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Small Electronic Money Institution Registration

We have been helping electronic money institutions since 2013 and provide full end-to-end support with Small Electronic Money Institution licence registration applications. 

How can we help?

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Our services for Small Electronic Money Institutions

FCA registration

We can help advise on the requirements and prepare your application, including all the required policies, for a successful application in the quickest time possible. We also help manage communication with the FCA.

EU licence applications

We help clients in most European countries where the Small Electronic Money institution registration is applicable.

End-to-end set-up 

From company incorporation to hiring and arranging banking facilities, we can help with everything required to set up your Small Electronic Money Institution.

Why leading firms choose us as their partner.

"We engaged Buckingham Capital Consulting for our Small Electronic Money Institution (EMI) registration, and they have shown great expertise and support throughout the process.

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They provided clear guidance on the application process, ensuring we met all criteria and documentation requirements. Their team worked closely with us to complete the application forms accurately and comply with regulatory standards. They also assisted in submitting the application and supported us during the review process. 

 

Buckingham Capital Consulting's attention to detail and knowledge of the regulatory landscape were invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful registration. We are highly satisfied with the service and expertise provided by Buckingham Capital Consulting."

Small Electronic Money Institution Guide

Introduction

At Buckingham Capital Consulting, we specialise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding the Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) registration. Our team of  experts possess a strong understanding of the intricacies involved in obtaining and maintaining the Small Electronic Money Institution registration. We are adept at staying abreast of the latest regulatory developments and can provide with the expertise needed to obtain the Small Electronic Money Institution registration and ensure compliance.

Our Small Electronic Money Institution registration service is designed to take the burden off your shoulders. We guide you through each step of the FCA's Small EMI registration process, from initial application to ongoing compliance requirements. By leveraging our in-depth knowledge and experience, we streamline the process, saving you valuable time and resources. With Buckingham Capital Consulting as your trusted partner, you can focus on what you do best – running your business – while we handle the intricacies of licencing.
 

Our Small Electronic Money Institution Services

At Buckingham Capital Consulting, we pride ourselves on being experts in the FCA's Small Electronic Money Institution registration and regulatory compliance. Our comprehensive range of services is specifically designed to assist businesses in obtaining and managing their licences efficiently, ensuring compliance with the FCA requirements.


Small EMI Registration Application Support

Navigating the Small Electronic Money Institution registration  application process can be overwhelming. Our team of professionals has a deep understanding of the FCA's requirements and can provide you with expert guidance throughout the application process. We assist with the preparation and submission of all necessary documentation, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and stands the best chance of approval.


Compliance Framework Development

Compliance is at the heart of the financial services industry, and maintaining a robust compliance framework is essential for Small Electronic Money Institutions. We can work closely with your business to develop customised compliance frameworks tailored to your specific needs and business model. Our experts have extensive knowledge of FCA regulations, enabling us to design and implement compliance policies and procedures that meet regulatory standards and mitigate risks effectively.


Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

Regulatory compliance is not a one-time requirement but an ongoing commitment. Our team can provide comprehensive compliance monitoring services to ensure that your business remains in full compliance with the FCA's requirements. We can conduct regular audits and assessments, identify areas of improvement, and offer proactive solutions to mitigate any compliance gaps that may arise.


Risk Management and Internal Controls

Effective risk management is crucial for the success and longevity of any financial institution. We can work closely with you to assess and mitigate risks, develop robust risk management frameworks, and establish internal control mechanisms. We can help you identify potential risks, implement risk mitigation strategies, and ensure that your operations align with best practices and regulatory guidelines.


Training and Education

Keeping your staff well-informed and up-to-date on regulatory requirements is important. We offer comprehensive training and education programs tailored to client needs. Our training sessions cover various aspects of compliance, risk management, and regulatory updates, empowering clients and their teams with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain compliance and mitigate risks effectively.


Regulatory Updates and Advisory Services

The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, with new guidelines and requirements being introduced regularly. As experts in the field, we stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory developments and provide timely advisory services to our clients. We can keep you informed about changes in regulations, interpret their impact on your business, and offer strategic guidance to ensure continued compliance.
 

Applying to become a Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) with the FCA

To apply to the FCA as a Small Electronic Money Institution, you will be required to complete the application form, as well as the supplementary forms and evidence and submit them on the FCA's online system, namely, Connect.  

