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
MLR registration now; FSMA authorisation gateway 30 Sep 2026 to 28 Feb 2027.
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 cryptoasset firm
Cryptoasset firms currently register with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations for anti-money-laundering supervision. The FCA finalised a full FSMA authorisation regime in June 2026: the authorisation gateway opens on 30 September 2026 and closes on 28 February 2027, and the regime comes into force on 25 October 2027. There is no automatic conversion from MLR registration, and firms should apply within the gateway window to keep trading under the saving provision. Which gateway you prepare for is now the first question, and a rigorous financial crime framework is essential either way.
- Authorisation route
- MLR registration for AML supervision now, moving to full FSMA authorisation under the cryptoasset regime (authorisation gateway 30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027).
- Capital & resources
- No prudential capital requirement for MLR registration; prudential requirements will apply under the FSMA regime (PS26/12).
- Typical timeline
- MLR registration has a statutory 3-month determination period once complete but has historically taken much longer; FSMA authorisation opens on 30 September 2026, with the regime in force from 25 October 2027.
- Common pitfalls
- Financial crime and AML framework not sufficiently robust
- Business-wide risk assessment weak or missing
- Beneficial ownership and fitness and propriety not evidenced
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.
Is cryptoasset registration the same as FCA authorisation?
No. Firms currently register under the Money Laundering Regulations for AML supervision, which is a registration rather than full authorisation. A separate FSMA authorisation regime for cryptoassets was finalised in June 2026, with the authorisation gateway open from 30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027, its own capital and conduct requirements, and no automatic conversion from MLR registration.
Why do so many crypto applications get withdrawn?
Most commonly because the financial crime and AML framework, business-wide risk assessment, or fitness and propriety evidence do not meet the FCA's standard. Strong preparation is critical.