What can the Tribunal do regarding a freeze order?

• A. Lift the order if it is not necessary for customer protection or unfairly prejudices others.
• B. Extend the order for an additional year automatically.
• C. Replace it with a different type of order.
• D. Deny any further review.

Answer: (A)

A freeze order is a temporary, protective measure used to prevent actions that could harm customers or the integrity of the sector while concerns are reviewed. The Tribunal has the discretion to adjust such orders as circumstances change. The best choice reflects that flexibility: the Tribunal can lift the freeze order if it is no longer necessary for customer protection or if maintaining it would unfairly prejudice others. This aligns with keeping the regulation proportionate and avoiding unnecessary restrictions once the risk or need has diminished.

Extensions, replacements, or barring further review all require proper justification and process; they aren’t automatic. So, while the Tribunal could consider extending, substituting, or continuing review when warranted, it is most consistent with a protective and balanced approach to allow lifting when the ongoing need isn’t there or becomes unfair.