+44 7852 806969
info@acumengcompliance.com
1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 5DY, UK
Buy & Sell Licences
Buy & Sell Licences
Buy & Sell Licences
Expert support for buying/selling licences and M&A advisory. SPI, API, EMI licences, licence & compliance due diligence, pre-sale audit, cross-border transfer, banking setup and more.
Buy Or Sell Licences
Learn More About All The Services
Business Model Assessment
We review your business model to determine the right FCA licence category and identify any gaps.
FCA Application Drafting
Complete application preparation including all forms, narratives, and supporting documentation.
AML/CTF Framework Development
Full suite of anti-money laundering policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
Regulatory Business Plan
Detailed business plan meeting FCA standards with financial projections and governance framework.
FCA Liaison & RFI Management
We manage all FCA correspondence and respond to requests for information on your behalf.
Post-Authorisation Setup
Compliance monitoring programme, RegData setup, and ongoing support after authorisation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does FCA authorisation take?
SPI and SEMI registrations typically take 3–6 months from application submission. Full authorisations (API, AEMI) take 6–18 months. Timelines depend on complexity and FCA workload.
What is the difference between registration and authorisation?
Registration (SPI, SEMI) is a lighter-touch process for smaller firms. Authorisation (API, AEMI) requires more detailed scrutiny and gives access to a wider range of payment activities and no transaction limits.
Can you guarantee FCA approval?
No compliance firm can guarantee FCA approval — and any that claim to are misleading you. We significantly improve your chances by ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and well-presented.
What happens if my application is rejected?
We review the FCA’s reasons, address the identified shortcomings, and reapply. We also advise whether a lower-tier registration might be more appropriate.
Do I need FCA authorisation if I only send money overseas?
Yes. Money transmission is a regulated payment service under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. You need at minimum an SPI registration or HMRC MSB registration.
What are the costs of FCA authorisation?
The FCA charges application fees ranging from £500 for a Small Payment Institution to £10,000+ for more complex firm types. These fees are paid to the FCA directly and are non-refundable. Professional consultancy costs vary depending on the scope of support required. Acumen provides transparent fixed-fee proposals following an initial assessment.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free consultation to discuss your compliance needs with our specialist team.
