Changes to application forms accessed via Connect

Find out about the forms we’re improving to make it easier for firms to submit applications and notifications via Connect.

Transforming the Authorisation Forms

Completing an application form is often a firm or individual’s introduction to regulation.

We want the experience of applying for authorisation to make the right first impression and set the right expectations of dealing with a modern, data-led regulator.

We conducted research with the firms and individuals that use our forms to understand what can be improved.

Using this feedback we’ve started reviewing and updating application and notification forms in Connect to:

make it quicker and easier for your firm to complete applications
help us capture the information we need

Please note that regulatory data and RegData[1] returns won't be changing as part of this work.

If you’d like to provide us with your feedback on our application or notification forms in Connect, sign up to be involved in helping us shape the future of our forms.

Form A

The first form being updated is Form A, used for Senior Management Function and Controlled Function applications.

Find out more about the changes we’ve made to Form A[3].

Changes to other forms

We intend to continue making changes to other application and notification forms.

The next form to be updated is the one for Sensitive Business Names[4], which will be available for testing shortly.

FAQs

Why are you changing the application forms accessed via Connect?

We conducted research with the firms and individuals that use our forms to understand what can be improved.

We're using this feedback to:

improve the user experience for firms submitting applications and notifications on Connect
make the application process more efficient by us receiving higher quality applications and capturing better quality data
ensure that only the firms and individuals that meet our standards are approved to enter the market – helping to raise standards in the industry and reduce harm to consumers
help us fulfil our ambition to become a data-led, digitally enabled regulator

Which firms will these changes impact?

Any firm that uses one of our forms on Connect.

Once we've completed our programme of improvements, we estimate this will be around 46,000 firms, relating to 130,000 applications per year.

What are the main benefits?

The new, digital versions of our forms will be simpler and easier to complete, including:

clearer language and guidance
less duplication – we've removed duplicate requests
better accessibility

Which browsers are compatible with the new Forms?

To access our improved forms, you must be using the latest version of your browser. Please note that Firefox is not supported.

When did you start communicating these changes to firms?

We first announced the upgrades in our Annual Report and Accounts 2021/22[5].

Since July 2023, we've made further updates on our website and via our Regulation Round Up[6] monthly newsletter.

28/02/2024 : Information changed General update to page

24/11/2023 : Information changed Updated guidance on using the new Form A

13/09/2023 : Information added Video about the changes to Form A

05/09/2023 : Information added FAQs

First published: 23/07/2023 Last updated: 28/02/2024 See all updates