Financial Conduct Authority
Licences
Small Payment Institution (SPI)
Small Payment Institutions (SPIs) offer a flexible, scalable entry point for businesses in the UK looking to provide essential payment services without the extensive regulatory obligations of larger payment institutions. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), SPIs are particularly suited for startups or smaller firms offering limited services, such as money remittance and payment account management.
Authorised Payment Institution (API)
Authorised Payment Institutions (APIs) are licensed financial entities empowered to deliver a broad array of payment services, including international transfers, account management, and payment instrument issuance. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, APIs are held to high standards, ensuring compliance with the UK’s regulations to protect consumer funds and support secure, transparent transactions.
Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI)
Small Electronic Money Institutions (SEMIs) are licensed entities in the UK, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to issue electronic money and provide select payment services. These services include managing payment accounts and facilitating remittances, making SEMIs an accessible option for smaller businesses aiming to enter the e-money market with reduced capital requirements and a focused operational scope within the UK.
Electronic Money Institution (EMI)
Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) are licensed entities in the UK authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to issue electronic money and deliver a broad range of payment services. These services include managing payment accounts, enabling international remittances, and offering other digital financial solutions, making EMIs well-suited for businesses focused on providing innovative, scalable payment options.
Crypto Asset Firm
Crypto Asset Firms in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and are authorised to provide a range of services, including crypto-to-fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchanges, wallet management, and other cryptocurrency-related offerings. By obtaining this licence, businesses can establish themselves as trusted players in the fast-evolving digital finance space, offering secure and compliant solutions to clients navigating the market.
Consumer Credit
Consumer Credit Firms in the UK are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide a variety of credit services, such as personal loans, hire purchase, credit cards, and consumer credit agreements. This licence allows businesses to offer flexible financing options tailored to consumer needs, establishing themselves as trusted providers within a highly regulated sector focused on consumer protection and ethical lending standards.
Investment Firm (Retail)
Retail investment firms in the UK, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), are licensed to provide specialised investment services tailored to individual clients, including portfolio management and investment advice. As a retail investment firm, businesses can serve retail clients with trust and compliance at the forefront, establishing themselves as reliable advisors in a market where consumer protection and responsible investment practices are paramount.
Investment Firm (Wholesale)
Wholesale Investment Firms in the UK, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offer specialised investment services to institutional clients and large corporations. These firms focus on large-scale transactions in the capital markets, providing advisory services and facilitating complex financial operations. Unlike retail-focused firms, wholesale investment firms operate with fewer restrictions, allowing for businesses gain the flexibility to meet the unique demands of institutional clients,