Information for newly authorised firms

As a newly authorised firm, we know there's a lot of information to take in. To get you started, learn about the systems you'll use and things you need to know.

Information for all firms

Systems you will use	Connect Connect[1] is the online system that you must use to submit applications and notifications to us. RegData RegData[2] is the platform you'll use to submit regulatory data to us. Use our RegData resources[3] to learn about each aspect of the RegData system via user guides and explainer videos. Online invoicing You'll need to register with our online invoicing portal[4] to pay your fees, see your invoices, register new users and more.
Getting started	Tasks for authorised firms Our authorisation homepage[5] links to a range of tasks for authorised firms. You should also search our website for the main pages in your sector. Stay up to date Keep up-to-date with our latest news, publications and regulatory updates by signing up to our Regulation Round-up[6] monthly email and our daily and weekly news and publications email alerts[7]. Contact us Our contact page[8] has useful links and information for firms and consumers, including answers to the most frequently asked questions from firms.
Other information	FCA Handbook Our Handbook[9] contains a complete record of our rules and legal instruments. Portfolio letters Your firm will be part of a portfolio of firms that share a common business model. We send portfolio letters[10] about the risks of harm in a portfolio and the action we expect firms to take. Your firm will be expected to review these and be able to describe what steps you have taken. Financial crime Your firm must have systems and controls in place to prevent financial crime[11]. Financial promotions and adverts You must ensure that your financial promotions and adverts[12] comply with our rules and treat customers fairly. Consumer Duty Our Consumer Duty[13] sets higher, clearer standards of consumer protection across financial services and requires firms to put their customers’ needs first. Treating vulnerable customers fairly Understand your firm's responsibilities[14] to ensure that vulnerable consumers have an appropriate degree of protection. Requirements of approved persons Approved persons have to know and meet our regulatory requirements[15], as well as understand how to apply them. Fees and levies Find out about the fees[16] we charge and what they cover, and the levies we collect for organisations that are part of the regulatory system.

Sector-specific information

Mainstream consumer credit lenders

Please refer to our:

portfolio letter[17] about our supervisory strategy for Mainstream Consumer Credit Lenders
consumer credit and coronavirus tailored support guidance[18] which remains in force until varied or revoked
Dear CEO letter[19] about the rising cost of living, and our expectations of the actions firms should be taking to support consumers

Mortgage lenders and intermediaries

Please refer to our:

publication of our rules and guidance following the mortgage market review[20] – our Mortgages Market Study identified potential harms relating to our mortgage advice and selling standards. We consulted firms and used their feedback to change our rules to make it easier for firms to present options to consumers without giving regulated advice
portal for mortgage advisers / brokers to report mortgage fraud concerns[21] – mortgage brokers must have sufficient controls in place to prevent their firm being used for committing fraud. They are also responsible for reporting wider suspicions of fraudulent activity, or examples of poor practices resulting in potential fraud they have noticed

Payment services and e-money firms

Please refer to our approach to payment services and electronic money[22].

In this guidance we set out what we expect from firms in order to comply with all aspects of the payment services and electronic money regulatory requirements.

Asset managers

Your prudential category depends on your scope of permission and the risks to your business model.

Use our prudential categories tool[23] to identify the key regulatory requirements that determine your prudential category.

Credit reference agencies (CRAs) and providers of credit information services

Please refer to our:

Credit Information Market Study[24] which assesses how the sector is working now and how it may develop in the future
Future of the Credit Information Market[25] research which examines how the credit information market might evolve in the future
Consumer Credit and Coronavirus Guidance for firms[26] which remains in force until varied or revoked

Non-bank lenders

Please refer to our mortgages and coronavirus guidance for firms[27] which remains in force until varied or revoked.

Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPP) Operators

Please refer to our:

Consumer Investments: Strategy and Feedback statement[28] which articulates the causes of historic harm and our areas of supervisory focus until 2024
Guide for SIPP Operators (2013)[29] – although this guidance is quite old, it still applies to all SIPP Operators
Due diligence guidance (2013)[30] – a useful explanation of your firm's responsibilities when designing and distributing products

We might also contact you about taking part in our Early and High Growth Oversight[31] programme, which provides in-depth support to some newly authorised firms, depending on your sector, to help you get used to your regulatory status and understand your obligations.

First published: 30/09/2022 Last updated: 25/05/2023

Information for newly authorised firms

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Information for all firms

Sector-specific information

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