Find out how to apply to us for authorisation if you’re a claims management company (CMC) or you provide claims management activities such as advising, investigating and managing complaints on behalf of consumers.
Read everything listed below
Start with our main 'how to apply' page for all applicants
Prepare your application
Include your business plan and other supporting material
Pay the application fee
You must pay this in order to apply
Submit your application
You'll do this on our Connect system, so please register first
What to read first
The application process
Our how to apply[1] page explains:
- our expectations of all firms
- the application process
- how to avoid delays with your application
You must read this page in full before submitting your application through our Connect[2] system.
Our letters to your sector
Please refer to the portfolio letters we sent to authorised CMCs in 2023[3] and in 2020[4] to understand our view of the key risks of harm that CMCs pose to their customers, and how to mitigate these risks.
You'll need to explain how you can and will continue to meet all rules and adhere to the relevant guidance.
Our Handbook
Read the claims management section[5] of our Handbook of rules and guidance.
You'll need to explain how you can and will continue to meet all rules and adhere to the relevant guidance.
Supporting material
Along with your application form, you'll need to provide a range of supporting documentation including your:
- regulatory business plan
- financial forecasts
- required policies, procedures and other relevant forms on Connect
Check what supporting material[6] you need to include.
Prepare your application
You'll submit your application through Connect[2], so make sure you register[7].
Your application must include your:
- application form
- regulatory business plan (RBP)
- financial forecasts – learn how to prepare your firm's financial information[8]
- other relevant forms and supporting material[6]
Below are the specific things we expect to see in your application – providing this information will help you to demonstrate that you can meet our expectations.
You must answer all questions on the application honestly, including on Form As, and provide us with full information regarding any disclosures you make.
If in doubt, let us know as much as possible, even if it may not seem relevant.
Application fee
You have to pay a fee to submit your application. The fee is non-refundable.
If you're applying for:
- only the permission of seeking out persons who may have a claim, your fee falls into pricing category 4
- any other claims management activities, your fee falls into pricing category 6
Find out more about our authorisation fees[11], including our pricing categories and how to pay.
Final check and submit
Before you submit everything on Connect, give it one more check to be sure you've included everything.
Our how to apply page has 3 top tips to ensure your application goes smoothly, and explains what happens after you've submitted it.
If you need more help
Please contact us on 0300 500 0597. We're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Thursday 9.45am to 5pm.
