What is FCA Connect?

Connect is the FCA's secure online portal for authorisation applications and regulatory notifications. Everything — the application forms, your supporting documents, and the fee payment — goes through it. You'll need to create an account before you can start.

The steps

  1. Create a Connect account. Register on the FCA's Connect system with your email and set up your login.
  2. Start a new application. Choose the consumer credit authorisation application and the permission you need — for most secondary credit brokers that's limited permission rather than full.
  3. Complete the online forms. You'll answer questions about your firm, the regulated activities and permissions you're applying for, the individuals involved, and your finances.
  4. Upload your supporting documents. This is where your pack goes — your regulatory business plan, compliance policies and financial forecast.
  5. Pay the application fee. Pay the FCA's fee by credit or debit card. It's currently around £550 for limited permission, but check the FCA's current fees as categories change.
  6. Submit. Once submitted, the FCA assigns a case officer to assess your application.
  7. Respond to any questions. The case officer may come back with queries or requests for clarification — answering quickly and clearly keeps the timeline moving.

Tips for a smooth submission

  • Have everything ready before you start — the online forms are much easier when your documents and figures are finalised.
  • Keep it consistent — the answers in the forms should match your business plan and forecasts; inconsistencies are a common reason the FCA comes back with questions.
  • Respond promptly — the clock effectively pauses while the FCA waits for you, so quick replies matter.

Where we fit in: we prepare the supporting documents — the part that takes the most work and judgement — and give you guidance for the Connect submission. You submit through your own Connect account, so you stay in control of your application.

For the full journey from start to authorised, see our step-by-step guide, and if you're weighing how to prepare the application, DIY vs using a service lays out the options.