CASS 5 Audit Companies in Leeds: A Practical Guide

For firms operating under the FCA’s client money rules, choosing the right CASS 5 audit provider is about more than meeting a regulatory requirement. A well-executed audit can help strengthen controls, improve governance and provide confidence that client money arrangements remain aligned with regulatory expectations.

Leeds has developed into one of the UK’s leading financial and professional services hubs, with a range of audit and advisory firms supporting regulated businesses across insurance, wealth management and broader financial services sectors. Some providers focus specifically on FCA-regulated firms, while others deliver CASS-related work as part of wider audit, risk and compliance services.

This guide highlights a selection of companies offering CASS 5 audit and assurance services in Leeds. Rather than ranking providers, the aim is to provide practical context on the firms operating in this area, their areas of expertise and the types of organisations they typically support.

Acumon

Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors providing CASS 5 audit services to firms and organisations across Leeds and the wider UK market.

The firm works with regulated businesses ranging from insurance intermediaries and brokers through to larger corporate groups operating within FCA-regulated environments. CASS 5 audit engagements are designed to provide assurance over client money arrangements, support regulatory compliance and strengthen governance frameworks.

Acumon provides CASS 5 audit support across a range of regulatory and reporting requirements, including client money assessments, control testing, compliance reviews and reporting obligations under the FCA Client Assets Sourcebook (CASS). Services are delivered using a structured methodology tailored to the scale, complexity and risk profile of each regulated entity.

Acumon holds a Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence, enabling the firm to support organisations subject to enhanced regulatory oversight in the United Kingdom. In addition to its UK statutory audit registration, the firm also maintains audit licences in the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Jersey and Isle of Man, supporting organisations operating across international structures and reporting environments.

Regulated firms managing client assets often operate within increasingly demanding compliance frameworks requiring robust controls, clear governance arrangements and effective oversight processes. Acumon works with compliance teams, directors and management to support regulatory reporting, control effectiveness and adherence to FCA requirements.

CASS 5 Audit Capabilities

Acumon delivers CASS 5 audit services across a variety of regulated sectors and operational environments.

These include:

• insurance intermediaries and brokers
• FCA-regulated firms handling client money
• organisations subject to CASS 5 requirements
• multi-entity and group structures
• businesses with cross-border operations
• regulated entities with complex control frameworks

Engagements are overseen by experienced professionals with active involvement throughout the audit and reporting cycle.

Regulatory Licences and Registrations

Acumon maintains regulatory registrations and audit authorisations supporting organisations operating across both UK and international markets.

These include:

• UK statutory audit registration
• Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
• Jersey audit licence
• Isle of Man audit licence
• Cayman Islands audit licence
• British Virgin Islands audit licence

These registrations support businesses operating across regulated sectors, international group structures and multi-jurisdictional environments.

Core Services

Alongside CASS 5 audit services, Acumon provides a broader range of services supporting governance, reporting and compliance oversight.

These include:

• statutory external audit
• CASS 5 audits and client money reviews
• regulatory compliance assessments
• group and subsidiary audits
• Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
• charity and not-for-profit audit
• internal audit and governance reviews
• risk management and compliance support

CASS 5 engagements are frequently undertaken alongside reviews of governance structures, regulatory reporting processes and internal control environments.

As regulated organisations expand operations, diversify activities or operate across multiple entities, compliance requirements and oversight obligations can become increasingly complex.

Acumon works with businesses that are:

• managing client money obligations
• preparing for FCA oversight
• operating within corporate group structures
• strengthening governance and control procedures
• expanding regulated activities

Early involvement can help organisations reinforce compliance frameworks, enhance control processes and maintain alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.

Contact Information:

• Website: acumon.com
• Email: mail@acumon.com
• Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
• Phone: 020 8567 3451

RSM UK

RSM UK supports financial services firms with client money and asset compliance under the FCA’s CASS framework, including CASS 5 requirements relevant to insurance intermediaries. Their work in this area covers the protection of client assets, helping firms understand regulatory obligations and maintain arrangements that align with FCA expectations. CASS compliance has remained a key area of regulatory focus for many years, particularly where firms hold or control money on behalf of clients.

Beyond annual audits, the firm is involved in reviewing controls, reporting processes and operational frameworks linked to client money management. Their financial services risk and regulation team carries out assurance reviews, forensic analysis and assessments of existing CASS arrangements. Attention is also given to internal reporting, resolution packs and the systems firms rely on to manage client assets in day-to-day operations.

Key Highlights:

• Experience supporting financial services firms with CASS compliance
• Focus on client money and asset protection requirements
• Financial services risk and regulation specialists
• Support with annual CASS audits and assurance reviews
• Review of governance and operational controls
• Assistance with CASS reporting and resolution packs

Services:

• CASS 5 compliance reviews
• Annual CASS audits
• Assurance assessments
• Forensic analysis
• Risk and regulatory advisory
• Control framework reviews
• Internal reporting assessments
• Resolution pack reviews

Contact Information:

• Website: www.rsmuk.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
• Address: 5th Floor, Central Square, 29 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 4DL
• Phone: +44 (0)113 285 5000

PKF Littlejohn

PKF Littlejohn is involved in CASS-related work for regulated firms, including insurance intermediaries operating under CASS 5 rules. Their published insights frequently address practical issues raised during audits, reflecting an ongoing focus on FCA expectations and changing interpretations of client money requirements. Areas such as payment service providers, client money transfers and legacy balances continue to shape the regulatory landscape for many firms.

The firm’s approach places emphasis on governance, documentation and the practical application of CASS rules in real-world situations. Recent discussions with the FCA highlighted the importance of clear records, appropriate oversight and well-defined client terms when managing client money arrangements. This perspective can be particularly relevant for firms in Leeds seeking support with CASS 5 audits and wider compliance obligations.

