Authorisation
Variation of Permission: the scope decision before launch
The FCA tells authorised firms to review current permissions before a proposed change and not to start requested activities until approval.
5 min read16 Jul 2026
Topic hub
FCA authorisationfrom first question to approval
Costs, timelines, perimeter questions and application practice for firms seeking FCA authorisation or a variation of permission.
20 articlesBrowse all Authorisation insights
Featured article
Variation of Permission: the scope decision before launch
The FCA tells authorised firms to review current permissions before a proposed change and not to start requested activities until approval.
Read the full articleLatest in Authorisation
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AuthorisationFCA Authorisation Costs 2026: Current Fees
AuthorisationFCA Authorisation Timeline 2026: What to Realistically Expect
AuthorisationHow to Get FCA Authorised: The Definitive Process
Practical tools for Authorisation
- Authorisation Readiness ChecklistAn interactive 45-item checklist to track your preparation for an FCA application.
- Will the FCA Authorise Us?A quick readiness verdict for your activity, from payments and credit to investments and crypto.
- Perimeter AssessmentCheck whether your activities need authorisation and map them to permissions and sourcebooks.
- FCA Fee CalculatorEstimate FCA periodic fees, FOS levies and FSCS contributions from the official fee tables.
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All Authorisation insights
Showing 1–12 of 20 articles
- Authorisation
FCA Authorisation Costs 2026: Current Fees
FCA authorisation application fees range from £280 to £225,170 in 2026. See the current categories, common firm examples and realistic budget items.
8 min read4 Mar 2026 - Authorisation
FCA Authorisation Timeline 2026: What to Realistically Expect
The FCA publishes statutory timelines, but the real clock starts months before you submit. Understand each phase and where firms lose weeks in the authorisation process.
15 min read4 Mar 2026 - Authorisation
How to Get FCA Authorised: The Definitive Process
Hundreds of firms successfully get FCA authorised each year. The difference between a smooth process and a frustrating one comes down to preparation and understanding what the FCA wants to see.
21 min read4 Mar 2026 
AuthorisationFinancial Promotions Approval: What You Need to Know
A practical guide to financial promotions approval requirements, choosing an authorised approver, and ensuring your marketing is FCA compliant.
8 min read28 Aug 2025- Authorisation
FCA Announces Payment Services Authorisation Information Sessions
The FCA Payment Services Authorisation Information Session will take place on 9 May 2025 in Stratford, with a virtual session in June. This event is essential for payments and e-money firms seeking FCA authorisation, as well as advisory firms supporting the sector.
5 min read20 Feb 2025 
AuthorisationFCA Announces Significant Changes to Authorisation Process - January 2025 Update from MEMA Consultants
In a landmark announcement, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled substantial changes to its authorisation process, demonstrating a clear commitment to supporting growth in the UK financial services sector. As your trusted regulatory partner, MEMA Consultants brings you a detailed analysis of these important developments.
5 min read23 Jan 2025
AuthorisationImproving Oversight of Appointed Representatives in the Credit Broking Industry Introduction
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently assessed the key harms and drivers of harm caused by Appointed Representatives (ARs) and Introducer Appointed Representatives (IARs) in the credit broking sector. The regulator has identified areas for improvement in the due diligence checks conducted by principal firms when appointing ARs and in their ongoing monitoring of these representatives. This article will discuss the issues identified by the FCA and how firms can address these concerns to ensure better oversight of their ARs and IARs.
5 min read25 Apr 2024- Authorisation
What is the Appointed Representative Regime?
In this series of articles, MEMA will break down what is the Appointed Representative Regime and what steps your organsiation will need to take.
5 min read29 Dec 2022 - Authorisation
Are you aware of the FCA rules to protect consumers from rogue financial promotions
Did you know that the FCA has published a consultation paper and press release setting out how it proposes to operate a new authorisations gateway for firms wanting to continue approving financial promotions for unauthorised persons.
5 min read7 Dec 2022 - Authorisation
How to get FCA authorised (part 3)
As part of our How To series on 'How to get FCA authorised'. We are addressing all aspects of preparing for FCA authorisation. This will look to cover a range of key items your business should consider from the location of offices, and expected fees to resourcing.
5 min read18 Oct 2022 
AuthorisationHow to get FCA authorised (part 2)
As part of our How To series on 'How to get FCA authorised'. We are addressing all aspects of preparing for FCA authorisation. This will look to cover a range of key items your business should consider from the location of offices, and expected fees to resourcing.
5 min read12 Oct 2022
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