Regulatory Business Planning

Building a successful regulated business requires more than just a good idea; it requires a clear plan that aligns with the expectations of your regulator. Whether you’re applying for FCA authorisation or expanding your services, a regulatory business plan is a critical step in demonstrating your commitment to compliance, structure, and operational readiness.

At ALPH Legal, we work closely with firms across consumer credit and money service businesses (MSB) to create regulatory business plans that are practical and regulatory-compliant. Our team will help you formulate your business model, governance, risk management, and compliance procedures in a way that meets regulatory standards without overcomplicating the process.

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What is a regulatory business plan?

A regulatory business plan is a detailed document that outlines how your firm is structured, how it operates, and how it meets its FCA-compliance obligations. It will include a clear explanation of all your services, the market you will operate in, your organisational setup, i.e. your management structure, financial forecasts, and the systems you have in place to manage risks and meet FCA expectations.

For many firms, especially those seeking authorisation or undergoing structural changes, submitting a regulatory business plan is a formal requirement needed to ensure your business operates effectively and within the law. However, having a regulatory business plan can also be used as a valuable tool for both as a way to ensure internal clarity and to demonstrate regulatory alignment for all business partners, stakeholders and employees.

Regulatory business planning

Regulators expect firms to have a solid understanding of their own risk exposure and operational practices. A well-prepared regulatory business plan helps satisfy this expectation and can significantly improve the strength of your application.

Beyond the regulatory aspect, a regulatory business plan can also provide business owners and senior management with a more complete view of how the company will operate, through highlighting weaknesses, clarifying priorities, and setting the foundation for controlled, sustainable growth.

Contact our team to start your regulatory business plan

How we help build your business plan.

At ALPH Legal, we recognise that many firms, especially smaller or newer consumer credit firms, may not have the in-house resources or regulatory knowledge to prepare the needed level of documentation alone.

This is why our team will work with you to understand your business model in detail and help shape a regulatory business plan that is tailored to your specific operations and will strengthen your FCA application. 

These include: 

• Reviewing any existing documentation materials 
• Identifying any gaps in regulatory readiness
• Supporting the development of a clear, structured business plan
• Hands-on guidance and drafting support

Why Work with ALPH Legal?

Our experience working with regulated firms and FCA-compliance means we understand the complex requirements regulators are looking for and how to present your business in a clear way. Our goal is to focus on your individual business needs and help create a regulatory business plan that is both practical and commercially viable. 

Contact our team to discuss your regulatory business plan