FCA AUTHORISATION

Get Authorised With Confidence

Ongoing partnerships with our clients are where we provide our most valuable support at Adempi London UK

To get FCA authorised is a significant milestone but the process is complex, and missteps can delay your plans.

Adempi's team has helped hundreds of firms to secure their FCA licence. We provide expert support you identify and secure the FCA permissions you need.

Whether you’re starting up, spinning out or taking the next step, we’ll guide you through the FCA approval process so you know what's required, why and how to put your best foot forward.

GET FCA
APPROVED

Adempi undertake one-off projects for clients who need expertise at a particular point in time

WHAT
WE
HELP
WITH

We support firms across the full authorisation lifecycle—from preparing and submitting initial applications to hamdling FCA questions and interviews, and taking those final steps to confirm readiness.

For appointed representatives wanting to become directly authorised we also help firms transition out of the regulatory hosting models they are using.

Clients usually continuo using us once they obtain FCA approval, using one of our ongoing supprt services.

Authorisations are just one of Specifically, we can support financial services firms with the following FCA applications:

FCA authorisations
Variation of permissions
Change in control processes
Appointed representative arrangements
Regulatory hosting transitions

Common Pain Points We Solve:

Unclear application strategy
Incomplete or misaligned documentation
Delays due to lack of regulatory engagement
Confusion about which permissions are required

LATEST AUTHORISATIONS NEWS

Stay up to date our Authorisations & Regulatory blogs

Why 1 in 3 FCA Payment Firm Applications Fail – Lessons Learned (2025 update).

The payment services sector continues to grow, supported by the government’s broader economic growth and innovation strategy. Ministers have been clear: payments, fintech and digital finance are central to the UK’s competitiveness — and reducing unnecessary regulatory burden is a strategic priority.

Consumer Debt | Regulatory Updates | Best Practice | FCA Compliance

Addressing Consumer Debt Challenges: Regulatory Expectations and Best Practices

Rising living costs are placing unprecedented pressure on UK households. From soaring grocery bills to climbing energy prices, consumers are feeling the squeeze—and for many, this means struggling to keep up with existing credit commitments.

Person running up the stairs wearing trainers

FCA sets faster authorisation targets

The FCA plans to speed up the authorisation process for firms and individuals to help support UK growth whilst maintaining robust checks.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need FCA authorisation? Whether you need FCA authorisation depends on the activities your business intends to carry out. Many financial services activities require FCA permission before you can begin trading, but identifying the correct permissions isn't always straightforward. We can help you determine whether your business falls within the FCA's regulatory perimeter, identify the permissions you require and guide you through the authorisation process from start to finish.

How do I know which FCA permissions I need? Choosing the correct FCA permissions is one of the most important parts of the authorisation process. Applying for the wrong permissions can delay your application or result in unnecessary regulatory obligations. We help firms assess their business model, understand the regulated activities they intend to carry out and identify the permissions that best reflect their services—helping to ensure the application is accurate from the outset.

How do I apply for FCA authorisation? The first step is understanding your business model and identifying the regulated activities you intend to undertake. From there, you'll need to prepare a detailed FCA application, including your regulatory business plan, governance arrangements, financial forecasts and compliance documentation. A well-prepared application can significantly reduce delays and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome. We support firms throughout the entire application process, helping to ensure everything is submitted accurately and completely.

What documents do I need for an FCA authorisation application? Every application is different, but the FCA will typically expect to see documents such as: A regulatory business plan Financial forecasts Governance and organisational structure Compliance monitoring arrangements Anti-money laundering policies (where applicable) Complaints procedures Risk management framework Details of senior management and key individuals We'll advise you on the documentation required for your specific application and help ensure it meets the FCA's expectations.

How long does FCA authorisation take? The timeframe depends on the type of firm applying and the complexity of the application. In many cases, the process takes several months, particularly where the FCA requests further information during its review. Applications that are well prepared, supported by clear documentation and submitted with the correct permissions identified from the outset are generally more straightforward for the regulator to assess.

What are the most common reasons FCA applications are delayed? The most common cause of delays is incomplete or unclear information. Applications may take longer where the FCA requires additional clarification on areas such as the business model, governance arrangements, financial forecasts or compliance framework. Taking the time to prepare a robust application before submission can help minimise delays and reduce the number of follow-up questions from the FCA.

Can you help if my FCA application has been rejected or delayed? Yes. If your application has been delayed or the FCA has raised concerns during its review, we can help assess the issues and work with you to address them. Whether additional information is required or parts of the application need strengthening, we can provide practical support to help move the process forward.

Can you help after we become FCA authorised? Yes. Many firms continue to work with us after authorisation to ensure their compliance framework is properly embedded. Our ongoing support can include implementing policies and procedures, compliance monitoring, regulatory reporting, governance reviews and providing advice as your business grows or regulatory requirements evolve.

Can I change my FCA permissions later? Yes. If your business develops or you begin offering additional regulated activities, you may need to apply for a Variation of Permission (VoP). We can help assess whether your existing permissions remain appropriate and manage the application process to ensure your regulatory permissions continue to reflect your business activities.

What types of firms do you help become FCA authorised? We support a wide range of firms seeking FCA authorisation, including investment firms, consumer credit businesses, payment services firms, asset managers and other regulated financial services businesses. Whether you're applying for authorisation for the first time or expanding an existing regulated business, we can provide practical support throughout the process.

How much does FCA authorisation cost? The cost of FCA authorisation varies depending on the type of firm, the permissions required and the complexity of the application. In addition to the FCA's application fee, businesses should also consider the time and resources needed to prepare a comprehensive application. Professional support can help reduce delays, minimise requests for additional information and improve the quality of the submission. We're happy to discuss your business and provide an indication of the level of support that may be required.