UK FCA – Fourth Sandbox Cohort Announced
29 businesses have been accepted into cohort four of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulatory sandbox to test innovative FinTech products, services, business models and delivery mechanisms. The FCA received 69 applications for cohort four. Applications came from a diverse range of firms operating across the financial services sector including in areas such as consumer credit, automated advice and insurance. 29 firms have been accepted to develop towards testing, including three firms that were accepted as part of previous cohorts but did not proceed to test. Firms that have been accepted to develop towards testing are listed here, except for one firm that has asked not to be named at this point in time.
The FCA has accepted a number of firms that will be testing propositions relating to cryptoassets. The FCA is keen to explore whether, in a controlled environment, consumer benefits can be delivered while effectively managing the associated risks. Tests will be conducted on a short-term and small-scale basis and the FCA is working with each firm to agree testing parameters and build in appropriate consumer safeguards.
Candidates for entry need to have a significant UK presence and UK bank accounts to qualify for consideration.