Posted: 30 Apr 2025 Resource Type: Thought Piece Back Expanding into the UK series: How long will the authorisation process in the UK take? The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have a statutory period of six months to consider an authorisation application. For payments and e-money firms or firms doing only insurance distribution activities, the FCA has a statutory period of 3 months. This period starts from the point at which the regulator in question receives an application that it considers to be complete. The PRA or FCA can extend the timeframe until up to 12 months from the date of application if it requires additional information. Example of an application for authorisation Click the button on the top right corner to enlarge the image About this series of articles The UK is a pre-eminent global financial centre and Europe’s most popular destination for financial services FDI. It offers access to global markets and unmatched connectivity, a highly skilled talent pool, a culture of innovation, and a stable and supportive regulatory regime. This series of articles highlights some of the regulatory requirements and practical steps you need to consider if you are looking to expand to the UK. For more detail, you can read our full guide: 'Expanding into the UK: a guide for international financial services firms'. The report is published by the City of London Corporation. The author of the report is Hogan Lovells. The information in this article series and the ‘Expanding’ guide is provided as a general guide only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific legal and/or other professional advice. Read the full guide Expanding into the UK: a guide for international financial services firms Expanding into the UK: a guide for international financial services firms Read the article Do I need to obtain authorisation from a UK regulator? Do I need to obtain authorisation from a UK regulator? Read the article How to obtain authorisation in the UK? How to obtain authorisation in the UK? Read the article What are the practical steps I need to consider to set up a UK business? What are the practical steps I need to consider to set up a UK business? We can help your business set up and grow in the UK. The City of London Corporation can help you to locate, invest, trade and grow. Find out more on how we can help. Read more Share: Share to LinkedIn LinkedIn Share to X Share to Facebook Facebook Share to WeChat WeChat Share to WhatsApp WhatsApp Share to Email Email Related content Thought Piece What are the practical steps I need to consider to set up a UK business? May 2025 - This article details 8 practical steps to consider when setting up a UK business. What are the practical steps I need to consider to set up a UK business? Thought Piece Positioning the UK as a Global Leader in RegTech:Launch of the RegTech Strategy Group Apr 2025 - Janine Hirt and Chris Hayward on why now is the right moment to boost the UK’s regulatory technology (RegTech) credentials and support this fast growing sector. Positioning the UK as a Global Leader in RegTech:Launch of the RegTech Strategy Group Thought Piece How to obtain authorisation in the UK? Apr 2025 - This article provides an overview of which regulator you need to apply to and how you can obtain authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority or Prudential Regulation Authority, if you need to. How to obtain authorisation in the UK? Thought Piece Do I need to obtain authorisation from a UK regulator? Apr 2025 - The four-part test to consider whether you need to obtain authorisation (i.e. a licence) from one of the U K regulators. Do I need to obtain authorisation from a UK regulator?