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 3 months for a complete application (longer 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 payments or e-money firm
Payment institutions and e-money institutions are authorised under the Payment Services Regulations and Electronic Money Regulations. Safeguarding of customer funds, capital, and financial crime controls are central to the FCA's assessment.
- Authorisation route
- Authorised Payment Institution / E-Money Institution, or the small (registered) variants where thresholds are met.
- Capital & resources
- Initial capital requirement (varies by permission and service), plus an ongoing own-funds calculation.
- Typical timeline
- Statutory 3 months for a complete application (up to 12 months if incomplete); clock-stopping information requests are what stretch it in practice.
- Common pitfalls
- Safeguarding arrangements not properly designed or evidenced
- Insufficient initial or ongoing capital
- Financial crime and AML framework not proportionate to the model
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 safeguarding and why does it matter?
Safeguarding is how a payments or e-money firm protects customer funds, for example by segregation or insurance. The FCA scrutinises it heavily and weak arrangements are a common reason for delay or refusal.
Do I need full authorisation or can I register as a small firm?
It depends on your projected turnover and services. Small payment institution or small e-money registration has lower thresholds but limits on activity. This tool is an indicative readiness check, not advice on which route fits.