UK Financial Regulation
Made Simple
End-to-end FCA authorisation support from application to approval. Get authorised faster with our proven process and free regulatory technology tools.
Where are you on your regulatory journey?
Pick your situation and we'll point you to the right support.
Get Authorised
Launching a regulated firm or adding permissions? Scope what you need and build an application that gets approved.
Explore Get AuthorisedStay Compliant
Already authorised? Keep your obligations evidenced and your controls audit-ready, without a large in-house team.
Explore Stay CompliantRespond to the FCA
Facing a query, VREQ or supervisory intervention? Respond confidently with evidence-led remediation.
Explore Respond to the FCAPrefer to browse by your role? See who we help →
Firms Authorised
FCA-regulated firms trust our expertise
Submission-Ready
Typical MEMA prep from kickoff to FCA submission. The FCA's own determination then takes 6–12 months.
Ongoing Compliance Managed
Continuous monitoring and regulatory oversight
Not sure which support you need?
Answer five short questions and get a tailored recommendation in about two minutes.
Free Compliance Tools
Professional regulatory tools used by UK financial services firms. Free to use, no registration required.
Regulatory Perimeter Assessment
Discover your FCA regulatory requirements instantly with interactive assessment mapping.
- PERG/RAO mapping
- Sourcebook explainers
- Artefact templates
FCA Fee Calculator
Calculate your annual FCA regulatory fees instantly with our wizard-style calculator.
- Instant calculations
- Pre-defined firm types
- Accurate estimates
SM&CR Navigator
Build your SM&CR framework step-by-step with our comprehensive navigator tool.
- Six-step wizard
- SMF library
- F&P tracking
Consumer Duty Outcomes Checker
Rapid structured assessment against the four Consumer Duty outcomes.
- Four outcomes assessment
- Board report export
- Evidence tracking
Financial Promotions Quick Guidance
Media-neutral pre-clearance aid for financial promotions compliance.
- All channels covered
- Product-specific rules
- Prominence guidance
Vulnerability Support Checker
Proportionate adjustments for customers in vulnerable circumstances.
- Journey-specific prompts
- FCA's 4 drivers
- MI requirements
Complaints Checker (DISP)
Stay on track with DISP timelines, mandatory letter content, and root-cause analysis.
- Timeline calculator
- Letter templates
- Root cause tags
Financial Crime Assessment
Self-assess your AML/CTF controls against Dear CEO letter themes.
- Dear CEO aligned
- RAG scoring
- Expert recommendations
RegActions Enforcement Database
Search and analyse FCA enforcement actions and penalties, plus regulators worldwide.
- 10+ years of data
- Advanced filters
- Trend analysis
FOS Complaints Database
Financial Ombudsman Service complaints data by firm and sector.
- FOS case data
- Firm comparisons
- Sector analysis
Regulatory Perimeter Assessment
Discover your FCA regulatory requirements instantly with interactive assessment mapping.
- PERG/RAO mapping
- Sourcebook explainers
- Artefact templates
FCA Fee Calculator
Calculate your annual FCA regulatory fees instantly with our wizard-style calculator.
- Instant calculations
- Pre-defined firm types
- Accurate estimates
SM&CR Navigator
Build your SM&CR framework step-by-step with our comprehensive navigator tool.
- Six-step wizard
- SMF library
- F&P tracking
Consumer Duty Outcomes Checker
Rapid structured assessment against the four Consumer Duty outcomes.
- Four outcomes assessment
- Board report export
- Evidence tracking
Financial Promotions Quick Guidance
Media-neutral pre-clearance aid for financial promotions compliance.
- All channels covered
- Product-specific rules
- Prominence guidance
Vulnerability Support Checker
Proportionate adjustments for customers in vulnerable circumstances.
- Journey-specific prompts
- FCA's 4 drivers
- MI requirements
Complaints Checker (DISP)
Stay on track with DISP timelines, mandatory letter content, and root-cause analysis.
- Timeline calculator
- Letter templates
- Root cause tags
Financial Crime Assessment
Self-assess your AML/CTF controls against Dear CEO letter themes.
- Dear CEO aligned
- RAG scoring
- Expert recommendations
RegActions Enforcement Database
Search and analyse FCA enforcement actions and penalties, plus regulators worldwide.
- 10+ years of data
- Advanced filters
- Trend analysis
FOS Complaints Database
Financial Ombudsman Service complaints data by firm and sector.
