Do you need FCA Authorisation or does your company really need to be FCA authorised?
Generally, if you are engaged in financial services in the UK then you will require FCA authorisation. As a specialised regulatory compliance consultancy, we don’t like to use generalisations.

All too often we get enquiries from companies who are unsure, but their accountant/bank/business partners, who mean well, but incorrectly state that they need authorisation.

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 October 11, 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We contacted Compliance Consultants as we needed help with our new regulation for the FCA. The FCA application was to difficult for me to do alone and I needed help. I spoke to a guy called Lee Werrell who was very helpful and offered to help us out with not much time as the dead line was near. After the first satisfied experience, I did not hesitate to use this company again for the second time for the addition FCA compliance requirements and documents. With the importance of keeping up to date with compliance and procedure on a yearly basis. Lee is my go to guy to keep our company up to date with the FCA.
  
 
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   Angela Young 
 January 27, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class service in every way. Whilst applying for FCA authorisation the original compliance company we were working with let us down.  Feeling despondent, Lee from Compliance Consultant stepped in and assured us we would have our application submitted on time.  Suzanna was our direct contact and she worked tirelessly to ensure we met our deadline.  Not only did we meet our deadline, but our completed application was submitted to the FCA, 1 week ahead of schedule. Both Lee and Suzanna took the time to communicate clearly the detail within each section of the application. They went above and beyond and felt more like friends by the end of the process.  I would highly recommend Compliance Consultant both in terms of professionalism and value for money.  We look forward to working with Compliance Consultant in the future.
  
 
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   Pras Suntaramoorthy 
 December 22, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lee Werrell of Compliance Consultant has been exceptional at providing compliance support for my mortgage brokerage. His understanding of and wealth of experience with the regulatory body, The Financial Conduct Authority, is second to none and this translated into the advice and support offered to my business. I cannot recommend this firm highly enough for your compliance needs. I have used other compliance consultant firms previously and they do not compare even remotely to the level of expertise and service offered by Lee Werrell.
  
 
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 March 7, 2018
 
 
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   Aisha Mohammed 
 March 8, 2019
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have dealt with Lee at Compliance Consultant for a while now on all aspects around compliance (FCA Licence, policies etc) We do not come from a finance background but Lee took the time to explain things in a manner we were able to understand and we have found him to be very professional and honest in his advice. Rest assured that he will not charge you for anything that you do not require will always have your best interest in mind. Highly Recommended
  
 
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 August 15, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. In a high pressure situation, Compliance Consultant stepped in to help us further understand the requirements and completely changed the authorization documentation urgently needed.
  
 
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 January 10, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We approached Lee between Christmas & New Year about some compliance work we urgently needed completing for a newco setup. He communicated very clearly what we would need and why. Once instructed, he delivered this on time and cost effectively. Recommended.

Essentially, if you are not taking money for investment (or their derivatives) , pension, holding as a saving, promising an insurance protection or cover for insured events, mortgage related, transmitting or storing the money, you will probably not need any FCA Authorisation. However, that said, it is no help when faced with the blocking of your bank account application for your startup, so we, at Compliance Consultant, provide a service for clients where we apply the business tests that the FCA use to the business model and then provide a bespoke report using all the citations, exemptions and exceptions that may (or may not) apply to your business status. Then, if you do need to be authorised we will discount the cost from your application if you do it with us. Full details of the FCA Application process can be found HERE

So is it right for you?

Get our PDF brochure at this link, and book a no obligation and mutually convenient time here.

So what activities are requiring FCA authorisation?

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), a person carrying out a specified activity relating to a specified instrument requires FCA authorisation. If you carry out such activities without appropriate authorisation you may be committing a criminal offence under FSMA.

The following are listed as Specified Activities include but not limited to:

accepting deposits
payment services
consumer credit regulated activities
insurance-related activities
investment activities (eg advising on investments, managing investments)
mortgage-related activities

Specified investments include, but are not limited to:
electronic money
consumer credit and consumer hire agreements
contracts of insurance
shares
contracts for difference (CFDs)
debt instruments (bonds, notes etc.)
deposits
futures
pension scheme rights

If you conduct any of these specified activities for specified instruments as a business then you will require FCA authorisation. If you are unsure whether your business activities require FCA authorisation, our team of experts can help you understand your regulatory obligations.

Who is exempt from FCA authorisation?

Many companies need not be registered or authorised, however, FSMA, the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 provide for certain exemptions from FCA authorisation for:

Agents of payment institutions and electronic money institutions.
Appointed representatives.
Recognised investment exchanges and clearing houses.
Professional firms, such as solicitors, accountants or actuaries.

Those businesses listed in an FSMA exemption order for certain regulated activities. For example, local authorities are exempt in respect of accepting deposits, and the Band of England and IMF are exempt for most activities except for carrying out contracts of insurance.

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Do you need FCA Authorisation or does your company really need to be FCA authorised?

Do you need FCA Authorisation or does your company really need to be FCA authorised? Generally, if you are engaged in financial services in the UK then you will require FCA authorisation. As a specialised regulatory compliance consultancy, we don’t like to use generalisations.