Submit a change in control notification

Find out how to prepare your notification and understand what happens after you submit it.

If you're not sure whether you need to send us a notification, find out when to notify us and the factors to consider.

You can't acquire or increase a control in a firm authorised by us or the PRA without getting our approval first. If you do, it's a criminal offence.

Who to notify

If the firm to be acquired is only regulated by us

You should submit your notification through our Connect system.

If the firm to be acquired is regulated by both us and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)

You can either:

  • submit the forms to us through Connect, and email or post them to the PRA, or
  • send notification forms to both regulators by email or post

To download these forms and find our address, see our notification forms page.

Prepare your notification

Bear in mind that our guidance can't cover every possible scenario. There will be additional factors you need to consider. You may find it useful to talk about your notification with your usual FCA contact (if you have one) or by calling our helpline.

What to read first

Identify all controllers

You must identify all proposed controllers of the firm subject to the change in control, and submit Section 178 notification forms for each of them.

Find out how to identify controllers.

Other things to prepare

You'll also need to:

  • produce detailed ownership charts, explaining any close links and regulated entities
  • explain that you understand the risks in the business model for your proposed acquisition, and how these will be mitigated
  • identify current and potential conflicts of interest, and how these will be managed
  • provide evidence of any funding you have secured

After submitting your notification

1

We'll confirm we've received it

We'll allocate a case officer and confirm whether your notification is complete.

We can't assess your notification unless it's complete, so make sure you've answered all the relevant questions, and included and signed all the necessary forms.

When we confirm it's complete, a 60-business day assessment period (excluding any interruption period) starts.

2

We may ask for more information

Please respond promptly to avoid delays.

If we request further relevant information in writing, we can interrupt the 60-day period for up to 30 business days from when we contact you. If this means that the last day of your assessment period will change, we'll let you know.

If you don't provide the information we request, we may object to the notification.

3

We'll make a decision

Usually this happens within 60 business days of you submitting your complete notification.

If we object to your proposed acquisition, we'll issue a warning notice within the statutory time period setting out the reasons.

You would then have the opportunity to make representations as appropriate.

Page updates

: Information changed Page updated as part of website refresh
: Information added on Consumer Duty requirements
: Editorial amendment December 2022 update removed.
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: Editorial amendment page updated as part of website refresh
: Information added December 2022 update
: Information added Preparing your notification section: regarding registered cryptoasset firms
: Information added Update on delays in Change in Control function
: Information added Update on delays in Change in Control function