What type of firms are categorized under INPRU-INV regulations?

Firms categorized under INPRU-INV regulations are primarily those that manage investments for others and engage in dealing with investments. These regulations are specifically designed for investment firms, ensuring that they adhere to essential prudential standards and operational requirements to maintain financial stability and protect clients' interests.

The focus of INPRU-INV is to regulate firms that are involved in activities such as investment management, dealing in securities, and providing related investment services. This is significant because these types of firms face unique risks associated with managing client investments and must therefore comply with stringent capital adequacy and reporting requirements.

In contrast, firms that solely provide advisory services do not typically manage investments directly on behalf of clients and may be subject to different regulatory frameworks. Retail banking institutions focus on deposit-taking and lending, diverging from the mandates of investment management regulations. Similarly, insurance companies, while operating within the financial services sector, are governed by different regulations appropriate to their specific operations and risks, making them distinct from those firms categorized under INPRU-INV.