FCA Authorisation & Application Support

We provide specialist FCA authorisation support to help firms successfully gain regulatory approval. 

Applying for FCA authorisation is a detailed and complex process requiring firms to demonstrate compliance with the Threshold Conditions, SYSC requirements, capital adequacy standards and, where applicable, the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR). 

The FCA expects clear evidence that your business is properly structured, governed and operationally ready from day one.

Applying for FCA Authorisation

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Our FCA application support service is designed to guide you through the entire process. We work closely with you to prepare a strong, well-structured application that meets FCA expectations, helping reduce the risk of delays or rejection.

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Whether you are launching a new regulated firm or expanding into FCA-regulated activities, we provide practical, hands-on support at every stage.

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Complete FCA Application Support from Start to Finish

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We manage and support the full FCA authorisation process. Helping ensure your application is clear, accurate and aligned with regulatory requirements.

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Our FCA authorisation support includes:

• Assessing whether your business requires FCA authorisation.

• Identifying the correct permissions based on your activities.

• Preparing and completing your FCA application.

• Drafting regulatory business plans and supporting documents.

• Ensuring your application is properly structured and evidenced.

• Managing submission and responding to FCA queries where needed.

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We focus on delivering applications that are complete, compliant and ready for FCA review.

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Helping Your Firm Meet FCA Requirements

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A key part of the authorisation process is demonstrating that your firm meets the FCA’s Threshold Conditions. We work with you to ensure your business is properly prepared.

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We help you demonstrate:

• A clear and sustainable business model.

• Appropriate governance arrangements.

• Effective compliance systems and internal controls.

• Adequate financial and operational resources.

• Suitable directors, controllers, and senior management.

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Our role is to help present your firm in a way that clearly meets FCA standards.

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Support for Senior Manager and Individual Applications

We also support individuals who require FCA approval as part of the authorisation process.

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This includes:

• Senior Manager Function applications under SM&CR.

• Approved Person applications where required.

• Preparation for FCA regulatory interviews.

• Drafting and reviewing supporting documentation, such as Statement of Responsibilities and mapping prescribed responsibilities and governance structures.

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This ensures both your firm and its key individuals are fully prepared.

FCA Regulatory Sandbox Applications

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The FCA Regulatory Sandbox allows firms to test innovative products, services, or business models in the UK market with real consumers, within a controlled regulatory environment.

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The Sandbox is open to:

• Authorised firms

• Unauthorised firms that will require FCA authorisation or registration

• Technology firms partnering with, or providing services to, UK regulated firms

Where a proposed test involves regulated activities, firms must be authorised or registered with the FCA before testing can begin.

We help firms to:

• Assess whether the Regulatory Sandbox is appropriate for your proposition and regulatory objectives

• Confirm eligibility under the FCA’s Sandbox criteria

• Structure and prepare Sandbox applications, ensuring submissions are clear, focused, and well-evidenced

• Engage with the FCA during the application process, responding to queries and feedback where required

Before applying, we guide you through the FCA’s eligibility criteria, including:

• In scope – the proposal relates to UK regulated activities

• Genuine innovation – the proposition is new or significantly different

• Consumer benefit – clear potential benefits for consumers or the market

• Readiness – the solution is sufficiently developed to be tested

• Need for regulatory support – Sandbox participation is necessary to test the proposition

Our experience helps firms present their innovation in a way that aligns with both regulatory objectives and commercial realities, improving the prospects of a successful application.

You can find more details on the eligibility criteria on the FCA website.

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Direct FCA Support Service

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We provide practical, hands-on support throughout your FCA application. We work closely with you to prepare documentation, review your governance arrangements and ensure your application is accurate and ready for submission. Our approach is focused on helping you meet FCA expectations clearly and confidently.

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By supporting you at each stage, we help reduce the risk of delays, additional FCA queries, or application rejection. We work alongside you throughout the process to ensure your documentation is clear, structured and aligned with FCA expectations.

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Our goal is to make the FCA authorisation process as smooth and efficient as possible.

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Support for Established Firms and Startups

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We support a wide range of firms applying for FCA authorisation, including:

• Consumer & wholesale investment firms (i.e. advisory, asset managers, hedge funds)

• Insurance firms, including insurance brokers and managing general agents (MGAs)

• Payments and e-money firms

• Consumer credit firms

• Cryptoasset firms requiring FCA authorisation

• Fintech firms and startups​

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Our support is tailored to your specific business model and regulatory requirements.

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Variations of Permissions

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Once FCA authorised and where there is a change to your business model or regulated activities, a Variation of Permission (VoP) may be required. This commonly applies where firms are adding or removing regulated activities, expanding into new products or services, or changing the type of clients they serve.

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A VoP may be required in situations such as:

• Adding a new regulated product or service

• Expanding to serve a new client or customer type (for example, retail, professional, or institutional clients)

• Starting a new regulated activity

• Ceasing an existing regulated activity

• Making material changes to your business model or operating structure

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We help you:

• Assess whether a VoP is required, or whether alternative regulatory routes may be more appropriate

• To determine the most efficient course of action, including scope and timing

• Prepare and submit FCA VoP applications, ensuring all supporting documentation is complete, accurate and proportionate

• Update regulatory documentation, including business plans, governance arrangements, and systems and controls

• Engage with the FCA throughout the process, responding to queries and helping to minimise delays or follow-up requests