Why get a payment/EMI license in United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom pairs FCA brand credibility with access to a large domestic market and sterling rails, including Faster Payments, all inside a mature fintech ecosystem of banking-as-a-service partners, investors, and talent. Tiered entry lets early-stage, low-volume firms start with a Small EMI or Small PI and step up to full Authorised EMI or API as they scale, in exchange for a rigorous, resource-intensive FCA review and a complete compliance build. Since Brexit, none of these authorisations carry an EU passport.
FCA brand credibility. An FCA authorisation is a globally recognised mark of regulatory standing that helps with partners, investors, and customers.
Large UK market. Direct access to a deep UK payments market and sterling rails, including Faster Payments, central to a domestic operation.
Mature fintech ecosystem. A rich ecosystem of banking-as-a-service partners, investors, and experienced payments talent to build and scale on.
Tiered entry points. Lighter Small EMI and Small PI regimes let early-stage, low-volume firms start before stepping up to full authorisation.
Room to scale. Full Authorised EMI and API regimes remove the volume thresholds, so firms can grow without a fresh licence category.
Open banking ready. A Registered Account Information Service Provider route supports account information services and open-banking propositions.
UK licence types and activities
We map your model to the correct FCA authorisation:
Authorised EMI (AEMI)
Issuing e-money (wallets, prepaid balances, stored value) plus payment services, with no volume cap and full requirements.
Small EMI (SEMI)
A lighter, threshold-limited e-money regime for low-volume firms operating only within the UK.
Authorised Payment Institution (API)
Executing payment services (accounts, transfers, card issuing/acquiring, money remittance) without issuing e-money.
Small Payment Institution (SPI)
A lighter registration for lower-volume payment services within the UK, with reduced requirements.
Registered AISP (RAISP)
Account information services under the open-banking framework, via a registration rather than full authorisation.
Safeguarding & Governance
Segregated client-fund safeguarding plus a UK presence, experienced UK-based senior management, and a compliance function.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.