- FOS case data
- Firm comparisons
- Sector analysis
Regulatory Perimeter Assessment
Discover your FCA regulatory requirements instantly with interactive assessment mapping.
- PERG/RAO mapping
- Sourcebook explainers
- Artefact templates
FCA Fee Calculator
Calculate your annual FCA regulatory fees instantly with our wizard-style calculator.
- Instant calculations
- Pre-defined firm types
- Accurate estimates
SM&CR Navigator
Build your SM&CR framework step-by-step with our comprehensive navigator tool.
- Six-step wizard
- SMF library
- F&P tracking
Consumer Duty Outcomes Checker
Rapid structured assessment against the four Consumer Duty outcomes.
- Four outcomes assessment
- Board report export
- Evidence tracking
Financial Promotions Quick Guidance
Media-neutral pre-clearance aid for financial promotions compliance.
- All channels covered
- Product-specific rules
- Prominence guidance
Vulnerability Support Checker
Proportionate adjustments for customers in vulnerable circumstances.
- Journey-specific prompts
- FCA's 4 drivers
- MI requirements
Complaints Checker (DISP)
Stay on track with DISP timelines, mandatory letter content, and root-cause analysis.
- Timeline calculator
- Letter templates
- Root cause tags
Financial Crime Assessment
Self-assess your AML/CTF controls against Dear CEO letter themes.
- Dear CEO aligned
- RAG scoring
- Expert recommendations
RegActions Enforcement Database
Search and analyse FCA enforcement actions and penalties, plus regulators worldwide.
- 10+ years of data
- Advanced filters
- Trend analysis
FOS Complaints Database
Financial Ombudsman Service complaints data by firm and sector.
- FOS case data
- Firm comparisons
- Sector analysis
Hover over any tool to pause • Use arrows to navigate
Expert Regulatory Support
End-to-end compliance services for UK financial services firms.
FCA Authorisation
Be ready to submit to the FCA in ~6 weeks.
Learn moreCompliance Outsourcing
Your external compliance team.
Learn moreSMCR Implementation
Senior Managers Regime expertise.
Learn moreConsumer Duty
Meet FCA's new standards.
Learn moreFinancial Crime
AML, CTF and sanctions controls for regulated firms.
Learn moreSelected client work
Examples of how we’ve helped firms get authorised, stay compliant, and respond to the FCA.
Our winning partners
FCA Authorisation, Explained in 2 Minutes
What the application actually involves, what the FCA is looking for, and where most firms lose time.
Supporting firms across 11 FCA sectors, from payments to pensions.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by 100+ UK financial services firms for FCA authorisation and compliance.
During our payment services authorisation, we faced unexpected challenges with our case handler. MEMA advocated for us professionally, secured a case handler change, and supported us through personnel transitions. They even prepared our COO for the FCA interview. Authorised in 9 months despite the complexity - they went above and beyond.
Our compliance resource suddenly left, leaving us exposed to regulatory risk. MEMA stepped in immediately, conducted a full compliance review, and stabilised our operations over 6 months while we recruited. They prevented potential FCA scrutiny and got us back to a strong compliance footing.
We had compliance position issues flagged by the FCA during our investment authorisation. MEMA navigated the regulatory concerns with us, provided detailed supplementary evidence, and worked directly with the FCA to satisfy all queries. Their ex-regulator perspective was invaluable - we're now successfully authorised.
Regulatory Updates
Rapid intelligence on FCA policy statements, Dear CEO letters, and enforcement priorities, curated by the MEMA regulatory team.
Three arrests in major FCA operation against criminal insider dealing ring
**What changed** – The FCA, together with the National Crime Agency, carried out a coordinated enforcement operation on 13 Oct 2024, arresting three individuals suspected of running an organised insider‑dealing and money‑laundering ring. The raid involved >100 staff, searches of five residences in London and Manchester, and the seizure of more than 30 phones, laptops and tablets. **Who is affected** – The three arrested suspects (currently being interviewed by the FCA) and any firms or individuals linked to the alleged insider‑dealing activities. Market participants should be aware that the FCA is intensifying scrutiny of insider‑dealing and related market abuse. **Actions to consider (process steps only)** 1. Review internal controls for insider‑dealing detection (e.g., trade monitoring, employee disclosures). 2. Ensure robust AML/KYC procedures are applied to all counterparties. 3. Conduct a quick audit of communications devices and data storage to confirm no unauthorised information sharing. 4. Update whistle‑blowing and reporting mechanisms; remind staff of the FCA confidential tip line (0800 111 6768) and online reporting form. 5. Document any remedial steps taken and retain records for potential FCA enquiries. **Deadline** – Immediate implementation; retain evidence and records for at least 5 years in line with FCA record‑keeping rules. **Source** – FCA RSS feed, “Three arrests in major FCA operation against criminal insider dealing ring.” **Document type** – RSS.
