FCA Authorisation & Applications

Securing FCA authorisation to help you launch and grow your financial services business.

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

FCA Authorisation & Applications

Whether you’re seeking full FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) authorisation to launch a regulated firm or need support with specific regulatory applications, we’re here to help. FCA authorisation is a rigorous process that involves demonstrating your firm’s governance, financial soundness, and compliance framework to secure the necessary regulatory permissions.

FCA Authorisation & Applications
FCA Authorisation & Applications

Beyond full authorisation, firms must also submit FCA applications for key regulatory changes, such as Senior Manager approvals (SMCR), Change in Control notifications, and Variations of Permission (VoP). These applications require precision and a clear understanding of FCA expectations to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays.

With over 30 years of combined experience, we provide expert support across all FCA applications and authorisation processes, ensuring your submissions are accurate, complete, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Let us simplify the process—so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

Our Application Services Include:

Applications for Authorisation: Financial service providers, payment service providers, and consumer credit firms must be authorised by the FCA in order to do business in the UK. We help clients identify the permissions they will need, create or amend relevant supporting documents, and manage the application process with the FCA.

Change in Control (CIC): Anyone looking to acquire or increase control over an FCA-regulated firm must get FCA approval first by submitting a CIC application. We help obtain FCA approval for changes in control within firms, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.

Variation of Permission (VOP): Firms regulated by the FCA must submit a VOP application if they want to add, remove, or change their regulated activities. For firms altering or adding regulated activities, we offer support throughout the variation of permission process, including handling follow-ups from the FCA.

Appointed Representative Support: We provide due diligence on prospective appointed representatives and assist with ongoing monitoring and oversight on behalf of principal firms.

AML Registration: Businesses that carry out certain financial activities with a high risk of money laundering must register with the FCA for AML supervision before operating. We assist firms in meeting their FCA AML registration requirements, ensuring they have robust policies, controls, and procedures to comply with UK anti-money laundering regulations.

Senior Management (SM) Appointment Applications: Firms must submit the appropriate SMCR application forms when appointing, amending, or removing Senior Managers (SMs), including Form A (new appointment) and Form C (ceasing a role). The FCA assesses each application based on the individual’s fitness, propriety, experience, and regulatory background, and we can support firms in navigating the process smoothly, ensuring compliance with SMCR requirements.

Other Applications: Whether it’s prudential returns, regulatory notifications, waivers, cancellations, or any other FCA filing, we provide expert support and external assurance to ensure submissions are accurate, timely, and fully aligned with regulatory expectations.

How Our FCA Authorisation Service Works:

We operate a simple 3-step approach:

Step 1: Defining Your Regulatory Requirements

We begin by working closely with you to identify which aspects of your business are regulated and the specific FCA permissions you need. This involves a detailed discussion about your business model, governance framework, risk management approach, and key personnel, ensuring we fully understand your operations and regulatory compliance needs.

Step 2: Preparing & Submitting Your Application

With a clear understanding of your regulatory requirements, we gather and structure all necessary documentation to build your FCA application pack, including your Regulatory Business Plan, Compliance Monitoring Programme, and supporting policies & procedures. Our team ensures that everything aligns with FCA expectations to help avoid delays. Once finalised, we’ll handle the submission via the FCA’s Connect system, making the process as smooth as possible for you.

Step 3: FCA Review & Ongoing Guidance

After submission, the FCA assigns a Case Officer who may request additional information or clarification. We will manage these queries on your behalf, ensuring responses are comprehensive, well-structured, and meet regulatory requirements. If any conditions need to be addressed before authorisation, we’ll guide you through them. Once approved, we also offer ongoing compliance support to help you stay on track.

Looking for expert support with FCA authorisation?
Get in touch to find out how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You’ll typically need a detailed Regulatory Business Plan, Compliance Monitoring Programme, governance structure, financial projections, and relevant compliance policies. We guide you through preparing and refining these documents to align with FCA expectations.

If your business carries out regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA)—such as advising on investments, arranging deals, or safeguarding client assets—you’ll likely need FCA authorisation. We can assess your business model and confirm your regulatory requirements.

Yes. We support CIC applications by helping acquirers prepare the required notifications and supporting documents. Our team ensures the submission is accurate and complete, helping to streamline the approval process.

An Appointed Representative (AR) operates under the permissions of a fully authorised firm (the Principal) and cannot carry out regulated activities independently. While this may seem like a lighter-touch option, it introduces significant regulatory risk and oversight challenges. C&G supports firms seeking full FCA authorisation and does not recommend the AR model as a long-term solution.

Absolutely. Our post-authorisation services include regulatory change support, SMCR compliance, policy updates, FCA correspondence, and help with future applications such as VoPs or new SM appointments. We act as an ongoing compliance partner to support your long-term success.