The operating system for introducer-led growth
RQ helps professional firms send, manage, and prove referrals — with built-in compliance, clear tracking, and real visibility across the firm.
What is a DPB (Designated Professional Body) licence?
Category: ICAEW & RQ
A Designated Professional Body (DPB) licence is issued by ICAEW to member firms that wish to conduct certain regulated investment business activities. **What it allows:** Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, accountancy firms regulated by ICAEW can obtain a DPB licence to provide limited investment services that are incidental to their main professional work. This includes: - Advising clients on investments as part of wider services - Arranging deals in investments - Making introductions to regulated firms **Compliance obligations:** Firms with DPB licences must comply with specific conduct rules, including: - Proper record-keeping of investment-related activities - Disclosure of any commercial arrangements - Due diligence on firms they introduce clients to - Training and competence requirements **How RQ helps:** RQ was designed with DPB compliance in mind, providing: - Audit trails for all referral activity - Consent and disclosure capture - Due diligence documentation - Complete records for regulatory review ICAEW members with DPB licences can use RQ to demonstrate they have proper processes in place for managing referrals and introductions to other regulated firms.