Operating Since 2019 • Hundreds of Firms Authorised

FCA Authorisation Consultants

Obtaining FCA authorisation is essential for firms conducting activities related to investments, payments, mortgages, consumer credit, or claims management. We provide expert guidance to help you meet FCA threshold conditions and achieve authorisation efficiently.

Get Started Call: 0330 133 0811

See How We Help Firms Get Authorised

Watch our quick overview of the MEMA authorisation process

Why Choose MEMA Consultants

Our team includes ex-regulators, Big 4 consultants, and fintech/regtech specialists, offering bespoke, individually tailored compliance solutions

Since 2019

Years of proven experience

500+ Firms

Successfully helped

Ex-Regulators

Deep regulatory knowledge

Bespoke Solutions

Tailored to your needs

Our FCA Authorisation Services

Comprehensive support through every stage of your FCA application

Expert Guidance for FCA Application

Thorough fact-finding sessions to understand your business model and services
Tailored compliance and risk management advice
Application guidance meeting FCA standards

Comprehensive Documentation Support

Regulatory Business Plan preparation
Compliance Monitoring Plan development
Compliance manual for post-authorisation implementation

Efficient Application Submission

Online application completion assistance
Form submission support
Dedicated Regulatory Adviser to craft comprehensive responses to FCA queries

Exclusions & Exemptions Advice

Assessment of qualification for exemptions
Guidance for professional firms
Appointed Representative arrangements with Principal firms

Who Needs FCA Authorisation?

Firms conducting regulated activities in these sectors

FCA authorisation for investment advisers, discretionary fund managers, and portfolio managers.

Regulated Activities

Advising on investments
Managing investments
Dealing in investments
Arranging deals

150+ firms helped

Learn more about Investments

FCA authorisation for payment institutions, e-money issuers, and account information service providers.

Regulated Activities

Money remittance
Payment initiation
Account information
E-money issuance

80+ firms helped

Learn more about Payments

FCA authorisation for mortgage advisers, brokers, and firms entering into regulated mortgage contracts.

Regulated Activities

Advising on mortgages
Arranging mortgages
Entering into mortgage contracts

60+ firms helped

Learn more about Mortgages

FCA authorisation for consumer credit lenders, brokers, debt advisers, and peer-to-peer platforms.

Regulated Activities

Lending
Credit broking
Debt advice
Debt collection
P2P lending

120+ firms helped

Learn more about Consumer Credit

FCA authorisation for claims management companies handling financial services, personal injury, and other regulated claims.

Regulated Activities

Claims management services
Seeking out claims
Referring claims

30+ firms helped

Learn more about Claims Management

FCA authorisation for corporate finance advisers, M&A intermediaries, and firms arranging transactions in securities.

Regulated Activities

Advising on investments (corporate finance)
Arranging deals in investments
Making arrangements with a view to transactions

40+ firms helped

Learn more about Corporate Finance

Success Stories

Real results from firms we've helped get authorised

Payments Licensing Success

Through expert guidance and project management, MEMA Consultants enabled an international payments company to achieve FCA authorisation and successfully launch in the UK within 9 months. Our tailored advisory services at every stage provided the support needed to obtain licensing in an efficient manner.

Read case study →

FCA Authorisation Success

MEMA Consultants helped a wealth management firm exhibit regulatory expertise during the FCA application process through comprehensive preparation and training. Our in-depth support was key to the client securing authorisation and commencing UK operations smoothly.

Read case study →

Consumer Credit Support

Consumer credit firm looking to achieve FCA authorisation

Read case study →

Sectors We Support

This service is available for firms across these regulated sectors

Wealth Management Fund Management Corporate Finance Consumer Credit Pensions Benchmarks Payment Services Insurance Brokers Mortgage Advisers Credit Brokers Claims Management

Explore Our FCA Authorisation Resources

In-depth analysis and practical guidance from our regulatory experts

Costs

FCA Authorisation Costs 2026: The Complete Breakdown

Discover the true cost of becoming FCA authorised — from application fees to hidden infrastructure costs most firms overlook.

FCA Authorisation Timeline 2026: What to Realistically Expect

Understand each phase of the authorisation process and where firms typically lose weeks — or months.

How to Get FCA Authorised: The Definitive Process

A step-by-step walkthrough of the entire FCA authorisation journey, from scoping permissions to post-authorisation obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the FCA authorisation process

How long does FCA authorisation take?

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.

How much does FCA authorisation cost?

FCA application fees range from £1,500 to £25,000 depending on the category of permission sought. On top of application fees, firms should budget for professional advisory support, regulatory business plan preparation, compliance infrastructure setup, and ongoing regulatory costs post-authorisation. MEMA provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees so you can plan your budget from day one.

What are the FCA Threshold Conditions?

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.

Can I trade before getting FCA authorisation?

No. Section 19 FSMA imposes a general prohibition making it a criminal offence to carry on regulated activities in the UK without authorisation or exemption. 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.

Ready to Get FCA Authorised?

Contact our expert team for guidance on your FCA authorisation application

📞 Phone: 0330 133 0811

📧 Email: contact@memaconsultants.com

Suite 1810, Unit 3a, 34-35 Hatton Gardens, Holborn, EC1N 8DX