Is doing it yourself realistic for limited permission?

Yes, for a straightforward case and an owner with time. The main risks are the hours involved and producing documents specific enough to satisfy the FCA — generic templates tend to trigger questions and delay.

Why are compliance consultants so expensive?

They typically charge for bespoke work and often for handling the FCA correspondence too, usually on an hourly or high fixed-fee basis. That's valuable for complex cases, but can be more than a simple secondary-broking application needs.

What's the risk of getting the application wrong?

An incomplete or generic application is more likely to attract FCA questions, slowing things down, and in the worst case can lead to refusal. Getting the documents right at the outset is what keeps the process moving.

Do you guarantee my application will be approved?

No, and you should be wary of anyone who does — approval is the FCA's decision alone. We prepare a complete, accurate, well-evidenced application that gives it the best possible chance.

FCA Authorisation: DIY vs Using a Service

There are really three ways to get FCA-authorised to offer customers finance: do it yourself, pay a compliance consultant, or use a fixed-price service. None is automatically right — it depends on your budget, your time and your appetite for risk. Here's an honest comparison.

Option 1: do it yourself

You can prepare and submit your own application directly to the FCA. The only money you'll spend is the FCA's own application fee.

The upside: it's the cheapest route in pure cash terms, and you stay completely in control.

The catch: the FCA doesn't just want forms filled in — it expects a coherent regulatory business plan and a set of compliance policies that genuinely reflect how your firm will operate. Generic documents copied from a template tend to fare badly and invite questions, which is the single biggest cause of delay. So "free" really means "your time, plus the risk of a slower or weaker application." For a confident owner with time to invest in a straightforward limited permission case, it can still be a perfectly rational choice.

Option 2: a compliance consultant

At the other end, a compliance consultancy will prepare your application and often handle the back-and-forth with the FCA for you.

The upside: hands-on, tailored, and you offload most of the work.

The catch: cost. Preparing and handling a consumer credit application typically runs from around £2,000 to £5,000 or more, depending on complexity and how much the consultant does — and some charge ongoing retainers on top. For a complex or full-permission case that expertise can be well worth it; for a simple secondary-broking application it can be more than you need. We break the numbers down in how much an FCA compliance consultant costs.

Option 3: a fixed-price service (what we do)

A productised service sits in the middle: the quality of professionally-prepared documents, without the open-ended consultant bill. For a fixed £995, we prepare your complete application pack — a regulatory business plan, the compliance policies the FCA expects, a financial forecast, and step-by-step submission guidance — tailored to your business and ready in three working days. You submit it through your own FCA account, so you keep control, and there are no hourly fees.

We're deliberately clear about one thing: we never guarantee approval — that decision is the FCA's. What we do is give your application the best possible start.

Which one suits you?

DIY — lowest cash cost, if you have the time and a straightforward case, and you're comfortable getting the documents right yourself.
Consultant — best for complex or full-permission applications, or if you want someone to handle the FCA entirely and budget isn't the main concern.
Fixed-price service — the sweet spot for most secondary credit brokers: professional, complete documents at a known price, far below consultant rates.

If you're not yet sure you even need authorisation, start with the free eligibility checker or do I need a licence?. To see all the costs side by side, read how much a consumer credit licence costs.

This article is general information to help you understand the process, and is not legal or regulatory advice. CreditLicence is a document preparation service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA rules can change; always check the FCA's website for the current position.

FCA authorisation: doing it yourself vs using a service