What We Support You With

Monthly FCA Safeguarding Reporting

From 2026, firms must submit a monthly safeguarding return to the FCA.
We provide:

• Preparation or review of monthly submissions

• Verification of reconciliation data and exception reporting

• Independent oversight to support senior management accountability

• Early identification of emerging issues

This ensures firms consistently meet their reporting obligations and avoid inaccuracies that may trigger supervisory concern.

Mandatory Annual Safeguarding Audits

Under the 2026 regime, most firms must undergo an annual safeguarding audit carried out by a qualified auditor.

AuthoriPay supports firms by:

• Preparing for the audit and ensuring audit-ready controls

• Helping source a suitable statutory auditor where required

• Liaising with the auditor throughout the engagement

• Responding to queries and coordinating evidence

• Supporting remediation following the audit

We also deliver independent safeguarding audits ourselves (non-statutory), which firms can use pre-audit to identify and fix gaps.

Support With Safeguarding Governance (Including UK-Based Responsible Person)

The FCA is increasingly expecting firms to appoint a UK-based individual responsible for safeguarding.

We can:

• Help define the role and governance structure

• Provide ongoing advisory support to the appointed individual

• Act as the safeguarding oversight function in cases where outsourcing is appropriate

• Support firms whose senior team is outside the UK

This ensures that firms meet both the letter and spirit of the FCA’s governance expectations.

Assistance Finding Alternative or Backup Safeguarding Providers

Banks and EMIs are tightening their acceptance criteria, and the FCA expects firms to maintain contingency arrangements.

We assist by:

• Identifying suitable safeguarding banks or custodians

• Helping firms reduce safeguarding fees where possible

• Securing access to additional currencies or alternative payment networks (SEPA, FEDWIRE, etc.)

• Introducing providers with a higher risk appetite (e.g., crypto-linked, gaming, or high-risk corridors)

• Providing backup safeguarding solutions in case of account closure

We can also guide firms through the onboarding process end-to-end.

Reconciliation, Controls and Operational Oversight

The new rules require stronger daily reconciliations and better documented safeguarding controls.

We support with:

• Reviewing or redesigning reconciliation logic

• Assessing safeguarding processes and documentation

• Implementing improved governance, exception handling and oversight

• Ensuring compliance with both FCA and EBA requirements

Why Firms Choose AuthoriPay

• Deep expertise in UK safeguarding frameworks, including PS25/12

• Strong understanding of EU PSD2/EMD2 and EBA safeguarding expectations

• Commercially focused advice that helps firms reduce costs

• Ability to support or perform the UK safeguarding oversight function

• End-to-end support: reporting → governance → providers → annual audit

Get Ready for the 2026 Safeguarding Regime

Whether you are preparing for the upcoming rule changes, improving your existing safeguarding arrangements, or need ongoing operational support, AuthoriPay can help.