CMCs: apply for authorisation

If you're a firm carrying on regulated claims management activity, you must be authorised by us. Find out what you need to do before applying.

To become an authorised claims management company (CMC), you must:

Applications for authorisation are made via our online system Connect

Make sure you’ve read all our guidance before applying, but remember that you may need to consider additional factors depending on your individual case.

What to read before applying

To help you understand what we expect from applicants, read Our Approach to Authorisation and our page on being ready, willing and organised

You should also read these modules in our Handbook:

Application process

Avoid delays

To avoid delays, your application must clearly explain: 

  • your firm's specific activities and how these align with the permissions you're applying for
  • how and why individuals in key roles were selected, based on their qualifications or relevant experience

Any technology or systems you will be using must also be ready to carry out the regulated activities you’ve applied for. You will need to be able to provide evidence of how these will operate to support your business.

Before submitting your application, make sure it‘s complete and has no missing forms. Where required, make sure that your documentation is signed and that you have provided us with passwords for any password-protected files.

Compliance arrangements

Your application must clearly explain what compliance arrangements you have in place to meet your regulatory obligations.

You must tell us about any conflicts of interest and explain how you intend to manage or mitigate them.

You must also be open and co-operative with us (Principle 11) and respond to requests for information within the timeframes we specify.

Send us your financial projections

You will need to send us your 36-month financial projections, covering the full range of products that your firm provides.

Your projections should include:

  • Opening balance sheet
  • Closing balance sheet
  • Forecast P&L
  • Forecast cashflow
  • Financial accounts (if applicable)

You may wish to use our Financial Analysis Template to provide these projections. Download and save this locally, and once completed please attach the Excel document when submitting your application. Use the guidance and glossary tab to determine which template is relevant to your business type (A, B or C).

In some cases, your case officer might ask you for more financial information if we need clarification.

More information

If you need help with your application, please contact us on 0300 500 0597. We're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Thursday 9.45am to 5pm.

Page updates

: Link added Authorisation home
: Editorial amendment page update as part of website refresh
: Information added Financial Analysis Template
: Editorial amendment Full page edits to bring it up to date.