FCA Client Assets Manual
Our FCA Client Assets Manual distils two decades of experience of helping firms to undertake FCA CASS audits effectively and efficiently.
The manual includes guidance and workpapers to help you plan and perform your CASS audit.
The documents are in Excel, Word and PDF format and are designed to be easy to use and understand whilst remaining compliant with the FCA Handbook and the FRC’s 2019 CASS Standard for auditors.
Version 2.0: Redesigned for unparalleled ease-of-use
Version 2.0 represents a significant upgrade – the new workpapers are in Microsoft Excel rather than Word format, with enhanced features to guide you through the planning process and record your work.
As well as guidance notes on understanding CASS audits, the new Manual comes with a form-by-form ‘how to use’ guide, explaining key features and including top tips from a file reviewer’s perspective.
Expansion for new CASS chapters coming soon
Version 2.0 covers the same CASS chapters (3 to 8) as the current version 1.1. However, the new manual is built for expansion and the next version including CASS 11 and 13 and the incoming CASS 15 is in development for an early 2026 release.
Subscribers to version 2.0 will automatically receive the next version for no additional cost.
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Intelligent, interactive forms that guide users through the audit process
The workpapers are in ALL-NEW EXCEL format, allowing efficient use of dropdown responses coupled with space to enter narrative text. Rules-based guidance behind the scenes helps the user make informed and appropriate choices.
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Clear, helpful guidance notes
The guidance notes explain the CASS rules and auditors’ responsibilities in context, with accessible content.
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Tools and resources to support the auditor
The manual includes engagement and representation letter extracts as well as an Excel-based sample size calculator.
News and updates on the FCA Client Assets Manual
The current version of the manual is version 2.0.
Check back here for updates to the manual. We’ll post brief details here and will email subscribers with details and updated documents.
Subscription terms and conditions
Purchasing the FCA Client Assets Manual is based on an annual subscription beginning on 1 July and ending on the following 30 June (‘the subscription period’). Your subscription entitles you to all updates to the product issued within the subscription period.
We offer a 14-day cooling-off period after purchase during which you may cancel your subscription for a full refund. Apex is not obliged to offer refunds for any portion of your subscription if you choose to cancel after this period. Your statutory rights are unaffected. If you are dissatisfied with the manual, please tell us and we’ll do what we can to make things right.
While we strive to ensure that the manual is up-to-date, technically accurate and will help you to undertake a compliant FCA CASS audit, the manual is a guide only and does not purport to give professional advice and it should, accordingly, not be relied upon as such. Audit firms are responsible for the quality of their audit work and for ensuring the suitability and accuracy of any methodology used, including this manual. Apex does not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained in our manual, and Apex shall therefore not be liable for any damage or economic loss, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise of Apex, its directors or employees. Similarly, Apex shall not be liable for damages or loss occasioned by actions taken by purchasers of the manual or by any third party in relying upon the contents of this manual, whether incurred by purchasers, any parties for whom they act as agents, those who rely upon them for advice, or any third party, or for any breach of contract by Apex in respect of any inaccurate, mistaken or negligent misstatement contained in this manual.
The Apex FCA Client Assets Manual is © 2025 Apex Professional Consulting (“Apex”). All rights reserved. No part of this publication will be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Apex.