End-to-End Process
FCA Authorisation — Your Complete Journey
From initial feasibility assessment to post-authorisation compliance — we own every step of your FCA application journey. No handoffs, no gaps, no surprises.
7-Step Process
How We Get You Authorised
Each step is managed by our specialist team. You’ll have a dedicated compliance consultant throughout.
01
Week 1–2
Feasibility & Strategy
We assess your business model, target market, and regulatory requirements. We determine the right licence type and identify potential barriers before you invest.
Key Deliverables
- Regulatory feasibility report
- Licence type recommendation
- Gap analysis summary
- Cost and timeline estimate
Feasibility & Strategy
Week 1–2
Business Plan & Financials
Week 2–4
02
Week 2–4
Business Plan & Financials
We develop the FCA-compliant regulatory business plan with 3-year financial projections, capital adequacy calculations, safeguarding arrangements, and governance documentation.
Key Deliverables
- Regulatory business plan
- 3-year financial projections
- Capital adequacy assessment
- Organisational chart & governance
03
Week 3–6
AML/CTF Framework Development
Complete AML/CTF compliance framework — policies, risk assessment, CDD procedures, transaction monitoring, sanctions screening, SAR reporting, and staff training. Tailored to your corridors.
Key Deliverables
- AML/CTF policy suite
- Firm-wide risk assessment
- CDD/EDD procedures
- Transaction monitoring framework
AML/CTF Framework Development
Week 3–6
Application Drafting & Submission
Week 5–8
04
Week 5–8
Application Drafting & Submission
Complete FCA application forms, compile supporting documentation, prepare key individual assessments, and submit. Every submission is peer-reviewed before filing.
Key Deliverables
- Completed FCA application
- Key individual assessments
- Supporting documentation pack
- Submission confirmation
05
FCA review: 3–6 months typical
FCA Queries & RFI Management
The FCA issues Requests for Information during assessment. We manage all correspondence, draft responses within 48 hours, and address every query comprehensively.
Key Deliverables
- AML/CTF policy suite
- Firm-wide risk assessment
- CDD/EDD procedures
- Transaction monitoring framework
FCA Queries & RFI Management
FCA review: 3–6 months typical
Authorisation Granted
Milestone
06
Milestone
Authorisation Granted
When authorisation is granted, we verify your FCA Register entry, summarise your permissions and conditions, and ensure HMRC MLR registration is in place.
Key Deliverables
- FCA Register verification
- Permissions summary
- Conditions analysis
- HMRC MLR registration
07
Week 1–4 post-approval
Post-Authorisation Compliance
We set up ongoing compliance monitoring, RegData reporting, MLRO arrangements, staff training schedule, and regulatory change management.
Key Deliverables
- Compliance monitoring programme
- RegData submission setup
- MLRO appointment & training
- Annual compliance calendar
Post-Authorisation Compliance
Week 1–4 post-approval
With Acumen vs Without
Without Expert Support
40% chance of rejection on first attempt
6–18 month average timeline
Multiple FCA queries and delays
Multiple FCA queries and de Incomplete AML framework = enforcement risklays
No post-authorisation compliance setup
Average cost: £15,000–£30,000 in wasted time
With Acumen
94% first-time approval rate
4.2 months average SPI timeline
All FCA queries handled within 48hrs
Complete AML/CTF framework included
Full post-authorisation compliance programme
Fixed-fee packages — no surprises
Book a free 20-minute readiness call. We’ll confirm your eligibility and outline next steps.
Start Your FCA Authorisation Journey Today
Book a free FCA readiness assessment. We’ll tell you exactly what you need, how long it will take, and what it will cost.
