posted 4th August 2025
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates many businesses, not just banks and investment firms.
From consumer credit providers to insurance intermediaries, claims management companies (CMCs), funeral plan sellers, mortgage brokers, payment institutions, e-money providers, crowdfunding platforms, and crypto businesses, the FCA expects strict compliance with its rules.
Meeting these regulatory obligations can feel daunting for SMES. Meridian Legal Services specialises in helping SMEs secure FCA authorisation, defend against FCA investigations, maintain day-to-day compliance, and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
FCA Authorisation – Getting Regulated Right First Time
The FCA authorisation process can be complex and time-consuming. Meridian Legal Services helps you:
- Identify the correct permissions for your business model.
- Prepare and submit high-quality regulatory business plans and compliance documentation.
- Ensure directors and senior managers meet the FCA’s “fit and proper” requirements.
- Avoid costly delays and rejections by getting it right the first time.
FCA Investigation Defence – Protecting Your Business
Even authorised firms can be subject to FCA scrutiny. Investigations can be triggered by complaints, whistleblower reports, reporting errors, or perceived governance or risk management weaknesses. FCA investigations can lead to:
- Enforcement action and financial penalties.
- Restrictions on business activities.
- Reputational damage and loss of client confidence.
How We Defend You During FCA Investigations
Meridian Legal Services has extensive experience in managing regulatory investigations. We:
- Handle all FCA communications and submissions on your behalf.
- Develop robust defence strategies to protect your business and senior managers.
- Implement remediation and recovery plans to satisfy regulatory concerns.
- Negotiate outcomes that minimise disruption and financial impact.
Compliance & Ongoing Compliance – Staying on Track
Authorisation is just the beginning. SMEs must maintain effective systems and controls, document policies and procedures, and demonstrate continuous compliance.
Many small businesses lack the internal resources to manage this effectively. Our Ongoing Compliance Services Include:
- Compliance Health Checks: Regular reviews to ensure your systems meet FCA standards.
- Outsourced Compliance Officer Services: Ideal for SMEs without dedicated compliance staff.
- SMCR Support: Helping senior managers meet their accountability obligations.
- Risk Management & Financial Crime Prevention: Strengthening governance frameworks to prevent regulatory breaches.
- Training & Policy Development: Ensuring staff understand and follow regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Updates – Keeping You Ahead of Change
FCA rules and expectations change regularly. For example:
- The FCA recently extended its remit to funeral plan sellers, meaning new authorisation and conduct standards.
- Claims management companies have been under FCA oversight since 2019, with stricter client money and reporting rules.
- Cryptoasset registration rules and consumer duty requirements have added new compliance burdens.
How We Keep You Updated:
- Regular compliance updates and regulatory briefings.
- Alerts on rule changes that impact your business sector.
- Advice on how new requirements (like Consumer Duty) affect your processes.
- Proactive gap analyses to ensure you remain ahead of enforcement risk.
- Face to face visits.
- Access to our exclusive knowledge base.
Why SMEs Choose Meridian Legal Services
- End-to-End Expertise: From new authorisations to investigation defence and ongoing compliance.
- Multi-Sector Knowledge: Consumer credit, claims management, funeral plan providers, insurance, mortgage, crypto, etc.
- Proven Track Record: Helping SMEs navigate complex regulatory issues and avoid costly mistakes.
- Cost-Effective & Scalable: Solutions tailored to SMEs without “big firm” price tags.
- Fast, Confidential & Practical: We deliver solutions quickly while protecting your reputation.
- Personal one to one service.
Act Now – Protect & Future-Proof Your Business
If your SME needs FCA authorisation, is facing an investigation, or wants to strengthen compliance and stay ahead of regulatory changes, Meridian Legal Services can help. Contact us today:
- Call: 0121 5160675
- Email: info@meridianlegalservices.co.uk
Meridian Legal Services – Your FCA Authorisation, Investigation Defence & Compliance Experts.
