Does my fintech need FCA authorisation?

Most firms carrying out regulated financial activities in the UK require FCA authorisation or registration. This includes payment services, e-money issuance, consumer credit, investment services and insurance distribution. Clarionet Consulting can assess your business model and advise on the exact permissions you need.

How long does FCA authorisation take?

Depending on complexity, FCA approval typically takes between three and 12 months from submission. Well-prepared applications can move faster. Clarionet Consulting helps you prepare applications to minimise delays with the regulator.

Does my firm need an MLRO?

Most FCA-regulated firms within scope of the Money Laundering Regulations must appoint a Money Laundering Reporting Officer. The MLRO is responsible for overseeing AML compliance and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports to the National Crime Agency.

What is a fractional MLRO?

A fractional MLRO is an experienced compliance professional who provides part-time MLRO services to smaller firms where a full-time appointment is not yet financially viable. They fulfil the same regulatory obligations as a full-time MLRO on a flexible, cost-effective basis.

What does Consumer Duty mean for smaller firms?

Consumer Duty requires FCA-authorised firms to demonstrate good outcomes for customers across four areas: products and services, price and value, consumer understanding, and consumer support. It applies to most firms in the retail distribution chain, regardless of size.

What is the difference between FCA authorisation and registration?

FCA authorisation (under FSMA 2000) is required for firms conducting regulated activities such as investment services or consumer credit. FCA registration applies to payment institutions and e-money firms under the Payment Services Regulations and Electronic Money Regulations.

What is a compliance retainer service?

A compliance retainer provides ongoing regulatory support on a monthly basis, covering policy reviews, regulatory change monitoring, compliance advisory, and access to expert guidance as your business evolves.

How much does FCA compliance consultancy cost?

Fees depend on scope and complexity. Clarionet Consulting offers fixed-fee project work, day-rate advisory, and monthly retainer arrangements, making expert compliance support accessible and cost-predictable for smaller firms.

Insight & Analysis

Opinion articles

Gary Watson’s perspectives on the regulatory issues that matter most to fintechs and financial services firms.

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Scales of justice representing financial sanctions enforcement

SanctionsJune 2026

A £1m lesson in why sanctions screening keeps repeating itself

By Gary Watson

Whilst the OFSI £1m fine is eye-catching, why do sanctions screening failures keep recurring? Are we stuck on the sanctions screening hamster wheel, and is there a need for structural change?

Read on GRIP →

FCAJanuary 2026

The FCA at 13 – teenage angst

By Gary Watson

The regulator is entering an important phase of transitional change — crypto regulation, BNPL, consumer protection, economic growth. Gary Watson examines how the FCA is navigating competing pressures as it matures.

Read on GRIP →

FCAFebruary 2025

Can innovation and growth sit comfortably alongside consumer protection?

By Gary Watson

Gary Watson explores the themes and tensions raised in the FCA's Dear CEO letter — asking whether the drive for economic growth and the obligation to protect consumers can genuinely coexist.

Read on GRIP →

Compliance professional navigating change

ComplianceFebruary 2025

Navigating the difficult waters of compliance in a time of constant change

By Gary Watson

The challenges of combining the SMF16 and SMF17 roles are significant. Gary Watson reflects on the growing expectations placed on Heads of Compliance and MLROs in an increasingly demanding regulatory environment.

Read on GRIP →