Common application pitfalls
Understand the most common pitfalls firms are encountering since the gateway opened.
Mind the Gateway: The early pitfalls in FCA cryptoasset authorisation
Strengthen your UK cryptoasset authorisation application
The FCA’s cryptoasset application gateway opened on 30 September, and the early weeks have already shown where applications are falling short.
In this on-demand webinar, our team walk through the most common pitfalls before, during and after submission. They cover everything from perimeter and group structure decisions to prudential requirements and getting the most from the FCA’s pre-application support.
Whether you’re mid-application or still preparing, you’ll come away with practical steps to strengthen your submission ahead of the 28 February deadline.
What you’ll learn in this webinar
Examine the early lessons from the gateway and identify the preparation your application needs next.
Governance, financial crime and resilience
Explore where applications are falling short on governance, financial crime and operational resilience.
FCA assessment priorities
Hear our team’s perspective on what the FCA is likely to look for when assessing your application.
Perimeter and permissions
Learn how to address gaps in your perimeter analysis and permissions mapping.
Move your application forward
Identify practical steps if you haven’t started yet or have stalled partway through.
Prepare for what comes next
Understand what to expect as the window before the regime starts narrows.
Who should watch
If you work in compliance, legal or risk at a firm undertaking or considering cryptoasset-related activities in the UK, this session will help you plan your next steps.
You’re already applying
Review the early lessons and consider where your application needs strengthening.
You’re still preparing
Identify the practical work you can start now and the gaps to prioritise.
You hold an existing registration or authorisation
Consider your next steps if you’re registered under the MLRs or authorised for payments or e-money and need to apply afresh under FSMA.
Take the next step in your FCA cryptoasset application.
This webinar explores the early pitfalls firms are encountering since the FCA’s cryptoasset authorisation gateway opened on 30 September. Our Capital Markets specialists share practical guidance on perimeter decisions, building a credible application pack, prudential requirements and what to expect after you submit.
What topics does the Mind the Gateway webinar cover?
This webinar looks at the common pitfalls firms are facing at every stage of the FCA cryptoasset authorisation process: before you apply, in the application itself, and after you submit. We cover perimeter and group structure decisions, financial crime and conduct expectations, the prudential build, and a practical plan for the weeks ahead of the 28 February application deadline.
Who should watch this webinar recording?
This webinar is designed for compliance, legal and risk professionals, MLROs and senior executives at firms undertaking, or considering, cryptoasset activities in the UK. It’s relevant whether you’re mid-application, still preparing, or deciding whether you’re in scope, including firms registered under the MLRs or authorised for payments or e-money that need to apply under FSMA.
What will I learn from this webinar?
You’ll learn where applications are most likely to fall short, from permissions that don’t match your products to financial projections that don’t reconcile. We also cover how to make the most of the FCA’s pre-application support, what the regulator expects firms to evidence, and the steps to take now to strengthen your application.
Is this webinar led by experienced regulatory professionals?
Yes. The webinar is presented by fscom’s Capital Markets specialists Evan McGookin, Stacey Copper and Michael Foreman. Their experience includes a senior role at the FCA, leading FCA authorisation engagements, and financial crime compliance across payments, e-money and virtual asset service providers.
Can fscom help my firm with FCA cryptoasset authorisation?
Yes. fscom offers readiness and gap assessments, full application builds, financial crime and market abuse framework uplift, and prudential and wind-down planning. We support firms from the first scoping conversation through pre-application, submission and determination.
How do I access the webinar and request further support?
Simply complete the registration form to access the on-demand webinar recording. If you’d like to discuss your firm’s cryptoasset authorisation needs, contact us at +44 (0) 28 9042 5451 or through our website.
Plan your next authorisation steps
Watch the webinar recording to hear the Capital Markets team’s early application lessons and decide what to prioritise for your firm.
This recording provides general information reflecting the position discussed at the time of the webinar, not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Obtain specific advice for your firm’s circumstances where appropriate.
About fscom
We help financial services firms understand their regulatory position and strengthen their compliance maturity. Our Capital Markets team led this recorded session on UK cryptoasset authorisation.
Our authorisation and application support includes gap analysis, document preparation, submission support and case officer management, helping you turn identified gaps into practical next steps.