Key Highlights:

• Experience with insurance intermediaries and CASS 5 requirements
• Ongoing engagement with FCA developments
• Focus on governance and regulatory documentation
• Insight into client money transfers and trust arrangements
• Understanding of payment service provider considerations
• Presence in Leeds and other UK locations

Services:

• CASS 5 audit support
• Regulatory compliance advisory
• Client money reviews
• Governance assessments
• Assurance reporting
• Documentation reviews
• Control environment assessments
• FCA-related advisory

Contact Information:

• Website: www.pkf-l.com
• Email: info@pkf-l.com
• Twitter: x.com/PKF_Littlejohn
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/littlejohn
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pkf.littlejohn
• Address: 4^th Floor, 12 King Street, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS1 2HL
• Phone: 0113 244 5141

Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars works with regulated firms across the financial services sector on client assets and safeguarding requirements, including CASS rules that apply to investment and insurance businesses. Their CASS and safeguarding team supports organisations in maintaining governance frameworks and internal controls designed to meet FCA expectations. In practice, this area has become increasingly important as firms face closer scrutiny over how client money is protected and monitored.

A notable aspect of their approach is the connection between CASS compliance and technology. The firm highlights the role of systems, reconciliations and data in supporting accurate client records and regulatory reporting. Alongside annual assurance work, they assist firms in identifying control gaps and improving processes where weaknesses are found. This can be particularly relevant for businesses operating in complex regulatory environments or managing multiple platforms and service providers.

Key Highlights:

• Experience with CASS and safeguarding requirements
• Support for financial services firms across different sectors
• Focus on governance and internal controls
• Consideration of IT systems and reconciliations
• Assistance with risk identification and remediation
• Presence in Leeds and across the UK

Services:

• CASS assurance engagements
• Safeguarding reviews
• Risk and control assessments
• Governance reviews
• Regulatory compliance support
• IT assurance
• Gap analysis and remediation
• Audit and assurance services

Contact Information:

• Website: www.forvismazars.com
• Twitter: x.com/ForvisMazarsUK
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forvis-mazars-in-the-uk
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/forvismazarsuk
• Address: 5th Floor, 3 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP, United Kingdom
• Phone:  +44 (0) 113 394 2000

Saffery

Saffery provides audit and assurance services to firms operating in regulated financial services environments, including support related to CASS requirements. Their work covers client money systems, assurance reporting and internal controls, areas that are closely connected to CASS 5 compliance for insurance intermediaries. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, many firms seek external input to assess whether existing arrangements remain appropriate and well documented.

The firm’s financial services offering spans several areas beyond statutory audit, with a focus on practical guidance for businesses navigating regulatory obligations. Client money systems reviews and controls reporting form part of this broader support framework. For organisations in Leeds considering CASS 5 audit providers, these capabilities may be relevant where governance and assurance requirements extend beyond annual reporting.

Key Highlights:

• Experience supporting regulated financial services firms
• Involvement in client money systems reviews
• Internal controls and assurance capabilities
• Understanding of FCA-related requirements
• Coverage of CASS assurance engagements
• Access to international network connections

Services:

• CASS assurance
• Client money systems reviews
• Internal controls reporting
• Statutory audit
• FCA-related reviews
• Accounting and advisory services
• Transaction support
• Assurance engagements

Contact Information:

• Website: www.saffery.com
• Email: info@saffery.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
• Address: 10 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP
• Phone: +44 (0)113 887 5538

Deloitte

Deloitte advises financial institutions on the practical application of CASS rules, including support relevant to CASS 5 environments for insurance intermediaries. Their CASS Risk Advisory team works with firms at different stages of the compliance process, from reviewing control frameworks to helping organisations respond to regulatory developments. As FCA expectations continue to evolve, many firms look beyond the annual audit cycle and focus on strengthening oversight throughout the year.

CASS compliance often involves more than meeting technical requirements, particularly when businesses undergo operational change or face increased regulatory scrutiny. Deloitte’s work in this area covers governance, remediation and support during regulatory reviews. They also provide guidance on how firms can build control environments capable of supporting compliance while adapting to changing business models and risk profiles.

Key Highlights:

• Focus on CASS risk advisory and regulatory compliance
• Experience supporting financial institutions
• Assistance with governance and oversight arrangements
• Support during FCA reviews and regulatory visits
• Involvement in audit findings and remediation work
• Presence in Leeds and across the UK

Services:

• CASS 5 advisory support
• Control environment assessments
• Risk and control management
• Audit remediation
• Regulatory review support
• CASS oversight guidance
• Training and technical advice
• Compliance framework reviews

Contact Information:

• Website: www.deloitte.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/deloitteuk
• Twitter: x.com/deloitteuk
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte
• Address: 1 City Square, Leeds, LS1 2AL, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0)113 243 9021

Conclusion

Choosing a CASS 5 audit provider in Leeds is rarely a one-size-fits-all decision. Firms differ in their regulatory permissions, operating models and client money arrangements, which means the scope and complexity of CASS requirements can vary significantly from one organisation to another.

When assessing potential providers, businesses often look beyond the annual audit itself. Experience with FCA-regulated firms, an understanding of governance and control frameworks, and familiarity with client money processes can all play an important role. For some organisations, access to wider risk, technology or regulatory advisory capabilities may also be relevant as compliance expectations continue to evolve.

The firms featured in this guide represent a range of approaches to CASS 5 audits and related assurance services in Leeds. Rather than ranking providers, the aim is to offer practical context on the market and help organisations identify the type of expertise that best aligns with their regulatory obligations and operational needs.