FCA fund authorisations and notifications to be moved online

On 6 October 2026, the FCA published a new webpage, which sets out changes as to how fund authorisation applications and notifications are to be submitted in the future.

The new system is intended to give firms greater clarity about the FCA’s expectations and decisions, reduce follow-up questions and speed up decision-making.

What’s changing?

As things stand, applications and notifications are submitted by email.

Over the next two to three years, however, there will be a transition to an online system with fully digital forms, which will be submitted through Connect.

The content requirements for these applications and notifications are not expected to change significantly.

Until advised of a change, firms should continue to use the current process – they should, though, ensure that members of staff or third parties who make fund applications or notifications on the firm’s behalf have access to Connect.

What is the FCA doing to explain the changes?

To help firms prepare, the FCA has published a Connect user guide for fund authorisations.

It also plans to publish, shortly, an additional user guide which will explain how the new application process will work and what information firms will need to provide.

Further information on scheme document filings will be published in the coming weeks.

What forms does this cover?

From 2 November 2026

Firms will have to submit certain applications and notifications, with supporting documents, Connect – they will not be accepted through any other route after that date.

The forms affected are

• (a) new scheme authorisation forms

  • forms 12, 242 and 261C
  • forms 21, 251, 261Q, 283A and 9 as well as the UCITS feeder form and

• (b) final notifications

  • form FN.

During December 2026

• The FCA will start requiring scheme document filings for authorised and recognised funds to be submitted through the online system.
• Once this requirement is introduced, filings will no longer be accepted by email.

In early 2027

• Firms submitting certain AIFMD applications and notifications will start to be asked to use the online system.
• The FCA will provide updates on progress and tell firms when the new digital forms are available.
• Where a fund authorisation form has not yet been updated, they should be submitted using the existing process.