Certainly — here is the fully written “CMARs” (Client Money and Asset Returns) web page for your CMAC website. It is tailored for UK financial services professionals with CASS oversight responsibilities, and optimised for practical value, SEO, compliance, and engagement.

CMARs

CMARs: Your Monthly CASS Compliance Snapshot

The Client Money and Asset Return (CMAR) is a vital regulatory submission that enables the FCA to monitor firms' compliance with the CASS rules. Submitted monthly via RegData, the CMAR provides a structured snapshot of the volume and complexity of client money and custody asset holdings, as well as the firm’s CASS governance arrangements.

But CMARs are more than just numbers. They reflect the effectiveness of your systems and controls — and errors or inconsistencies can raise red flags with the FCA.

At CMAC, we help you go beyond compliance to get real value from your CMARs through better insight, accuracy, and assurance.

📘 What Is a CMAR?

The Client Money and Asset Return (CMAR) is a regulatory report that:

• Is required from firms subject to CASS 6 or CASS 7 (full scope)

• Must be submitted monthly via the FCA’s RegData system

• Summarises holdings, reconciliations, breaches, and governance structures

🔗 FCA Handbook SUP 16.14 – View Rules →

🕒 Submission Deadline: 15 business days after each month end

✅ Who Must Submit a CMAR?

You are required to submit a CMAR if:

• You are subject to the full scope of CASS 6 (client assets) or CASS 7 (client money)

• You hold or control client money or custody assets at any point during the reporting period

🚫 Firms under CASS 5, CASS 8 only, or those classified as CASS exempt are not required to submit a CMAR.

📄 [CMAR Applicability Flowchart →] (Download link)

📊 What Information Does CMAR Include?

• Value of client money held

• Value of custody assets held or controlled

• Number of breaches and reconciliation breaks

• Reconciliation method and frequency

• CASS oversight structure (e.g. CF10a role)

📘 [Download Sample CMAR Template (FCA Format) →] (Download link)

⚙️ Best Practice for CMAR Preparation

1. Build from the Source

• Align CMAR figures to internal CASS reconciliations and MI

• Use structured data pulls and automated checks where possible

🛠️ [CMAR Reconciliation Template →] (Download link)

2. Implement Four-Eye Review

• Establish dual control and validation processes

• Maintain working papers to evidence calculations and assumptions

📂 [CMAR Review Log Template →] (Download link)

3. Monitor Trends & Exceptions

• Compare current returns to prior periods

• Investigate unexpected changes in balances or breach volumes

📈 [CMAR Dashboard Toolkit →] (Internal resource or Excel download)

🚨 Common CMAR Pitfalls

• Misreporting or omitting values for non-material client money

• Failing to include client assets controlled via third parties or platforms

• Not documenting breach classifications properly

• Submitting under the wrong CASS classification (e.g. firm vs group)

📋 [Top 10 CMAR Errors – What the FCA Notices →] (Download link)

❓ CMAR FAQs – Real Questions from CASS Professionals

Q: Can I consolidate CMARs for multiple entities?
Q: How do I report £0 balances but active permissions?
Q: Should all breaches be reported, even if minor or fixed immediately?

💬 [See Full CMAR FAQ →] (Internal FAQ page)
📣 [Ask a Question or View Peer Responses →] (CMAC forum link)

🧷 Regulatory Resources & Reference

• 🔗 FCA SUP 16.14 – CMAR Reporting Rules →

• 🔗 FCA CMAR Form Template & Glossary →

• 🔗 FCA Guidance on Breach Reporting →

📚 [Explore CMAC’s CASS Reporting Toolkit →] (Internal resource hub)

🌐 Join the CMAC Community

How does your firm automate CMAR calculations? What trends do you track? Join CMAC to collaborate with others improving the quality and usefulness of their regulatory returns.

🔐 [Join the CMAC Community →]
💌 [Subscribe for CMAR Tips & Alerts →]