FCA drags its heels in six month delays to authorise new firms

Laura Miller
clock

The average length of time taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to authorise financial services start-ups is now back up to its highest levels, according to data obtained by City law firm RPC.

Firms had to wait 25.8 weeks in the second quarter of 2013 for final FCA approval, 6% longer than the previous quarter. That is almost twice as long as the 13.9 weeks taken to authorise a new firm in the second quarter of 2008 in the first stage of the regulatory tightening after the collapse of Northern Rock. RPC said that the growing wait for firms is concerning as it is a first indication of how long the new FCA is taking to approve new financial services start ups since it started in April this year. RPC partner Richard Burger said: "If the split of the FSA is causing long de...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Industry calls on government to reform 'not fit for purpose' FCA

Industry calls on government to reform 'not fit for purpose' FCA

‘They have no idea about our market and drown us in petty regulation’

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 June 2024 • 3 min read
FCA not looking to 'put brakes' on technology and AI innovation

FCA not looking to 'put brakes' on technology and AI innovation

'Artificial intelligence tools are not stand alone systems'

clock 07 June 2024 • 2 min read
Trade bodies call for chancellor to stop FCA public enforcement

Trade bodies call for chancellor to stop FCA public enforcement

‘Proposals to publicise investigations are a worrying development’

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 April 2024 • 2 min read