Supporting a UK Digital Bank with Licensing - PRA, FCA and PSD2 Compliance

A newly established digital bank required full regulatory permissions to operate as a licensed bank in the UK and to ensure compliance with EU PSD2 regulations.

Division
Consulting & Advisory
Industry

Payment Services & Card/ Merchant Acquirers

Service-line

The Client

A UK-based digital bank with a full banking licence by both the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the bank also complies with the EU’s Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2). The institution is known for designing targeted financial products that meet the needs of customer segments traditionally underserved by mainstream banks.

The Challenge

As a newly established digital bank, the client required full regulatory permissions to operate as a licensed bank in the UK and to ensure compliance with EU PSD2 regulations. This involved navigating complex regulatory frameworks and coordinating with both UK and EU regulatory bodies. The client also needed strategic support in aligning its digital-first business model with stringent regulatory expectations.

The Solution

Our specialist consultants provided end-to-end regulatory advisory and delivery support. They guided the client through the licensing process with the PRA and FCA, ensuring all application requirements and supervisory expectations were met. Additionally, supported the client in achieving compliance with the EU’s PSD2 requirements, addressing both technical and operational obligations.

Results

• Successfully secured full banking permissions from both the PRA and FCA
• Achieved compliance with EU PSD2 regulations, enabling cross-border digital financial services
• Enabled the client to launch a fully regulated digital bank, positioned to scale and serve niche customer segments across the UK and EU

Ready to chat about how we can help you?
Get in touch today!
Get in Touch
Other Case Studies
Browse Case Studies
Innovation, Authorisations & Banking Solutions
A Crypto Asset Business Obtains Registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Crypto/ Digital Assets

A crypto asset business, a subsidiary of a US Nasdaq-listed company requested assistance with the process to obtain FCA registration. Lysis provided the client with a highly experienced MLRO and compliance team who worked with senior management to implement required controls and processes. The client was successful in obtaining FCA registration.

Consulting & Advisory
Global Know Your Customer (KYC) Policies and Procedures
Corporate, Wholesale and Investment Banking

A global bank, following a substantial cross-boarder banking merger, had two separate KYC/AML firms, policies, & IT infrastructures and need help with the harmonisation process.

Operations & Resourcing
KYC Managed Service for a Major Estate Agency
Real Estate

A major estate agency had a need to establish a Know Your Customer (KYC) function which was able to scale and undertake a remediation exercise to meet new regulatory requirements (i. e. , 4MLD) and to build out a business as usual (BAU) function to service ongoing requirements.