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UK AEMI License

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What is an AEMI licence?

If you’re a UK-based business looking to issue electronic money, you must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI), in line with the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and the Payment Services Regulations 2017.

There are two types of EMI licences:

Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI)
Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI)

You’ll need to apply for an AEMI licence if your business:

Holds more than €5 million in average outstanding e-money, or
Processes more than €3 million per month in unrelated payment services

An AEMI licence is designed for larger businesses with higher transaction volumes and broader service offerings.

What do I need to get an AEMI licence?

To apply for an Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI) licence in the UK, you must meet specific FCA requirements, including:

A main place of business in the UK
UK-based central management, with day-to-day decisions made within the UK
A UK-based Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)
A comprehensive and detailed regulatory business plan
Strong governance structures and internal control mechanisms
Robust information security controls and a formal security policy
Effective financial crime prevention measures
Controls to protect sensitive payment data
Clear evidence of how you will meet the initial and ongoing capital requirements
Proof of how you will comply with safeguarding requirements for customer funds
Professional indemnity insurance (if offering Account Information Services (AIS) or Payment Initiation Services (PIS))
Detailed information demonstrating the suitability of all owners, directors, and senior management

How long does it take to get an AEMI licence?

We typically prepare your AEMI licence application within 6 to 8 weeks. Once submitted, the FCA generally takes up to 3 months to make a decision on a complete application. However, in practice, the entire process can take 6 months or longer to achieve full authorisation.

Will I be accepted for an AEMI licence?

With a 99% success rate for applications submitted on behalf of our clients, we take pride in delivering results. Before we take on your case, we’ll conduct a thorough pre-screening of your company, directors, and shareholders to ensure you meet the FCA’s requirements. These checks allow us to proceed with confidence and maximise your chances of approval on the first attempt.

How much does it cost?

We offer a flat-fee pricing model for AEMI licence applications. This fee includes unlimited follow-up with the FCA until your licence is granted. There are no hidden charges; you just need complete support from start to finish.

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About Us

We are a UK-based compliance consultancy dedicated to supporting financial services firms in meeting their regulatory obligations with confidence and clarity. Operating exclusively within the UK regulatory framework, we assist businesses at every stage of their journey—whether navigating the complexities of authorisation or maintaining ongoing compliance.

Our strength lies in the depth of expertise across our team. With a combined foundation of over 25 years’ experience in financial services, we bring practical insight, regulatory understanding, and strategic guidance to every engagement. We do not offer generic solutions; instead, we deliver tailored advice that reflects the realities of your business and the expectations of the regulator.

We understand that today’s regulatory landscape is demanding, fast-moving, and often challenging. That is why we position ourselves not simply as advisers, but as your long-term compliance partner. From initial application through to day-to-day oversight, we work alongside you to make complex processes clear, manageable, and efficient.

Our focus is on achieving the right outcome—every time. By combining technical excellence with a client-centred approach, we help firms progress with confidence, minimise regulatory risk, and build sustainable, compliant operations. With us, compliance becomes not a barrier to growth, but a foundation for it.

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