FCA Authorisations: Right from the start

Strong support to achieve high quality FCA applications and fit for purpose processes will avoid delays, control costs and get you to market faster – setting you up for success.

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S&W supports all businesses requiring FCA authorisation and registration. We provide practical, flexible and outcome-focused advice and services for smooth and successful FCA applications that meet the regulator’s expectations and your business needs. Whether it’s Conduct of Business rules, Annex 1 registrations, crypto-asset registration, or approval to undertake activity under the Payment Services Directives and Electronic Money Regulations, we can help.

It doesn’t matter if you’re starting a new business or evolving the activity you undertake, we can help you sidestep common mistakes, offer tailored guidance on shaping your regulatory business plan, and ensure your internal policies and procedures are fully prepared before submission.

The right foundation for authorised businesses

Expert and experienced insights help finance firms, insurers, consumer credit and payment service providers navigate the FCA authorisation process more successfully, with a much greater likelihood of being accepted as complete first time, or with limited follow-up questions. We identify and secure the necessary permissions your business needs to operate confidently and grow sustainably.

Our team is experienced in FCA applications and will work closely with you to prepare documentation that meets the regulator’s standards and reflects the nature and scale of your business. We focus on helping you develop core materials, including the regulatory business plan, financial projections and internal controls, that form the foundation of a robust application.

We also support with applications to other regulatory bodies, such as HMRC, or for alternative business structures under the SRA in the UK and prepare and review regulatory applications for firms in non-UK jurisdictions.

Services tailored to your needs

We work closely with our clients to provide the support they need, integrating seamlessly with in-house teams where required. From documentation to guidance, we’ll supply everything necessary to support your FCA authorisation.

Full FCA application

pack preparation, including drafting applications, regulatory business plans (RBPs) and supporting documentation, and ensuring appropriate systems and controls are in place to meet FCA expectations
FCA application reviews

including supporting documentation, with gap analysis against regulatory expectations and industry best practice. Our expert advice helps refine, edit and enhance your submission, minimising costs or complementing existing resource and expertise
Bespoke support

where you need it, including policy drafting, document reviews, and support for engaging with the FCA, with focused, expert advice on hand where it’s needed most

From FCA application to authorisation and beyond

From initial FCA applications under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the Payment Services Regulations 2017 or Electronic Money Regulations 2011, to variation of permissions (VoPs) and preparing for exits, we offer practical, expert advice at every step:

Initial applications

Identifying required regulatory permissions
Creating or reviewing regulatory business plans and other supporting documentation
Supporting engagement with regulators
Coaching prospective SMF16 and SMF 17 senior management function holders

Ongoing Needs and end-stage support

Managing regulatory authorisation adjustments or modifications through VoPs or change in control (CiC) applications
Supporting Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) requirements as a result of SMF changes
Planning for exit or transitions
Preparing for cancellation applications

Why S&W?

S&W experts work with regulated businesses across the financial services sector to help them stay compliant, reduce risks and avoid regulatory penalties. Experienced partners lead a dedicated team offering on-hand, personal services tailored to your business needs.

Through our regulatory consulting services and the wide resources of a top ten UK accounting and professional services firm, we offer comprehensive services, in-depth expertise and industry insights that support every stage of business, for those who are subject to any form of financial regulation, or those that wish to continue to be outside of the regulatory perimeter.

Talk to us today to discuss how we can secure the best possible start for your business.