A rare opportunity has emerged to acquire an active FCA regulated company in the UK, fully authorized for multi-asset advisory operations. It is an ongoing business where you benefit from loyal customers currently generating revenue with all systems in place. To date, this company has been in continuous operation and has an excellent reputation. The organization is in good standing with the FCA of which all filings and reporting obligations have been up to date; for that matter, internal control would be in place commensurate with the business of a going concern advisory operation.
It works under broad categories, from advising to undertaking dealing, and offering investment advice on portfolios of instruments pertaining to each and every asset class. It has already been set up and approved with live client relationships, so no infrastructural set-up or waiting for approval timelines are needed to transfer it to new ownership post-regulatory approval.
With this offering, it will be a perfect answer for groups that are looking seriously at the UK and would rather buy something that already exists than build it up. The seller can offer full continuity through the transfer.
Scope of Permissions & Activities Covered
The entity is authorized to conduct several core activities that require FCA authorization, including advising on investments (except pension transfers and opt-outs), arranging deals, and making arrangements with a view to transactions in investments. The permission set is good for advisory work across belongings and includes retail and professional clients under the permissions of the firm. The organization does not hold client money or assets, which reduces operational risk and supervisory intensities.
Any acquiring firm will need to ensure that its post-acquisition activities remain within the permissible scope. Changes require a variation of permission and separate FCA engagement.
Target Buyers & Jurisdictional Advantage
This sale will interest overseas or domestic parties looking to acquire an FCA-regulated UK Brokerage with assets under management. For groups exploring the jurisdiction to establish a forex brokerage business or multi-asset advisory operation, the UK remains a viable — though tightly supervised — environment. Starting fresh in this jurisdiction is capital-intensive and time-consuming; acquiring an operational FCA authorized firm offers a faster route with embedded compliance structure, client base, and tested operations.
This route also provides immediate access to the UK market under a recognized structure, which carries significant weight for counterparties and institutional relationships.
Revenue Model & Client Overview
Advisory fees continue as the most significant revenue stream for the firm, calculated as a percentage of the advised assets. It serves high-net-worth individuals or small institutions. The relationships are carried on continuously and based on a contract, with a limited mandate that allows some discretion to the firm’s exercise. No such activities are allowed within the firm with respect to execution or custody; however, the firm would work with established third-party providers.
Annual revenue stability is assured, backed by the preceding twelve months continual year-on-year growth. The advisory model has proved its resilience in periods of market volatility. Operational leverage would remain high, given a lean cost base and a scalable business model.
Staffing, Office, and Infrastructure
Operations are managed by a compact team with compliance, advisory, and operational functions covered in-house. The business operates from a serviced office in London, with the option to continue under the existing lease or relocate. Core systems are cloud-based, and records are digitized and easily transferrable. The team can be retained under new ownership or replaced depending on the buyer’s plan.
No significant infrastructure overhaul is needed to continue operations. CRM, onboarding tools, and document storage systems are fully functional and compliant with current standards. KYC and AML controls are embedded, and the business passed its most recent compliance audit without material findings.
Compliance and Standing with the FCA
The company is fully authorized, and the organization is in good standing. No investigations are open or matters pending. The firm has fully interacted with the FCA and is considered as cooperative and low-risk. All necessary filings, including the RMAR and Gabriel/RegData, are up to date. No issues have been logged in respect of capital adequacy over the last three years and complaints. The current compliance officer is FCA-approved and can remain post-sale if needed. The sale includes full documentation of past filings, policies, internal control procedures, and training records.
Transaction Structure & Transition Support
The transaction would be structured as a share sale, transferring 100% of the equity. The buyer will be required to submit a Change in Control notification to the FCA. The seller has completed several similar transfers in the past and will provide all necessary documents and transition support, including introductions to the current compliance consultants, tech vendors, and legal advisors.
Post-acquisition support is available for a limited period, to assist the buyer in stabilizing operations under new management and updating documentation to reflect ownership change.
Strategic Use for Buyers
This acquisition is well-suited for strategic buyers looking to enter or expand within the UK market without going through the 12-18 month wait and uncertainty of fresh authorization. For overseas groups, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia, this is a straightforward way to anchor operations in the UK and passport out once applicable. For local players, this offers an immediate boost in permissions and client presence.
As of 2025, the UK remains a complex jurisdiction to navigate without local infrastructure. Acquiring an FCA advisory firm for sale removes the friction typically associated with market entry.
Why This Sale Is Timely
The regulatory landscape post-Brexit has in fact favored firms that exhibit operational clarity in their relationship with clients. In this area, the FCA has in many ways significantly narrowed its new permissions, drawing new lines under which those with a clean track record and some established operations will be valued more than ever.
Increased scrutiny and increasing compliance costs have significantly added to the growing buyer preference of taking over existing firms rather than setting up greenfield launches. Acquisition activity continued to be very brisk in this space as of mid-2025, and therefore demand for clean, authorised UK firms was high— in particular, those unencumbered by legacy problems, litigation, and enforcement action.
Conclusion
An operating FCA advisory firm for sale with real clients, real revenue, and no adverse history offers a rare opportunity to acquire FCA-regulated presence in the UK with minimal friction. The entity comes with permissions covering a broad set of activities, a lean cost structure, and a working infrastructure.The sale gives buyers immediate access to the UK investment license environment, with everything needed to operate from day one. It is suitable for serious acquirers looking to enter or expand in one of the most credible global markets — without waiting a year or more for authorization.
Does the company come with existing clients?
Yes, typically a portfolio of clients with assets under advisory.
What revenue does an FCA brokerage generate?
Depends on the client base; the example company generates substantial advisory fees.
What is the regulatory capital requirement?
Varies by activities, typically €125,000 to €730,000 under IFPR.