The AI Lab provides a pathway for the FCA, firms and wider stakeholders to engage in AI-related insights, discussions and case studies.
Our AI Lab adds a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) focus to our Innovation Services, supporting innovators as they develop new AI models and solutions.
We want to enable the safe and responsible use of AI in UK financial markets, driving growth, competitiveness and innovation in the sector.
The AI Lab will support us in deepening our understanding of the risks and opportunities AI presents to UK consumers and markets, and help inform our regulatory approach in a practical, collaborative way.
The first components of the AI Lab include:
Supercharged Sandbox
As part of our work to support responsible AI in financial services, we partnered with NVIDIA to enhance our Digital Sandbox.
This gave firms access to high-performance computing, enriched datasets and advanced AI tools.
Applications for the first Supercharged Sandbox cohort are now closed. The first group has completed the programme.
During the Sandbox, firms developed and tested early-stage AI ideas to tackle real-world challenges across retail finance, compliance and wholesale markets.
On 28 and 29 January 2026, we hosted a Supercharged Sandbox showcase. Firms presented their AI-enabled solutions to industry leaders, technology partners and regulators. The event focused on how firms can develop, test and deploy AI responsibly across UK financial services.
We'll share more information about future cohorts and how to get involved in due course.
Accepted firms – first cohort
Retail innovation and consumer insight
- Ani-Tech
- Aventur
- Chip
- Horizon Zero
- Iron Market
- Kestrl
- Pebble
- PresAIge
- Principality
- Serene
- SmartPredict
Wholesale and compliance innovation
- Aveni
- Beyla
- Courts Data
- FinregE
- Impax
- MillTech
- Multfi
- Napier AI
- Opsen AI
- Shawbrook
- Symphony AI
- Virgin Money
AI Live Testing
Applications for the second AI Live Testing cohort are open from 19 January to 17 March 2026.
Testing starts from late April 2026. We’ll notify successful firms by early April.
AI Live Testing provides firms with a safe place to test AI systems in real-world conditions, with appropriate regulatory support and oversight. It will help firms who are further along in AI development and are ready to use it in live markets.
AI Live Testing can provide:
- Clarity on expectations.
- Confidence in deployment.
- A chance to shape best practice.
Download our Terms of Reference (PDF) for more details.
If you have any questions about AI Live Testing, please contact us at: [email protected].
AI Spotlight
Projects accepted to the AI Spotlight will provide a real-world insight and practical understanding into how firms are experimenting with AI in financial services.
Innovators took part in a Showcase Day at the FCA London office on 28 January 2025. Projects selected for the AI Spotlight are featured on a dedicated AI Spotlight - Digital Showcase page, which you can sign in to read. The page offers a valuable repository of practical solutions that showcase applications of AI across specific themes.
Applications to be part of the AI Spotlight will remain open. Download the participation pack (PDF) for full details.
Apply for the AI Spotlight See the Digital Showcase
AI in UK and Singapore markets
We have entered an AI partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to enable innovative firms in the UK and Singapore to scale and operate across both markets more effectively.
Firms interested in taking part in future FCA-MAS AI Spotlight events should apply via the AI Spotlight programme.
AI Sprint
Bringing together industry, academics, regulators, technologists, and consumer representatives, we hosted an AI Sprint at our London office on 29-30 January 2025. The aim of the event was to help inform our regulatory approach to AI and how we can create the right environment for growth and innovation. We have now considered the feedback received and have published an AI Sprint summary.
AI Input Zone
Following the previous Input Zone where we sought views from a broader scope of financial services firms, we are now particularly seeking input from small firms (typically defined as having less than 100 employees). We are keen to hear about their experiences in using, or considering the use of, AI.
This component of the AI Lab is part of wider evidence gathering that will help shape our future regulatory approach.
We're asking for responses to the questions by 30 January 2026.
Our approach to AI
We’ve been monitoring and supporting innovation in AI for many years. Our approach is rooted in the latest evidence and expertise.
We continue to deepen our understanding of how AI is being deployed in UK financial markets while monitoring it within our existing, wider regulatory framework.
Read more about our approach to AI.
