Financial Conduct Authority

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the conduct of financial services firms in the United Kingdom and supervises the integrity of UK financial markets.

It is known internationally for its regulatory sandbox, which allows firms to test innovative products with real customers under supervision — a model many other regulators have since copied.

Any UK fintech handling payments, credit, insurance, or investments will need FCA authorisation or an exemption, and the timeline for that should be built into fundraising plans.

The financial promotions regime also restricts how investments may be marketed in the UK, which affects how founders can approach potential investors.