Apply to become a debt firm

Find out how to apply to us for authorisation if you’re a debt advice, debt collection or debt purchaser firm, or if you conduct debt administration.

Read everything listed below

Start with our main 'how to apply' page for all applicants

Prepare your application

Include your business plan and other supporting material

Pay the application fee

You must pay this in order to apply

Submit your application

You'll do this on our Connect system, so please register first

If you want to engage in regulated activities, you must be authorised by us with the relevant permissions. You'll need to demonstrate that you can consistently deliver good outcomes for retail consumers.

What to read first

The application process

Our how to apply[1] page explains:

our expectations of all firms
the application process
how to avoid delays with your application

You must read this page in full before submitting your application through our Connect[2] system.

Supporting material

Along with your application form, you'll need to provide a range of supporting documentation including your:

regulatory business plan
financial forecasts
required policies, procedures and other relevant forms on Connect

Check what supporting material[3] you need to include.

Our letters to your sector

We expect you to make our Consumer Duty[4] a top priority.

Read our relevant portfolio letter that sets out our view of the main risks of harm and the action we expect firms to take:

If you're a debt advice firm (including not-for-profit debt advice), you should also read our letter about how to implement the Consumer Duty[7].

Our how to apply[1] page explains:

our expectations of all firms
the application process
how to avoid delays with your application

You must read this page in full before submitting your application through our Connect[2] system.

Along with your application form, you'll need to provide a range of supporting documentation including your:

regulatory business plan
financial forecasts
required policies, procedures and other relevant forms on Connect

Check what supporting material[3] you need to include.

We expect you to make our Consumer Duty[4] a top priority.

Read our relevant portfolio letter that sets out our view of the main risks of harm and the action we expect firms to take:

If you're a debt advice firm (including not-for-profit debt advice), you should also read our letter about how to implement the Consumer Duty[7].

Prepare your application

You'll submit your application through Connect[9], so make sure you register[7].

Your application must include your:

application form
regulatory business plan (RBP)
financial forecasts – learn how to prepare your firm's financial information[8]
other relevant forms and supporting material[10]

In your application, you'll need to demonstrate how your firm defines, monitors, evidences and stands behind the outcomes its customers are experiencing. We expect you to be able to identify when customers experience poor outcomes, and the resulting action you'll take to rectify the situation.

Below are the specific things we expect to see in your application, based on your type of firm, in order to demonstrate that you can meet our expectations.

We know we're asking for lots of information, but if you submit everything required in sufficient detail it'll help us assess and determine your application without delays.

Using your permissions within 12 months of getting authorised

You'll need to demonstrate that your firm can use the permissions you're applying for within 12 months of you getting authorised.

This is so that consumers don't get misled. It also saves us having to cancel any of your unused permissions.

For debt advice firms (excluding not for profit)