As part of the existing SIF (supervising persons performing significant influence functions) approval regime, the FSA has said in a letter to the CEOs of 5,000 regulated firms that it will undertake close vetting of appointments and will expect to interview candidates applying for SIF roles.  Therefore, firms are being encouraged to engage with the FSA early in the recruitment process and for major firms, this should be at the point of drawing up a shortlist rather than waiting until the preferred candidate stage.