How to ensure that your digital banking start-up is fully compliant: New entry strategies to regulated markets from a UK perspective

The banking sector is being disrupted by new FinTech start-ups who are looking to attract the new digital banking customer. To go to market, a start-up must ensure it is regulatory compliant and has received all necessary permissions. This is not an easy process and start-ups who are unfamiliar with the financial service industry may find the process confusing and overwhelming. However, the UK regulatory framework, albeit stringent, provides opportunities for financial innovation, with the UK regulator launching a number of initiatives to assist start-up firms. This paper discusses the challenges faced by FinTech organisations looking to enter the financial services industry and the options available to them, both in terms of the regimes available within the regulatory framework, such as the Appointed Representative or Regulatory Hosting model, and initiatives that offer support and guidance, like the FCA's ‘Regulatory Sandbox’ initiative. Compliance and regulation play a significant role within the financial services industry and organisations must embrace it to achieve a successful launch and receive the necessary permissions to enter the market.