FCA Opens Authorisation Gateway for Targeted Financial Support

FCA News & Press Releases

Published March 2nd, 2026

Detected March 2nd, 2026

Summary

The FCA has opened its authorisation gateway for firms seeking permission to provide targeted financial support, a new service set to launch on 6 April 2026. This initiative aims to help millions of consumers navigate financial decisions regarding pensions and investments by filling a gap between generic guidance and individual advice.

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What changed

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced the opening of its authorisation gateway for firms wishing to provide 'targeted support,' a new regulatory permission effective from April 6, 2026. This initiative is designed to address an estimated 23 million consumers currently underserved by financial advice and guidance markets. Targeted support will allow authorised firms to offer suggestions tailored to groups of consumers with common characteristics, aiding them in making crucial decisions about their pensions and investments.

Firms interested in offering this service can now apply for the necessary permissions through the FCA's Connect system. The FCA encourages firms to utilize their Pre-Application Support Service (PASS) for guidance on the application process. This change represents a significant step in enhancing consumer access to affordable, timely financial support, bridging the gap between general guidance and personalized advice, and enabling more informed financial decision-making for a substantial segment of the UK population.

What to do next

Firms seeking to offer targeted support should submit applications via the FCA's Connect system.
Engage with the FCA's Pre-Application Support Service (PASS) for guidance on application requirements.
Prepare to offer targeted support services by the effective date of April 6, 2026.

Source document (simplified)

FCA opens authorisation gateway for targeted support

News stories First published:

02/03/2026

Last updated: 02/03/2026 Linkedin Twitter
Firms can now apply for permission to provide targeted support.

Targeted support is a once in a generation change that will help millions navigate their financial lives. From 6 April 2026, people’s banks, pension providers, or other financial firms that are authorised for targeted support can provide suggestions designed for groups of consumers with common characteristics. This will help them make important decisions across their pensions and investments.

We want authorised firms to be ready to offer the new service as soon as the rules take effect. And, for these firms to take advantage of the reforms, to be bold and provide support for their customers.

An important milestone

Currently, consumers don’t have access to the help they need to make these important decisions. We estimate around 23 million consumers are currently underserved by the markets for advice and guidance.

Targeted support will help fill the gap between generic guidance and individualised advice and help consumers access the support they need, at a cost they can afford, when they need it, so that they can make informed financial decisions.

The opening of the targeted support authorisations gateway marks an important milestone in our work to help consumers navigate their financial lives.

Support service

We launched our Pre-Application Support Service (PASS) for targeted support last year and have engaged with a range of firms so that they understand what is expected for a good quality and complete application for the targeted support regulated activity.

We encourage firms with questions about the authorisations process to engage with us through the PASS. Firms can submit a PASS form via Connect.

We welcome the engagement we have had so far with firms developing their targeted support propositions and look forward to this continuing engagement.