Easy access to UK API licenses with professional support
A team of compliance experts to escort you: complex FCA regulatory requirements, let us handle. The professional team will create a high-quality application plan for you, greatly improve the approval rate, and let you focus on business development without worry.
One-stop service, easy and worry-free: from legal advice, document review to anti-money laundering/KYC policy formulation, to external audit arrangements, we provide full-process services to save you valuable time and energy.
Flexible, Tailored: Time-critical? If your budget allows, we can help you explore API acquisitions and get your license quickly.
Ready to enter the UK API market? Contact us now!
Comprehensive business expansion: With a license, you can provide a full range of regulated payment services such as remittances, payment account processing, and card issuance.
Enhance brand reputation: gain regulatory approval and enhance the trust of customers and investors.
Asset appreciation: improve the valuation of enterprises, for you to open more cooperation and financing channels.
Key Requirements for UK API Licence Application
The FCA sets specific requirements for API applicants. Here is a basic overview:
Initial capital: £ 20000;
◆ Registration fee: £ 5,000;
◆ Fund protection: Submit a plan to protect the client's funds (separate account or insurance)
◆ Leadership Team: Appointment of local UK executives with financial services experience
◆ Business plan: detailing operations, risk management, revenue projections and safeguards
Services covered by the UK Payment Agencies Licence (API)
The UK Payments Authority Licence gives businesses the right to offer a wide range of regulated payment services, including:
◆ Deposit and manage funds in payment accounts.
◆ Support the cash withdrawal and operation of the account.
◆ Execute payment transactions, including direct debits and credit transfers.
◆ Handle bank card-based payments and credit transfers.
◆ Conduct credit-backed transactions.
◆ Issue payment instruments and obtain payment transactions.
◆ Provide funds remittance services.
◆ Provides payment initiation services and account information services.
With this licence, the company will be qualified to operate in compliance with the UK financial market, significantly enhancing its market competitiveness.
Step 1: Evaluate
Expected 2-4 weeks
Evaluate your business plan, provide architectural recommendations, and clarify requirements, costs, and timelines.
Step 2: Qualification Verification
Estimated 1-2 weeks
Ensure your team meets FCA compliance requirements
Step 3: Company Registration
Estimated 1 week
Register a limited liability company for you in the UK.
Step 4: Document Preparation
Estimated 4-6 weeks, depending on complexity
Assist you in developing plans, forecasts and policies, coordinate with your team, and prepare complete application documents that meet FCA standards.
Step 5: Deploy locally
Estimated 2-4 weeks, can be carried out simultaneously with document preparation
Assist in recruiting local staff (director, company secretary, AML reporting officer) and leasing office space.
Step 6: Fund Guarantee Account
Expected 2-4 weeks
Leverage your network resources to help you open a funding account and access your payment infrastructure.
Step 7 : FCA submission
Estimated 1-2 weeks
Submit your application online through the FCA's Connect system's Connect system.
Step 8 : FCA Follow Up
Estimated time is variable and may range from a few weeks to a few months
Assist you with FCA follow-up, questions and interviews throughout the process.
Costs: Covers set-up costs (local staff, accounting), licence fees and ongoing compliance costs (audits, reporting, etc.), please consult.
Time: In our experience, the entire process can take months. We will try our best to optimize the process and strive for the fastest results. Our familiarity with the FCA process helps reduce delays.
Important Note: About License Plate Passage
UK EMI licenses no longer automatically gain EU access. According to your European expansion plan, we provide the best solutions to help you successfully expand the European market.
UK API Licence Application FAQ
-
1. Why did you choose to apply for a UK API license?
As the UK is at the forefront of financial technology, API licenses will help you: broaden your service areas, shape the image of corporate authority, join hands with first-class financial institutions, and tap more growth opportunities. -
2. What is the difference between API license and EMI license?
API licenses focus on data sharing and payment initiation between financial institutions and third parties, while EMI licenses cover a wide range of services such as electronic currency issuance, payment processing and account management. We will recommend the most suitable license type for you according to your business model. -
3. How to distinguish between API license and SPI license?
API licenses focus on secure financial data sharing and payment initiation, while SPI licenses allow institutions to directly provide payment services, including account management, payment processing and even card issuance. We will customize the most matching license scheme for you according to your business needs. -
How long does the application process usually take?
Based on past experience, the entire process may take several months. In the event that the FCA requests additional materials, the time may be extended. But rest assured, we will optimize the process and strive to shorten your waiting time. -
Is there a need for a physical office in the UK?
Yes, your core management team needs to be based in the UK. We can help you find the right talent and office space. -
Will a UK API license give me access to the EU market?
No, things have changed since Brexit. However, we will customize your European market expansion strategy to help you smoothly enter the EU market. -
7. Does my team need to have financial technology experience?
While relevant experience is a plus, it is not required. We can help you build a professional team or introduce the best in the industry. -
8. What technical support is required to apply for and maintain a licence?
You need to deploy systems for secure data transfer, API management, anti-fraud, and compliance monitoring. We can recommend you a reliable solution or contact a quality technology provider. -
9. What are the costs of applying for and maintaining a UK API licence?
Fees cover FCA application fees, set-up costs (e. g., office space, staffing), technical infrastructure inputs, ongoing compliance and possible audit fees. We will provide you with a detailed list of expenses. -
10. Can you provide ongoing compliance support?
Of course you can! We are committed to providing a full range of compliance services to ensure that you always meet regulatory requirements and give you peace of mind. -
11. Why choose your company?
We have a wealth of successful experience, customer-centric, efficient project management approach to cross-border licence applications. As experts in UK and global regulation, we aspire to be your long-term partner in UK compliance and global expansion. -
12. Can you assist me in the whole process of applying for an API license?
No problem! From company registration to application submission, to communication with FCA, we will accompany you all the way to ensure your smooth license.
Other recommend Licenses
Ireland has emerged as a top destination for fintech firms seeking Payment Institution (PI) licences
Ireland has been a destination for fintech companies for years. Dublin has a vibrant financial ecosystem and strong links with the European Union and international markets. Since Brexit, Ireland has rapidly developed into an important financial center in Europe, attracting many fintech companies to apply for licenses here.
With the Central Bank of Ireland's robust regulatory framework, the country has created an enabling environment for business and continues to lead the financial sector...
Want to quickly and efficiently expand your financial technology services in the UK market? The UK Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence is key to providing a range of compliance services, from e-wallets, e-currency issuance and payment processing to IBAN accounts, payment cards and SWIFT payments. With a UK EMI license, you will earn the trust of customers and investors in a regulated capacity, drive business growth and expand valuable partnership opportunities.
The Preferred Land for Global Crypto and Fintech Success
Switzerland is a global leader in financial innovation, with industries directly overseen by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) including fintech (FinTech), banks, securities firms, distributed ledger technology (DLT) trading venues and fund managers. For other financial intermediaries that do not need to obtain a full FINMA license, Switzerland requires them to join self-regulatory organizations (SROs)-such as VQF or SO-FIT, and these SROs are also authorized and supervised by FINMA...
Customer Witness
