In a move welcomed with a collective sigh of relief, the FCA has introduced faster targets for firm authorisations—an unequivocally positive boost for consumer credit providers and FCA-regulated businesses. Not only does this signal progress towards being a more pro-growth, efficient regulator, but it also tidies up long-standing frustrations around lengthy application processes.
That’s a win for the industry—and a reminder that compliance doesn’t have to be a slog.
What’s Changed?
Here’s what to expect under the new regime, effective January 2026:
– Complete applications for payments and e-money firms will now be decided within 3 months, unchanged.
– Incomplete applications will be wrapped up in 10 months, down from 12.
– Applications under the Senior Managers Regime will see at least 50% completed within 35 days, with a new statutory deadline of 2 months, instead of the previous 3.
– All applications will be measured against these targets monthly from early 2026.
In short, better predictability, more efficient handling, less waiting, more doing.
Why It Matters for Consumer Credit Firms
If you’re in consumer lending, credit broking, or related services, this matters—and here’s why:
– Speedier onboarding: no more six-month delays to expand or launch new products.
– Transparency around feedback: thanks to structured timelines and “time to remedy” improvements.
– Cleaner governance: revised metrics and digitisation mean fewer administrative headaches.
But—this isn’t just regulatory goodwill; it’s also a sharper spotlight on quality. Faster doesn’t mean easier. The FCA has emphasised that a rigorous process will persist.
Relief with Responsibility: A Balanced Reaction
Yes, it’s refreshing. Much-needed, even. And yet, firms mustn’t take the fast lane as a license to skimp on preparation. Submitting high-quality applications that hit new benchmarks won’t just avoid delays—it’ll reduce resubmissions, refusals, and fumbling with feedback loops.
Unlocking Your Firm’s Potential with ALPH Legal & Compliance
This is precisely the right moment to dial up your compliance strategy. Here’s how we can help your consumer credit business:
- Application support & strategy
Navigating Authorisations or Senior Manager Regime? We prepare your documentation, polish your submissions, and align them with FCA expectations—fast-tracking readiness. - Policy audits & updates
From governance frameworks to fitness-and-propriety checks, we modernise your policies to mirror the FCA’s new standards. - Post-submission monitoring
We track and manage communications, feedback loops, and FCA enquiries, ensuring you stay ahead of the 35-day and 2‑month timelines. - Regulatory health checks
Regular audits test your compliance systems, internal controls, and readiness for speedier processes, to avoid last-minute panics.
What You Should Do Now
| Steps | Why It Matters |
| Review your upcoming or pending applications | Ensure completeness, clarity, and accuracy—critical under the new timelines |
| Test your processes | Can you support digital submissions and feedback responses within weeks not months? |
| Engage a compliance partner | ALPH Legal & Compliance can help you pre-empt delays and maximise FCA support services |
Let’s Make It Happen!
This reformed timeline isn’t just a regulatory “nice-to-have”—it’s your opportunity to move faster, smarter, and more confidently than peers.
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We thrive on helping FCA-regulated businesses like yours transform compliance challenges into growth opportunities.
ALPH Legal & Compliance – Your proactive partner in transforming compliance from burden to asset.
ALPH Legal & Compliance can assist with all aspects of your business’s compliance needs, whether that be compliance structure and policy, internal/external audit, business and regulatory change support, authorisation, supervision or just some general expert advice and guidance!
With all the regulatory shifts on the horizon, now is the time to act. Don’t wait until compliance gaps appear—engage with ALPH Legal & Compliance today to ensure your firm is ahead of the curve. Whether you need tailored guidance, compliance support, or strategic insights to drive new business, ALPH Legal & Compliance is your trusted partner in navigating FCA regulations with confidence.
Visit ALPH Legal & Compliance now and take control of your compliance future!