FCA Authorisation Consultants UK

Typically 6-12 months from application to approval, depending on the complexity of your business model and the permissions sought. Straightforward applications for limited permissions can sometimes be determined within 6 months, while complex applications involving multiple regulated activities may take closer to 12 months. MEMA's structured approach helps avoid common delays caused by incomplete submissions or inadequate responses to FCA queries.

FCA application fees are set by ten pricing categories and range from £280 to £225,170, though most firms pay between £560 and £5,640 — a limited-permission consumer credit firm pays £560, a typical adviser or broker £2,820, and a payments institution £2,820 to £5,640. On top of the application fee, firms should budget for professional advisory support, regulatory business plan preparation, compliance infrastructure setup, and ongoing regulatory costs post-authorisation. A realistic first-year total runs from around £8,000 to £45,000 depending on permissions. MEMA provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees so you can plan your budget from day one.

Schedule 6 FSMA sets out five Threshold Conditions that every applicant must satisfy: effective supervision (the FCA can adequately supervise your firm), appropriate resources (sufficient financial and non-financial resources), suitability (competence and integrity of key personnel), business model (a viable and sustainable business model), and location of offices (head office and mind and management in the UK). MEMA helps you demonstrate compliance with each condition through robust documentation and evidence.

No. Section 19 FSMA imposes a general prohibition on carrying on regulated activities in the UK without authorisation or exemption, and section 23 makes contravening it a criminal offence. Trading without authorisation can result in up to two years' imprisonment, unlimited fines, and agreements made in breach being unenforceable. If you need to operate urgently, MEMA can advise on interim arrangements such as Appointed Representative status while your full application is processed.

Yes. We support Electronic Money Institution (EMI) applications under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Authorised and Small Payment Institution (API/SPI) applications under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, and open-banking registrations (AISP/PISP). Safeguarding of customer funds and initial capital are the FCA's biggest focus areas for these firms, so our ex-FCA consultants prepare your safeguarding arrangements, wind-down plan, financial projections and regulated business plan to meet that bar first time.