Compliance
Direct Authorisation
Is Direct Authorisation Worth It?
We’ll always say yes — if it’s approached properly, with your eyes wide open.
At Sentinel, we genuinely enjoy working with directly authorised firms — but we’re also honest. Direct Authorisation isn’t right for everyone, and it isn’t something to rush into.
We’re seeing more next-generation professionals choose Direct Authorisation because they want something different from the firms they’re in. They want a business that reflects their values — something modern, and something they control. Direct Authorisation gives you that freedom and responsibility: the space to build a firm your way.
But here’s the truth. If you decide to apply before the business, people, and processes are ready, you will almost certainly fail. This isn’t something to do quickly. It’s something to build carefully, with your eyes open.
Our Approach to Direct Authorisation
We work with firms well in advance of submission often over 6 to 18 months because strong preparation is what separates successful applications from delayed or unsuccessful ones.
Strong leadership, sound governance and clear accountability sit at the heart of every successful directly authorised firm. That’s why we place such a strong focus on SMF training, mentoring and development.
We don’t take on applications just to “get them submitted”.
And we won’t simply tell you what you want to hear, we will work with you to ensure your firm is genuinely ready.
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.
01
Initial Discovery Meeting
We start with an honest conversation. We explore where you are now, your contracts, your past business, and what you want to achieve.
Together, we assess whether Direct Authorisation is genuinely the right move for you. We’ll also discuss your experience as a Director, Compliance Officer, or MLRO, and identify where development may be needed.
02
Readiness & Role Training
If Direct Authorisation is the right route, we begin by training you on your proposed Senior Management Function(s).
You’ll gain a clear understanding of your regulatory responsibilities, identify risks and know when to escalate, so when the time comes, you can demonstrate competence and capability with confidence.
03
Business Plan & Financial Preparation
We guide you through writing a business plan that meets FCA expectations — not a generic template.
We also support you in preparing financials that evidence capital adequacy and sustainability, exactly as the FCA expects to see.
04
Application Planning & Documentation
Once the foundations are in place, we guide and support you through assembling your FCA application.
This includes Statements of Responsibilities, CVs, DBS checks, PI cover, ownership structures, and governance documents — ensuring everything is complete, accurate, and submission-ready.
05
Ongoing Mentoring & Support
Throughout the journey, we act as your sounding board and mentor and challenge you.
We support you with monthly SMF meetings, working through real challenges as they arise, reviewing your Compliance Monitoring Programme, and acting as a critical friend to your business — helping you stay focused, structured and confident without rushing or cutting corners.
Compliance
FCA Compliance Consultants for UK Financial Services Firms
Speak to the experts today
Registered address:
71-75 Shelton Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9JQ
Company Name - Sentinel Compliance Consultants Limited
Company Number - 17049097
Telephone - 020 354 05049
Annabel - 07949 488 071