Compliance
Direct Authorisation - is it really worth it?
We’ll always say yes, it is — with one important caveat, it has to be approached properly and with your eyes wide open
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At Sentinel, we love working with directly authorised firms. And No! it’s not for everyone.
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We are seeing more new-generation professionals come to us because they feel a values clash with the firms they’re in. They want to build something different, something modern and something they control. And that’s exactly what Direct Authorisation gives you, full responsibility, full freedom, and the chance to do things your way.
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But here is the truth, if you wake up one day and decide to “go DA” and fire an application off to the FCA, you’ll almost certainly fail. The FCA gateway is tough, and it should be, they are regulators. This isn’t something to rush, it’s something to build.
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And that is why we mentor firms for up to 18 months before submission.
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This preparation is what makes the difference between success and disappointment. It’s also why we invest so much in SMF training and mentoring — because strong leadership is fundamental to any successful DA firm.
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We’re honest about what it takes. We won’t take you on as our clients to just put in an application where it isn’t ready, and we won’t tell you what you want to hear, we will be honest.
Our goal is to get you authorised and build a firm that thrives and has longevity.
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There’s nothing more rewarding than guiding someone through the full journey, watching their confidence, knowledge, and business grow.
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So, is it worth it?
We think so
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How Sentinel Can Help
Going Directly Authorised is a big step, and it should be. We take firms through the process properly, giving them the clarity, confidence, and structure to succeed.
1. Initial Discovery Meeting
We start with an honest conversation. We’ll explore where you are now, your contracts, your past business including final salary pensions, and then what you want to achieve. Together we’ll assess whether Direct Authorisation is genuinely the right move for you. We’ll also discuss your experience as a Director, Chief Executive, Compliance Officer, or MLRO to understand the skills you already have and where development may be needed.
2. Readiness and Role Training
If Direct Authorisation is the right route, we begin by training you on your proposed Senior Management Functions (SMFs). You’ll gain a clear understanding of your regulatory responsibilities, so when the time comes, you can demonstrate capability with confidence.
3. Business Plan & Financial Preparation
We guide you through writing a business plan that truly meets FCA expectations — not just a generic template. We’ll also support you in preparing financials that evidence your capital adequacy and sustainability, exactly as the FCA will want to see them.
4. Application Planning & Documentation
Once the foundations are in place, we guide and support you through assembling your FCA application — ensuring Statements of Responsibilities, CVs, DBS checks, PII cover, ownership structures and governance documents are complete, accurate and ready to submit.
5. Ongoing Mentoring & Support
Throughout the journey, we act as your sounding board and mentor, helping you with challenges, refine your approach, and stay on track through the FCA gateway process.
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We don’t rush, and we don’t cut corners — so we ask clients to share that commitment to doing things properly.
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