Will the FCA Authorise Us?
Get an instant readiness verdict for FCA authorisation. Answer a few quick questions tailored to your business activity.
- Takes 2-3 minutes
- Tailored to your activity
- Designed by ex-FCA specialists
1. Select your primary activity
Do you have a clear business plan and target market for the permissions you want?
The FCA expects firms to clearly define their target market and show how the business model supports good customer outcomes and regulatory compliance.
Your instant verdict
Answer the questions to see your live readiness verdict.
Speak to our ex-FCA team about your results.
Readiness score
Your current readiness across the key FCA authorisation pillars.
Top actions
Prioritised actions to close gaps and improve your readiness.
Likely timeline
Statutory 6 months for a complete application (12 months if incomplete).
MEMA support plan
How we can support you from application to approval and beyond.
View support options →This is an indicative self-assessment, not regulatory advice. For a fuller assessment, book a free scoping call.
FCA authorisation for a consumer credit firm
Consumer credit firms (broking, lending, debt and related activities) are authorised under FSMA, with conduct standards set in CONC. The permission you need depends on your activities, and the FCA expects clear affordability, financial promotion and treating-customers-fairly arrangements.
- Authorisation route
- Limited or full permission for the specific consumer credit activities you carry on (credit broking, lending, debt counselling and others).
- Capital & resources
- Prudential requirements apply to some activities (for example debt management); financial resources must support the model.
- Typical timeline
- Statutory 6 months for a complete application (12 months if incomplete), in line with FSMA.
- Common pitfalls
- Permissions scoped more broadly than the actual activities
- Affordability and creditworthiness processes not evidenced
- Financial promotions not compliant with CONC
Read more on our FCA authorisation service, or work through the full authorisation readiness checklist.
FAQ
How accurate is my result?
It is an indicative readiness view based on your answers, designed by ex-FCA specialists. It is not a prediction of the FCA's decision or a substitute for a full assessment.
Is this a compliance check?
No. It is a quick self-assessment to help you understand your readiness and the gaps to close before you apply. It is not regulatory advice.
How is my data used?
Your answers power your live result. If you request the full breakdown we email it to you and may contact you about your results. See our privacy policy for details.
What happens after I submit?
You get your full readiness breakdown and tailored recommendations by email, and you can book a free scoping call with our ex-FCA team.
What is the difference between limited and full permission?
Limited permission covers certain lower-risk credit activities (often secondary to a main business), while full permission is required for higher-risk activities such as lending or debt management. The right route depends on what you do.
Does the FCA look at financial promotions for credit firms?
Yes. CONC sets detailed rules for credit advertising and financial promotions, and non-compliant promotions are a frequent issue at authorisation and afterwards.