The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced significant changes to the way firms submit fund authorisation applications, notifications and scheme documents.
From 2 November 2026, the FCA will begin moving certain fund applications and notifications from email-based submissions to FCA Connect, marking the first stage of a wider programme to digitise the fund authorisation process.
The changes will be introduced gradually over the next two to three years, ultimately replacing the existing email-based process with fully digital forms submitted online.
For fund managers and other firms dealing with the FCA’s Fund Authorisations Team, now is the time to ensure that appropriate Connect access, internal processes and delegated permissions are in place.
Why is the FCA making this change?
Currently, fund authorisation applications and notifications are generally submitted to the FCA by email.
The FCA intends to modernise this process by progressively moving submissions onto Connect. According to the FCA, the new approach is designed to:
- improve data quality, regulatory oversight and governance;
- provide greater clarity and certainty regarding the FCA’s expectations and decision-making; and
- reduce the need for follow-up questions and potentially shorten the time required for the FCA to reach a decision.
The FCA does not currently expect the content requirements for applications and notifications to change significantly. Initially, therefore, the principal change is how applications are submitted rather than a fundamental change to what firms is required to provide.
What is changing from 2 November 2026?
From 2 November 2026, firms will be required to submit a range of existing forms and their supporting documentation through FCA Connect rather than by email.
The first phase includes certain forms relating to:
- new scheme authorisations – Forms 12, 242 and 261C;
- amendments or wind-ups of authorised funds – Forms 21, 251, 261Q, 283A and 9, as well as the UCITS feeder form; and
- final notifications – Form FN.
Importantly, after 2 November 2026, the FCA states that it will no longer accept these applications through alternative submission methods.
Firms making relevant applications should therefore ensure they are operationally ready before the new process becomes mandatory.
Further changes are coming
The November changes are only the first stage of the FCA’s transition.
During December 2026, the FCA plans to move scheme document filings for authorised and recognised funds to the online system. Once implemented, these filings will also no longer be accepted by email.
Further changes are expected in early 2027, when certain applications and notifications under the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) will begin moving to Connect.
Over time, the FCA intends to progress towards fully digital forms rather than simply uploading existing forms through Connect.
Firms should therefore view the November deadline as the beginning of a broader change to how they interact with the FCA on fund authorisation and notification matters.
Who will be affected?
The changes are relevant to:
- firms submitting fund applications or notifications to the FCA;
- authorised and recognised funds required to file scheme documents; and
- third parties, including legal advisers and compliance consultants, submitting information on behalf of firms.
This means firms should consider not only their own access arrangements but also whether external advisers responsible for regulatory submissions have the necessary delegated permissions.
What should firms do now?
Although the substantive information requirements are not expected to change significantly at this stage, firms should not leave operational preparation until the November deadline.
In particular, firms should consider:
- identifying individuals responsible for fund applications and notifications;
- confirming that those individuals have appropriate FCA Connect access;
- checking internal Connect user-management permissions;
- ensuring external advisers have appropriate delegated access where submissions are outsourced;
- updating internal procedures to reflect the new submission process; and
- reviewing upcoming applications and notifications to determine whether they will fall within the new process.
For applications and notifications that have not yet moved to Connect, firms should continue to follow the existing FCA submission process until the FCA confirms otherwise.
How can Complyport help?
Complyport can support fund managers and other firms throughout the transition, including:
- Fund authorisation application support;
- FCA Connect submission assistance;
- Application and supporting document reviews;
- Regulatory notifications and fund amendments;
- Connect access and delegated submission support;
- Policies, procedures and governance reviews; and
- Ongoing FCA regulatory support.
With the first mandatory changes taking effect from 2 November 2026, affected firms should review their arrangements now to ensure they are ready to use the new submission process.
If you require support with a fund authorisation application, regulatory notification or preparing for the FCA’s new Connect process, please contact Complyport to book a meeting with one of our Subject Matter Experts to discuss how we can assist.
Ask ViCA, your Virtual Compliance Assistant. Claim your complimentary 20 queries today! Register here: https://vica.chat
