Become a Payment or E-Money Agent
Launch faster by operating as an agent of an authorised payment institution or EMI. We connect you with principal firms and manage the registration process.
Speak to an ExpertWhat We Do
Operating as an agent of an authorised payment institution or electronic money institution is a legitimate and increasingly common route to market. It allows firms to begin providing payment services quickly while their own licence application is being processed — or as a permanent operating model.
What Is a Payment Agent?
A payment agent provides payment services on behalf of an authorised principal firm. The principal holds the licence and is responsible for the agent's compliance. Agents are registered by the principal with the FCA and can provide payment services including money remittance, payment execution and account information services.
Who Should Use the Agent Route?
The agent model is ideal for firms that want to launch quickly without waiting for their own FCA authorisation, firms testing a business model before committing to a full licence, firms that prefer to operate under an established principal, and fintech startups that need to demonstrate traction to investors.
Our Principal Firm Network
We maintain relationships with authorised payment institutions and electronic money institutions that accept agents. We match firms with appropriate principals based on service type, jurisdiction, volume and operational requirements.
Agent to Own Licence Transition
For firms using the agent route as a stepping stone, we plan the transition to their own PI or EMI licence from day one. We ensure the agent arrangement is structured to facilitate a smooth handover and that compliance infrastructure is built to the standard required for independent authorisation.
Setting Up as a Principal Firm
For authorised firms looking to onboard agents, we provide agent due diligence frameworks, FCA notification support, agent monitoring programmes and compliance oversight arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Agent registration can be completed in 4–8 weeks once a principal firm agreement is in place. This is significantly faster than obtaining your own licence.
No. As an agent, you operate under the principal’s authorisation. The principal is responsible for registering you with the FCA.
Agents can provide payment services including money remittance, payment execution, account information services and e-money distribution, depending on the principal’s permissions.
Yes. Many firms use the agent route as a launch strategy while their own PI or EMI application is processed. We plan this transition from the outset.
The principal firm will typically charge a setup fee and ongoing fees (fixed or per-transaction). There is no FCA application fee for agents. Contact us to discuss commercial arrangements.
Technically possible, but uncommon. Most agents operate under a single principal. We advise on the best structure for your business model.
Speak to Our Team
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your regulatory and compliance needs.
info@regulatorycounsel.co.uk | 2 Frederick Street, London WC1X 0ND