FCA opens up regulatory sandbox

Can now apply throughout the year

Sophie King
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made its regulatory sandbox available for applications throughout the entire year.

The sandbox had previously operated on a cohort basis, meaning firms could only apply during specific windows. "While the cohort approach was appropriate for a testing environment, which served as a blueprint for regulators all over the world, the sandbox required changes to reflect its maturity and the lessons learned since its inception in 2016," the watchdog said. "The Kalifa Review of UK FinTech recommended that the sandbox be enhanced to provide more value to firms. This included a specific recommendation that the sandbox be made available on a rolling basis, rather than through ...

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

FCA calls on firms to plan for frontier AI cyber risks

FCA calls on firms to plan for frontier AI cyber risks

Joint statement released with BoE and Treasury

Sophia Panayi
clock 20 May 2026 • 2 min read
Firms urged to build 'fit-for-purpose' processes amid FCA bereavement review

Firms urged to build 'fit-for-purpose' processes amid FCA bereavement review

Financial advice firms ‘lack a clear service strategy for bereaved clients'

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 May 2026 • 5 min read
FCA releases further details on bereavement processes review

FCA releases further details on bereavement processes review

Review to focus on platforms, advisers and wealth managers

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 May 2026 • 2 min read