(1) If the Bank considers it necessary to do so having regard to the Financial Stability Objective, the Bank may by direction to a qualifying company exclude the application to the qualifying company of any of the relevant Companies Act requirements.

(2) The relevant Companies Act requirements are the requirements to which the directors of the qualifying company would otherwise be subject under the Companies Act 2006 (except sections 412 and 413 (directors' benefits)) in relation to the preparation of accounts under section 394 of that Act.

(3) A direction under subsection (1) may relate to one or more specified accounting periods of the qualifying company, or to a specified accounting period and all subsequent accounting periods of the qualifying company.

(4) The Bank must consult the Treasury before giving a direction under subsection (1).