Authorisation and licensing

We offer a full-service package to fintech and financial services businesses seeking regulatory authorisation in the UK and Europe.

We work with firms across payments, e-money, cryptoasset services and consumer finance, guiding them through the process from early planning to submission and ongoing compliance. We take a practical approach, focused on what regulators actually expect and what firms need in place to operate successfully.

Getting Ready to Apply

Before an application is submitted, we review the business model, structure, policies and systems to identify what needs to be strengthened or documented.

This often includes:

• governance and staffing arrangements
• safeguarding and prudential requirements
• outsourcing and operational setup
• financial crime controls and customer due diligence
• internal systems, security and risk management

Clients receive a clear list of priorities to work through ahead of submission.

Supporting the Application Process

We assist throughout the preparation of the application itself, helping clients put together the documents and regulatory narrative required for approval.

This includes advice on:

• the permissions and regulatory regime that applies
• how the product and service should be structured
• business plans, programmes of operations and supporting materials
• compliance, risk and financial crime frameworks
• safeguarding and control requirements.

Post Submission

Once the application is with the regulator, we continue to support clients through the review process and into early-stage operations as an authorised firm.

We help with:

• responding to regulatory questions
• implementing policies and controls in practice
• preparing for supervision and ongoing compliance

Next Steps

If you are a potential EMI or PI applicant, or a virtual asset service provider preparing for the FCA gateway opening on 30 September 2026, contact us to arrange a confidential discussion on how we can support your application.