Does FCA authorisation have an expiration date?

Once you have your FCA licence there is no expiry date so no, FCA authorisation doesn’t expire. However, once your firm is authorised, you must meet the FCA’s rules and obligations in order to keep that licence, any violations of the FCA’s requirements will result in consequences. You will also need to pay an annual fee which varies depending on sector and income.

How FCA Authorisation Can End

If you no longer want or need your FCA licence, then you do have the option to cancel it as long as you follow the correct protocol. You can cancel your licence by applying to cancel your permissions voluntarily through the FCA Connect system. The FCA will review and, if satisfied, remove your authorisation and update the Financial Services Register. If you need any support to cancel your licence you can contact The Compliance Guys and they will help you through the process. It’s important to beware that the FCA can also cancel or vary permissions without your consent if it believes you are no longer carrying out regulated activities. This power, strengthened by the Financial Services Act 2021, allows the FCA to remove unused permissions more quickly.

Common Reasons for Cancellation

The FCA may act if you fail to pay regulatory fees, miss required returns, ignore FCA communications, or no longer carry out the activities you are authorised for. In these cases, the FCA issues a warning notice and gives you a chance to respond before issuing a decision notice.

How keep your FCA licence without consequences

At The Compliance Guys, we support firms after authorisation, so you never miss a deadline or risk losing your permissions. Speak to us today and let us help you stay compliant year after year.

Email us: sales@thecomplianceguys.co.uk

Call us: 01792926040