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; often less when well prepared.
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 insurance intermediary
Insurance intermediaries are authorised under FSMA to carry on insurance distribution, with conduct standards in ICOBS and the IDD-derived requirements. The FCA expects appropriate knowledge and ability, product oversight and governance, and professional indemnity cover.
- Authorisation route
- Permission for insurance distribution activities (advising, arranging, dealing as agent) relevant to your model.
- Capital & resources
- Financial resources requirement plus mandatory professional indemnity insurance at IDD minimum levels.
- Typical timeline
- Statutory 6 months for a complete application; typically less when well prepared.
- Common pitfalls
- Professional indemnity insurance below required levels
- Knowledge and ability (IDD training) not evidenced
- Product oversight and governance arrangements missing
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.
Do insurance intermediaries need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. The Insurance Distribution Directive sets minimum professional indemnity insurance levels, and adequate cover is a condition of authorisation and ongoing regulation.
What is product oversight and governance?
It is the set of arrangements ensuring products are designed and distributed to meet the needs of an identified target market, which the FCA expects intermediaries to evidence.