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 definitive view, book a free scoping call.
FCA authorisation for a investment firm
Investment firms, advisers and managers are authorised to carry on regulated investment activities under COBS, with prudential requirements under MIFIDPRU/IFPR. The FCA focuses on competence, capital, conflicts and client-money arrangements where relevant.
- Authorisation route
- Permission for the specific investment activities (advising, arranging, managing, dealing) your model requires.
- Capital & resources
- Own-funds and liquidity requirements under MIFIDPRU / IFPR, sized to the permissions and activities.
- Typical timeline
- Statutory 6 months for a complete application; typically less when well prepared.
- Common pitfalls
- Capital and liquidity requirements underestimated
- Senior manager competence not clearly evidenced
- Professional indemnity insurance gaps for advisory firms
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.
How much capital does an investment firm need?
It depends on your permissions and activities under MIFIDPRU / IFPR. Adviser and arranger firms have different requirements to firms holding client money or dealing on own account.
Can we start as an appointed representative instead?
Some firms begin as an appointed representative of an authorised principal before seeking direct authorisation. Whether that suits you depends on your model; this tool is an indicative readiness check only.