When scaling fast, firms can face challenges navigating the regulatory landscape. Find out how the Scale-up Unit will support firms.
The Scale-Up Unit supports both dual-regulated and FCA solo-regulated firms.
For dual-regulated firms, alongside the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), we have launched a joint Scale-up Unit to strengthen our engagement with fast-growing, innovative regulated firms.
We launched a pilot cohort[2] for dual-regulated firms in early 2026 and will open a second dual-regulated cohort in the future.
FCA solo-regulated firms can now apply for the pilot cohort[3]. Applications will close on 22 June 2026.
Why firms need support when scaling-up
The UK has one of the world’s most vibrant financial services ecosystems, but we know firms face challenges moving from start-up to scale-up, and may need extra support when scaling fast.
Some firms can struggle to navigate complex regulation, such as:
- How regulatory requirements change as firms grow.
- Expectations as they seek to expand into new sectors or expand product ranges.
- How to deploy new or innovative technology safely and responsibly.
This new initiative builds on our existing support for firms, including our Innovation Pathways, and Early and High Growth Oversight function, reinforcing our commitment to support firms at different stages of their lifecycle.
How the Scale-up Unit will work
The Scale-up Unit will provide a dedicated point of contact to tackle some of the challenges scaling firms face.
It will help regulated firms looking to scale up with support in areas including:
Regulatory processes
The Scale-Up Unit will help firms to:
- Understand which regulatory processes are relevant to your scaling plans.
- Coordinate regulator interactions ahead of and during formal submission, for example on variation of permission[4] applications.
Product innovations
For firms looking to launch a new or innovative product or service, the Scale-up Unit will support an early-stage discussion on these plans and the corresponding regulatory treatment.
The Scale-up Unit will facilitate discussions with policy and supervisory experts where appropriate.
Impact of new policy proposals
Where aspects of new policy proposals may be relevant to, or could impact scaling firms, the Scale-Up Unit will help seek feedback directly from scaling firms and feed this into the PRA’s and FCA’s policy-making processes.
The Scale-up Unit will also seek to identify areas where existing policy or supervisory processes may be causing unintended barriers to growth or competition.
Sector engagement
The Scale-up Unit will support ongoing dialogue between:
- Regulators.
- Firms.
- The wider scale-up eco-system.
It will also host events and foster dialogue with the sector via various channels.
Find out about the differences between the Scale-up Unit and existing services.
Who can use the Scale-up Unit
The Scale-up Unit will engage across industry and the scale-up ecosystem but is specifically designed to support regulated firms that are scaling.
There are 2 separate tracks for the Scale-up Unit:
- Dual-regulated firms (regulated by both the FCA and PRA).
- Solo-regulated firms (regulated solely by the FCA).
The criteria and process to apply are different and are set out below.
Dual-regulated firms
Dual-regulated firms such as banks, building societies and insurers can find more information and the criteria for accessing support on the PRA website.
Find PRA support on the Scale-up Unit[5].
We are currently piloting a cohort for dual-regulated firms and have provided a dedicated point of regulatory contact for firms in the cohort.
Solo-regulated firms: apply now
FCA solo-regulated firms are diverse in size, business model and regulated activity.
On 20 May 2026, we opened applications for FCA solo-regulated firms to join the Scale-up Unit pilot. Applications will close on 22 June 2026.
How to apply as a solo-regulated firm[3]
We want to continue to work with industry as we develop our approach to solo-regulated scaling firms. Please share any additional views or comments about the Scale-up Unit with us.
Email: [email protected].
Differences between the Scale-up Unit and existing supervision or support services
The Scale-up Unit complements, but does not replace, existing support services for firms[6].
It is not intended to be a substitute for discussions regulated firms would typically have with existing supervision team contacts. It is also:
- Not about lowering regulatory standards.
- Not about guaranteeing positive decisions on regulatory applications.
Participation is not an endorsement of a firm, its products or services.
The Scale-up Unit is intended to provide a smoother and more supportive regulatory experience for firms as they go through a critical growth phase. It will also engage with the sector as a whole to identify opportunities for regulators to better deliver sustainable growth, competitiveness and innovation.
It will work in tandem with existing supervision teams, regulatory processes and support services where they touch on specific aspects of a firm’s plans to scale.
