During the validity of a suspension notice confirmed by the Head of Financial Regulation, the Head may apply to the Court, on notice to the suspended person and any regulated financial service provider or holding company on which the notice was served, for an order extending the notice. The Court may extend the notice for a further period of up to six months if satisfied, having regard to the reasons for issue and confirmation stated by the Head, that sufficient grounds exist; the making of an order does not preclude further orders.

Subject to a specific exception, orders under this power shall not in total extend the suspension beyond 24 months from the end of the initial six‑month period referred to in section 29(4). Where a prohibition is imposed under section 43, or the suspension followed such a prohibition, the 24‑month limit does not apply but extensions may not continue beyond disposal of any section 45 application to confirm the prohibition. The Court must give particular regard to preventing potential serious damage to the financial system and to protecting users of financial services.