1504. (1) Without prejudice to the generality of sections 933, 934 and 934E and subject to subsection (9), this section applies where—

(a) a recognised accountancy body has completed an investigation of a statutory auditor or audit firm of a public-interest entity and—

(i) has found that the auditor or audit firm has committed a relevant contravention that relates (whether in whole or in part) to that entity, and

(ii) would, but for section 1499(2), be minded to impose a penalty on the auditor or audit firm for that contravention,

and

(b) the period within which an appeal (if any) referred to in Chapter 8 may be made against the decision referred to in paragraph (a) has expired without any such appeal having been made or, if such an appeal has been made, that decision has been confirmed or the appeal has been withdrawn.

(2) The recognised accountancy body shall, as soon as is practicable after this section applies to a statutory auditor or audit firm of a public-interest entity and a relevant contravention committed by the auditor or audit firm, give the Supervisory Authority—

(a) particulars of the auditor or audit firm, the public-interest entity and the relevant contravention,

(b) copies of any reports arising out of the investigation, together with copies of any other documents relevant to the investigation, that explain how the recognised accountancy body conducted the investigation and reached the decision referred to in subsection (1)(a), and

(c) particulars of the penalty referred to in subsection (1)(a)(ii).

(3) Where the Supervisory Authority receives from the recognised accountancy body the particulars and copies referred to in subsection (2) but is not satisfied that it has sufficient information to perform its functions under subsections (5) to (8), it may, by notice in writing given to the recognised accountancy body, require the body to provide it with such further information specified in the notice within the period (being a period of not less than 30 days from the body’s receipt of the notice) specified in the notice.

(4) The recognised accountancy body shall comply with a notice under subsection (3) given to it.

(5) Subsection (6) applies where the Supervisory Authority receives from the recognised accountancy body the particulars and copies referred to in subsection (2) (and, if applicable, any further information required by a notice under subsection (3) given to that body) and, after considering those particulars and copies (and, if applicable, that further information), it is satisfied that the statutory auditor or audit firm has committed the relevant contravention and the Supervisory Authority is minded to impose a relevant sanction on the auditor or auditor firm for that contravention.

(6) Subject to section 1511(3) and (4), the Supervisory Authority may impose a relevant sanction on the statutory auditor or audit firm of the public-interest entity for the relevant contravention and, for that purpose, it shall have regard to (but is not bound by) the penalty referred to in subsection (1)(a)(ii).

(7) Where under subsection (6) the Supervisory Authority imposes a relevant sanction on the statutory auditor or audit firm of the public-interest entity for the relevant contravention, it shall, as soon as is practicable after so imposing such sanction, by notice in writing given to the recognised accountancy body, give particulars of the sanction imposed.

(8) Where the Supervisory Authority is not satisfied as referred to in subsection (5), it shall, as soon as practicable after reaching that decision, by notice in writing given to the recognised accountancy body, advise the body that it is not so satisfied and the reasons therefor.

(9) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), where a recognised accountancy body is minded to commence an investigation of a statutory auditor or audit firm in respect of a statutory audit of a public-interest entity, it shall, before commencing such investigation and in the interests of assisting the Supervisory Authority to make a decision as to whether or not, instead of the investigation, it would be more appropriate for the Supervisory Authority to take action under section 934 or 934E, give the Supervisory Authority particulars of the auditor or audit firm and the public-interest entity and the grounds on which it is so minded.

(b) The recognised accountancy body shall not commence an investigation referred to in paragraph (a) until it has the consent in writing of the Supervisory Authority to do so.]