

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.
Payment Services & Card/ Merchant Acquirers
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.
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.
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.
• 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

Our client had a requirement to train some experienced operational staff in AML

A significant UK and US corporate bank with questions around the quality of the firm’s AML capabilities and customer files

The client is incorporated in Ireland as an Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (ICAV). The client is an American investment fund which specialises in lending large amounts of money to various entities ranging from listed entities to unregulated entities based in the USA.