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As part of your application, you will be required to prepare the following information:

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1. Business plan, including financial forecasts for a period covering 3 years

2. A description of your business organisation

3. Details of how you will safeguard the funds of your users

4. Compliance & governance arrangements and internal controls 

​5. Procedure for monitoring, handling, and following up on security incidents and security-related customer complaints 

6. Processes for filing, monitoring, tracking and restricting access to sensitive payment data 

7 .Business continuity measures 

8. Details on your data collection methodology concerning performance, transaction and fraud-related data.

9. A copy of your security policy 

10. Your financial crime policy, entailing your internal control mechanisms to comply with anti-money laundering and countering-terrorist financing (AML/CTF obligations) 

11. Details of your qualifying holders (shareholders holding or controlling 10% or more in the applicant firm) 

12. Details of any outsourcing arrangements

13. Details of people responsible for the management of your firm

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Registering management team members or directors

 

You will need to submit individual forms for each person responsible for the management of your Small Electronic Money Institution. This typically includes the money laundering reporting officer and other head of function holders. 

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You will also be required to inform the FCA of any changes to the directors or people responsible for the management of your firm. You may do so, using the FCA's Connect system here. 

 

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Registering people with qualifying holdings 

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You will be required to submit the details of any person or firm holding or controlling 10% or more capital or voting rights in the company to the FCA. You must also inform the FCA of any changes to the qualifying holdings. 

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Registering agents 

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In order to engage an agent for the distribution of e-money or the provision of payment services on your behalf, it is mandatory to register them through the Connect platform.

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Having agents to distribute e-money on your behalf will make you a principal firm. As the principal entity, it will be your responsibility to ensure that your agent acts in compliance with relevant regulations. Therefore, it is crucial to establish suitable systems and controls to effectively supervise their activities. By doing so, you can effectively oversee and take accountability for any actions or omissions carried out by your appointed agent.

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For more information on notifying the FCA about changes to your agents, you can use this link

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FCA's Small Electronic Money Institution (EMI) application fee

The application fee for the Small Electronic Money Institution registration application is £1,000. The fee is paid at the time of submitting your application. 

How long it takes to obtain the Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) registration with the FCA?

The Financial Conduct Authority is required by the European Banking Authority to assess and make a decision on a Small E-money EMI / Electronic Money Institution registration application within three months of receiving a complete application.

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You are required to submit specific information, as specified in schedule 1 of the EMRs.  We can help ensure that you avoid any delays by preparing and submitting a complete application and making sure that you meet all the regulatory conditions and requirements. 

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Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) registration services 

A Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) registration enables the licence holder to offer a number of services:

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  1. Issuing of electronic money e.g. prepaid cards and electronic wallets;

  2. Services enabling cash to be placed on a payment account and all of the operations required for operating a payment account;

  3. Services enabling cash withdrawals from a payment account and all of the operations required for operating a payment account;

  4. The execution of payment transactions, including transfers of funds on a payment account with the user’s payment service  provider or with another payment service provider, including, execution of direct debits, including one-off direct debits; execution of payment transactions through a payment card or a similar device; execution of credit transfers, including standing orders;

  5. Execution of payment transactions where the funds are covered by a credit line for a payment service user,   including, execution of direct debits, including one-off direct debits; execution of payment transactions through a payment card  or a similar device; (iii)execution of credit transfers, including standing orders;

  6. Payment instruments or acquiring payment transactions;

  7. Money remittance;

  8. Payment initiation services; and,

  9. Account information services.

Small Electronic Money Institution (EMI) capital requirements

The Small Electronic Money Institution registration is not subject to an initial or upfront capital requirement.

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The ongoing capital required for the Small Electronic Money Institution registration is 2% of the average outstanding e-money above €500,000. 

Small Electronic Money Institution key requirements

  • The requirement is to safeguard client funds either with a segregated client bank account or with an insurance policy.

  • The management body of the Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence must be of good repute and possess the relevant qualifications and experience to perform their duties.

 

Reasons for choosing the UK for your Small Electronic Money Institution   

- World’s fifth-largest economy

- Low corporation tax

- Low business costs

- Business tax relief of up to 230% on research and development

- Access to a highly-skilled workforce

- Strong fintech growth and investment

- Strong reputation in financial services

 

Our People

Our team of regulatory and compliance experts boasts diverse backgrounds spanning various sectors, providing a holistic understanding of our clients' challenges. With our service being led by seasoned professionals, you'll have direct access to senior experts, often at the director level, ensuring personalised attention. Combining robust regulatory knowledge with commercial insight, our team delves deep into your business to tailor unique solutions specifically suited to your needs.

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