Two plead guilty after clients lose £2m in fraud case
**What changed** – Two senior staff at FCA‑authorised firms (Kerry Nelson, director of Nexus Independent Financial Advisers Ltd and Nexus Investment Managers Ltd, and Jacqueline Stephens, business‑operations manager) pleaded guilty to fraud, money‑laundering and related offences covering client losses of about £2 million. The FCA will now pursue confiscation proceedings to strip any proceeds from the misconduct. **Who’s affected** – The four former clients who suffered the loss; the two individuals (Nelson and Stephens); the now‑administered firms Nexus IFA and Nexus IM; and any other advisers or firms that may have employed or contracted with the guilty parties. **Actions to consider (process steps only)** 1. Review client records to confirm whether any of your customers were impacted by the Nexus fraud. 2. If affected, notify affected clients and cooperate with any FCA‑led restitution or confiscation processes. 3. Update internal AML and fraud‑prevention controls to ensure staff cannot misuse client information or create false documents. 4. Conduct a compliance audit of any third‑party service providers to verify they are not linked to the individuals involved. 5. Document all remedial steps and retain evidence for potential FCA inspection. **Key dates** – Sentencing is set for **10 December 2026**; confiscation proceedings will commence shortly thereafter. **Source** – FCA RSS feed, “Two plead guilty after clients lose £2m in fraud case” – **Document type: RSS**.
Motor finance legal challenge to be heard in February 2027
**What changed** – The Upper Tribunal has set a hearing window for the legal challenge to the FCA’s motor‑finance compensation scheme: 16 – 26 February 2027. The challenge is being brought by three lenders (Volkswagen Financial Services, Mercedes‑Benz Financial Services, Crédit Agricole Auto Finance) together with Consumer Voice (via Courmacs Legal). The scheme remains partially suspended, but its rules are still in force. **Who’s affected** – All UK motor‑finance firms that fall under the FCA’s compensation scheme, including the three challenger lenders and any other lenders with outstanding motor‑finance complaints. **Actions to consider (process steps only)** 1. Continue to apply the current scheme rules, including sending letters to consumers who are *not* owed compensation. 2. Maintain progress on existing complaints as far as possible while the scheme is suspended. 3. Develop a contingency plan for a scenario where the scheme (or parts of it) is overturned: - Map out the standard complaint‑handling workflow and statutory time‑frames. - Identify required financial provisions and discuss them with auditors. - Ensure operational capacity to resolve complaints outside the scheme. 4. Document the plan and keep it ready for internal review. 5. Contact the FCA for any clarification and monitor the FCA website for updates. **Deadline** – Prepare the contingency plan and financial provisions well before the hearing window (i.e., before February 2027). **Source** – FCA RSS feed, “Motor finance legal challenge to be heard in February 2027”.
FCA Explainers
Plain-English guides to FCA Handbook requirements, compliance frameworks, and regulatory decisions.
DISP Complaints Handling
What the FCA expects from your complaints process, timelines, and root cause analysis.
Read guideHandbookConsumer Duty Outcomes
The four outcomes your firm must deliver under PRIN 2A and how to evidence them.
Read guideGovernanceSM&CR Responsibilities Map
Building an effective responsibilities map with prescribed responsibilities and gap analysis.
Read guideImplementationFinancial Crime Controls
Implementing an effective AML/CTF framework covering BWRA, CDD, monitoring, and SARs.
Read guideCompareDIY vs Consultant: FCA Authorisation
Side-by-side comparison of self-managing vs using a specialist for FCA applications.
Read guideDecisionSection 166 Readiness
How to prepare for and respond to an FCA skilled person review.
Read guideReady to Get Started?
Book a free consultation to discuss your FCA authorisation or compliance needs.
Book a Free Scoping Call