NOTE: Full payment for the course must be made prior to the course commencement date.
- Any cancellation must be made in writing.
- For all cancellation received 15-30 days prior to the course start date, 50% of the course fee is still payable.
- No refund is given for a cancellation made 14 days or less prior to the commencement of a course.
- Transferring from one course to another is treated as a cancellation. You can substitute one delegate for another at no additional cost. In this instance, please give two business days’ notice
Hybrid Training Courses:
Hybrid deliveries of our training allows participants on our courses the option to attend in-person here from our offices at Camomile Court, or you can attend virtually via MS Teams.
Please be advised a training course could change from hybrid delivery to solely virtual delivery. In such an event, we will inform delegates at least one week prior to the course delivery date.
There are a limited number of in-person spaces available on this course and this will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
If you register for both the morning CASS and afternoon CASS courses, you will only be charged the full day course fee:
IA Member £645.00 + VAT
Non-Member £795.00 + VAT
Contact training@theia.org for assistance with registration.