Pre-application support service (PASS)

How we can support your firm

The pre-application support service (PASS) provides the following.

Pre-application meetings

You can request a pre-application meeting with us if you're a cryptoasset[1], payments[2] or wholesale[3] firm.

Pre-application meetings are free of charge and give the opportunity to discuss your plans or ask any questions before submitting an application for registration or authorisation.

You will meet with one of our case officers who will outline our expectations and signpost you to useful information. Where possible, we will try to have the same case officer assess your application if you do apply.

You can register for a pre-application meeting via Connect[4]. You’ll be asked to provide information on your proposed business model, your company, the individuals involved and any specific questions you wish to discuss at the meeting. This allows us to identify key areas of focus and signpost you to relevant information for your business model.

FCA speakers and industry events

Along with prospective applicants, we also engage with advisers, trade bodies or business associations that work with firms in these sectors. We're available to speak about the authorisation journey at industry events, roundtables and conferences.

Ways to contact us:

• email firm.queries@fca.org.uk with the subject line 'Authorisation Outreach Event' or ‘FCA speaker’ with your event details or to request a speaker
• submit a speaker request form[5]
• contact one of the FCA offices[6]

Applying for authorisation or registration

Find out more about how to become authorised or registered to do business in the payments, cryptoasset and wholesale market sectors in the UK.

Cryptoasset firms

Our cryptoasset registration information[7] provides guidance on the requirements and process for registering with the FCA. This page helps firms understand their obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) and details the information and documentation firms need to submit as part of their application for registration. Further information for cryptoasset firms:

• registering with the FCA as a cryptoasset firm[1]
• feedback on good and poor quality applications[8]

Payments firms

We explain the steps involved with applying to become an electronic money or a payment institution[2]. This information will help you decide whether you need to apply to be authorised by us or registered with us. See our guidance on what to read first and how to prepare your application:

• payment institution applicants[9]
• electronic money institution applicants[10]
• registered account information service provider applicants[11]

Wholesale markets firms

Find information for your firm:

• authorised alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs)[12] and registered AIFMs[13]
• benchmark administrators[14]
• corporate finance firms[15]
• credit rating agencies[16]
• custodians[17]
• data service reporting providers[18]
• depositaries[19]
• investment managers[20]
• multilateral trading facilities and organised trading facilities operators[21]
• principal trading firms[22]
• securitisation repositories[23]
• trade repositories[24]
• UK undertaking for collection investment in transferable securities (UCITS) management companies (ManCos)[25]
• wealth managers[26]
• wholesale brokers[27]

See more information for wholesale markets firm applicants[3].

Further support with your application

• See how to apply for authorisation or registration[28] explaining the processes involved and our expectations of applicants.
• See our approach to international firms[29] which will be relevant to overseas firms preparing to apply for authorisation in the UK.
• FCA Innovation Hub[30] offers innovative firms a range of market-facing tools and initiatives, including the Regulatory Sandbox, Innovation Pathways and Digital Sandbox services.