Step-by-step guide to FCA’s new platform

As you know, the Gabriel reporting system is used by the FCA to collect both financial and non-financial data from a firm.

Connect is the system for firms to make applications and notifications to the FCA. Firms will continue to use both these systems in this way for the time being but, at some point in the very near future, the FCA plans to allow firms to access these systems through one new platform. This will mean, regardless of which system you need to use, you will access the platform using only your Connect login details.

Gabriel users tell FCA key areas for improvement

There is no date yet published by the FCA on when this new platform will go live but, in the meantime, firms must register in preparation for the change. Firms completing a Gabriel return will now be prompted when they next log in to complete this registration process.

If no returns are due, you can still complete the registration process by logging into Gabriel. Thereafter the registration process is the same for all firms. Once you have completed the registration, both systems will continue to appear separately and in their existing formats until integrated onto the new platform. This means until the new platform is launched, you will need to continue to log into your Gabriel return using your existing login credentials.

As this is something every firm will need to do, I hope this step-by-step guide to registering proves useful:

1. On the FCA home page, access the Gabriel section by clicking the Gabriel icon.
2. Click to log in to the system.
3. On the next page, click on the small ‘Proceed to Login’ button in the top, left-hand corner.
4. When you see the ‘Login’ page, just enter your Gabriel credentials to enter the system.
5. When you reach the ‘Link Your Accounts’ page, please ensure you fully read the information on this screen. If you are already a Connect user, you will be using your Connect login details for the new system. If you are a Connect user but have forgotten your password, you must reset it before proceeding any further.
6. If you are an existing Connect user, click ‘Register’ and the process will guide you through setting up a Connect account. If you have an existing Connect account, you will use your existing details for the new data collection platform. This process will link the two accounts. Just click ‘Log In’ to proceed.
7. Enter your Connect username and password to move on to the stage.
8. You may be required to enter three digits from your six-digit passcode. If requested, complete and click next. Don’t worry if you are not asked for this information, it won’t be requested for every registration.
9. If you do not already have a passcode, you may be required to set one up. If so, as highlighted, please ensure this this is retained and it is recommended that it is something memorable.
10. You will be shown confirmation of registration once it is successfully complete, and then you will be automatically returned to the Gabriel system. If you are not redirected to Gabriel after five seconds, just click OK.

Alexander McGregor is compliance policy manager at The SimplyBiz Group