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; the incoming FSMA regime is phased in from late 2026.
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 definitive view, 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. A full FSMA authorisation regime for cryptoassets is being introduced, with the authorisation gateway expected to open from around 30 September 2026 and the regime coming into force from around 25 October 2027; there is no automatic conversion from MLR registration. 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 incoming cryptoasset regime (authorisation gateway expected from around 30 September 2026).
- Capital & resources
- No prudential capital requirement for MLR registration; capital and prudential requirements are expected to apply under the incoming FSMA regime.
- Typical timeline
- MLR registration has a statutory determination period once complete but has historically taken much longer; the FSMA regime is being phased in from late 2026.
- 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 is being introduced from late 2026, with its own gateway and 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.