There are some circumstances where firms don’t need to be authorised by us. Find out if you qualify.
On this page 
Exemptions
Some firms engaged in regulated activities don’t, depending on the circumstances, need to be authorised by us. These can include:
- professional firms – such as solicitors, accountants or actuaries
- firms offering payment by instalments
- appointed representatives working on behalf of firms that are already authorised
Exclusions
There are some circumstances where activities that would normally be regulated are unregulated. These can include certain overseas activities and those where potential customers are introduced to firms.
Check and check again
The exemptions and exclusions mentioned above are not exhaustive. For full details, refer to PERG 2.7 and 2.8 in our Handbook.
You can also see a list of regulated activities and find out about debt counselling exclusions.
If you're still not sure whether you need to be authorised, please contact us.
Instalment credit firms
If you're a consumer credit firm that only offers instalment credit agreements, you may be exempt from our authorisation – check the criteria below.
When to apply for authorisation as a local authority
You'll need to apply if you're a:
- local authority carrying out non-exempt regulated activities
- firm owned by a local authority carrying on consumer credit activities – you'll either need full authorisation or interim permission
Find out how to apply for authorisation.