FCA Authorisation Readiness Checklist
Track your preparation across 45 key items. Mark each as complete, in progress, or blocked - your progress saves automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need for FCA authorisation?
A complete FCA application needs a suitable legal entity, fit and proper key individuals, adequate financial resources for your permissions, a credible regulatory business plan, compliance and financial crime frameworks, and evidence you meet the Threshold Conditions. This checklist tracks each requirement so nothing is missing at submission.
How long does FCA authorisation take?
Typically six to twelve months from submission to decision, depending on complexity and the quality of the application. The FCA has a statutory maximum of six months for a complete application and twelve months for an incomplete one. Well-evidenced applications that pre-empt the FCA's questions move faster.
Why This Tool Exists
FCA authorisation applications are rejected or significantly delayed when firms submit incomplete evidence. The FCA Gateway team has specific expectations for each threshold condition, and most firms don't discover what's missing until weeks into the assessment — extending timelines and increasing costs. This checklist ensures you have everything ready before you submit.
Who This Tool Is For
Firms preparing to apply for FCA authorisation
Building a complete application pack with all required evidence before submission
Compliance consultants
Managing client authorisation projects with a structured evidence tracker
AR firms seeking direct authorisation
Understanding the gap between AR oversight and full authorisation requirements
Firms adding new permissions
Preparing variation of permission applications with the right supporting evidence
How to Use This Tool
Select your permission type
Choose the regulated activities you're applying for to receive a tailored evidence checklist.
Work through the threshold conditions
Review requirements for each threshold condition: location of offices, effective supervision, appropriate resources, suitability, and business model.
Track your readiness
Mark each evidence item as complete, in progress, or not started to track your overall application readiness.
Common Mistakes This Tool Prevents
Submitting a business plan that describes the business but doesn't evidence viability
How this tool helps: Specifies exactly what financial projections and business model evidence the Gateway team expects
Not having compliance monitoring arrangements documented before application
How this tool helps: Lists all governance and compliance documentation required at application stage
Underestimating the capital adequacy requirements for the requested permissions
How this tool helps: Links permission types to capital requirements so firms can plan funding before applying
Not preparing SMF holders for the FCA interview process
How this tool helps: Provides interview preparation guidance including common questions and evidence expectations
Related Guidance
Need Authorisation Application Support?
We manage the entire FCA authorisation process end-to-end. From initial assessment through application drafting, submission, and FCA liaison — with a track record of successful outcomes.
About the FCA Authorisation Readiness Checklist
Applying for FCA authorisation is a significant undertaking that typically takes 6-12 months from initial preparation to final approval. This checklist helps you track your readiness across the seven key areas the FCA will assess:
- Legal Entity & Corporate Structure: UK incorporation, ownership chain, group structure
- Key Individuals & SMFs: Senior Management Functions under SM&CR
- Capital & Financial Resources: Prudential requirements and funding evidence
- Office & Operational Substance: UK premises and operational setup
- Existing Materials for Adaptation: Policies and procedures to adapt for UK regulation
- Regulatory & Background Information: Disclosure and regulatory history
- Business Plan Inputs: Client base, activities, revenue, and fee structures
Items marked “Client & MEMA” indicate areas where our regulatory consultants typically work alongside the applicant firm to prepare the required documentation and analysis.
Need Expert Support?
MEMA Consultants has guided firms through FCA authorisation across investment management, corporate finance, payments, and insurance. We can manage the entire application process or support specific areas.
Book a Free Scoping Call →