The application forms are publicly available on the FCA website. However, the forms and guidance do not specify how the FCA expects applications to be completed, and their approach to this evolves over time.

The ultimate goal of the application process is to demonstrate that the applicant firm meets the FCA’s threshold conditions for authorisation. In many cases, the process requires reading between the lines to interpret the FCA’s criteria for assessing firms —something that can only be refined through experience with multiple applications.

Preparing, drafting, and submitting an FCA application is a time-consuming task, typically taking around two months. Delays may arise if the FCA raises unnecessary queries, and applications that are not fully compliant may need to be withdrawn and resubmitted.

Our team of senior FCA compliance consultants has successfully secured authorisation for over 500 firms. We can help ensure your application meets the necessary standards for approval on the first attempt.

The FCA’s processing time for applications varies, though they are legally required to complete the process within 12 months. Our FCA applications team has been managing these applications since 2003. Based on their recent experience, the following average timelines can be expected:

Our team of senior FCA compliance consultants have helped gain authorisation for over 500 firms to date and can help guide you in expediating this part of the process.

The FCA expects all applicant firms to be ready, willing, and organised to begin regulated activities. An incomplete application suggests that the firm lacks a clear plan for obtaining authorisation and conducting regulated activities once approved. In the worst-case scenario, the application may need to be withdrawn and resubmitted.

However, some elements—such as the firm’s auditor or final versions of fund offering memoranda—can be provided at a later stage.

For many firms, such as asset managers and investment advisers, Regulatory Hosting offers an alternative to direct FCA Authorisation. This approach allows firms to operate under a Regulatory Hosting license while benefiting from the expertise and infrastructure of the Regulatory Host. The setup process can typically be completed within 2 to 3 months.

Depending on the firm’s activities, its staff may either be seconded into the Regulatory Host or the firm may become an Appointed Representative of the Regulatory Host.

Regulatory Hosting is an appealing option for firms seeking a fast and efficient route to market. It provides access to a well-established regulatory framework where risk, compliance, operational requirements, and regulatory capital obligations are managed by the host.

This model can serve as either a long-term solution—where firms remain seconded or as an Appointed Representative indefinitely—or as a short- to medium-term strategy to accelerate market entry. In the latter case, firms can pursue their FCA application in parallel, transitioning off the Regulatory Hosting platform upon receiving FCA Authorisation. Given current FCA application processing times, this approach could allow firms to gain up to 9 months of additional trading time.

At RQC Group, we offer both FCA Authorisation and Regulatory Hosting solutions.