FCA Authorisation
FCA Authorisation UK — Payment & E-Money Licence Experts
Expert FCA authorisation support for payment institutions, MSBs and e-money firms. SPI, API, EMI applications. APCC member consultants.
Your Path to FCA Authorisation
Obtaining FCA authorisation is one of the most critical and complex steps a financial services firm can undertake. At Acumen Global Compliance, we provide a comprehensive, end-to-end FCA Authorisation service that covers every stage of the regulatory journey — from initial scoping and business model assessment through to final FCA approval.
Our experienced team of compliance consultants has delivered over 120 successful FCA applications, maintaining an outstanding 94% first-time approval rate. We analyse your business model, prepare your regulatory business plan, complete all application forms, establish your compliance framework, and liaise directly with the FCA on your behalf.
Whether you are a start-up seeking authorisation for the first time or an established business expanding your regulatory permissions, our FCA Authorisation service gives you clarity, structure, and confidence at every step of the process.
Key Facts
Who needs this
Any firm providing payment services, issuing e-money, or operating in UK financial markets
Requirement
Mandatory under FSMA 2000 and Payment Services Regulations 2017
Timeline
SPI: 3–6 months · API/EMI: 6–18 months
Price from
POA — contact for assessment
Get a Free Quote
- +44 (0) 207 096 2100
- +44 7852 806969
Get FCA Authorised
How We Help You Get FCA Authorised
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.
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What's Included
FCA application form completion
Regulatory business plan
Risk assessment
Governance & control framework
Financial projections
RegData setup
Business model narrative
AML/CTF policies
Safeguarding framework
Key individual assessments
Compliance monitoring programme
HMRC MLR registration (where applicable)
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?
FCA application fees range from £1,000 (SPI) to £10,000+ (AEMI). You also need sufficient capital (£5,000 for SPI, £125,000 for API). Our professional fees are quoted after an initial assessment call.
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Related Services
HMRC MLR Registration
Register your MSB with HMRC for money laundering supervision.
AML Policy Development
Comprehensive AML/CTF frameworks for regulated firms.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Post-authorisation compliance monitoring and advisory.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free consultation to discuss your compliance needs with our specialist team.
