Licensing guide · 7 min read
UK Financial Authorisations Overview
Banks, EMIs, payment institutions and crypto registration in the UK.
Updated 30/10/2026
The UK separates prudential and conduct regulation. Banks are dual-regulated by the PRA and FCA; payment and e-money firms are authorised by the FCA.
Main routes
- Bank — PRA authorisation, with an optional mobilisation phase.
- Authorised EMI / PI — under EMRs 2011 and PSRs 2017.
- Small EMI / PI — registration below volume thresholds.
- Cryptoasset registration — AML registration under the MLRs; a full authorisation regime for cryptoasset activities is being introduced.
UK licences do not passport into the EEA.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the competent authority.