FCA Authorisation

Get Your FCA Application Right First Time

B-Compliant provides expert FCA authorisation support from initial planning through to approval.

  • 100% FCA application success rate for DFM and Article 3 firms
  • Tailored guidance for your business model
  • Dedicated consultant from start to approval

Get Expert FCA Authorisation Support

Start your FCA authorisation journey with confidence.

    Every B-Compliant service includes a dedicated, named consultant. Your single point of contact, from day one.

    Trusted By Firms Navigating FCA Authorisation
    "We wouldn’t have been authorised without Vicky’s intervention. The reassurance B-Compliant provides adds a huge amount of value to our business."
    Helena Wardle
    Helena Wardle
    Smith and Wardle
    "We got three things: deep expertise in compliance, transparent pricing and nice people to deal with. Replies are always timely and relate specifically to our operations."
    Jessica Woollaston
    Jessica Woollaston
    Vanneck Ltd

    Why firms choose B-Compliant

    From initial planning to FCA approval, we work closely with firms to help avoid delays, confusion, and common application mistakes.

    Zero

    DFM & Article 3 applications failed

    Every DFM and Article 3 firm authorisation application we've submitted has been approved.

    Full

    Application Support

    From initial planning through to FCA approval and follow-up questions.

    Flexible

    Ways of Working

    Choose the level of support that best suits your business and experience.

    Honest

    Regulatory Advice

    Straight-talking guidance focused on giving your application the best chance of success.

    How it works.

    A clear, structured process designed to keep your FCA application moving.

    1

    Discovery call

    We learn about your business, goals, and the permissions you need from the FCA.

    2

    Preparation

    We help you build the documents, controls, and application needed for submission.

    3

    Submission

    Your application is submitted to the FCA with ongoing support throughout the review process.

    4

    Ongoing Support

    Once approved, authorisation is just the start, we can continue supporting your firm as you grow.

    Frequently asked questions.

    Everything you need to know about timelines, costs, requirements, and the FCA application process.

    The FCA states that complete applications are typically reviewed within 6 months, although timings can vary depending on the complexity of the business and the quality of the submission. Delays are often caused by incomplete documents, insufficient detail, or avoidable FCA follow-up questions.

    At B-Compliant, we help firms prepare stronger applications from the outset to reduce unnecessary delays wherever possible.

    The total cost depends on the type of permissions your firm requires, the complexity of the application, and the level of support needed. Costs usually include FCA application fees alongside the work involved in preparing documents, frameworks, and supporting materials.

    We provide clear, upfront pricing and flexible support tailored to your business and experience level.

    The most common causes of delays include weak business plans, insufficient detail within application documents, missing information, poor Senior Management Function (SMF) documentation, and applications that do not clearly explain how the business will operate compliantly.

    We proactively identify potential issues before submission and work closely with firms to prepare robust FCA-ready applications. To date, we have never had a client fail an FCA application after working with us.

    We provide hands-on support throughout the entire FCA authorisation process, including application strategy, business plans, compliance frameworks, Senior Management Function (SMF) documentation, FCA application forms, SMF training and competency gap-fill support, and support responding to FCA follow-up questions.

    Some firms want full end-to-end support, while others only need guidance in specific areas. Our approach is flexible and tailored around your needs.

    The documents required will depend on the permissions your firm is applying for, but commonly include a business plan, compliance monitoring programme, financial forecasts, Senior Management Function (SMF) documentation, client-facing documentation (such as client agreements and terms of business), and Consumer Duty documentation.

    We help firms understand exactly what is required and ensure documents are prepared to a standard the FCA expects.

    Let’s Get You Authorised

    Practical, hands-on support throughout the FCA application process from experienced compliance professionals.

    Let’s chat