Turn your business model into an application the regulator can approve.

Clearhaven helps fintechs, payment firms and crypto-asset service providers prepare for authorisation in the UK and EU. We define the right regulatory route, build the application and get your team ready for regulator scrutiny.

Get the regulatory route right before you start

Authorisation gets expensive when the scope is wrong.

We start with your product, customer journey, funds flow, technology and launch markets. Then we establish which permissions or registrations you need, what the regulator will expect and whether your current operating model is ready.

You get a practical authorisation plan covering the application, people, capital, governance, compliance controls and supporting evidence.

Payment institution and EMI authorisation

Launching a payments product, digital wallet or embedded finance platform?

We support applications for payment institutions and electronic money institutions, including businesses providing acquiring, remittance, account information, payment initiation and e-money services.

Our support includes:

• Regulatory perimeter and permissions analysis

• Authorisation strategy and project planning

• Regulatory business plans and programme of operations

• Governance and management responsibility frameworks

• Safeguarding arrangements

• Capital and financial forecasts

• AML and financial crime frameworks

• Outsourcing and operational resilience

• Wind-down planning

• Application review and regulator engagement

The application is built around how your product actually works, so your policies, financial model and customer journey tell the same story.

MiCA and CASP authorisation

MiCA authorisation demands a credible European operation, clear governance and controls that match the crypto services you intend to provide.

We help crypto exchanges, custodians, brokers, trading platforms, wallet providers and other digital asset businesses prepare applications for authorisation as a crypto-asset service provider.

Support can cover:

• CASP licence and service scope

• MiCA readiness assessments

• Programme of operations

• Governance and local substance

• Prudential safeguards

• Client asset protection

• AML, sanctions and transaction monitoring

• ICT risk and DORA readiness

• Outsourcing arrangements

• Conflicts of interest

• Complaints handling

• Custody and asset segregation

• Regulator questions and management interviews

Existing VASP registration does not automatically convert into CASP authorisation. We assess the gap and build a clear route into the MiCA regime.

UK cryptoasset registration and authorisation

The UK regulatory framework for cryptoassets is changing.

We support firms preparing for cryptoasset registration under the Money Laundering Regulations and for the incoming FSMA authorisation regime. This includes reviewing the business model, financial crime controls, governance, customer journeys and evidence regulators will expect to see.

For firms already registered, we can assess what needs to change before applying under the new regime.

What we deliver

Authorisation strategy

A clear view of the permissions you need, the regulator you will approach and the work required before submission.

Readiness assessment

A focused review of your business model, governance, finances, people and controls. You will know where the gaps are and which ones could hold up the application.

Application drafting

We draft and coordinate the core application documents, working directly with your leadership, product, operations, finance and technology teams.

Compliance framework

Policies and controls designed around your product, customers and risks. The framework is built to work once the business is live.

Regulator engagement

Support with pre-application meetings, information requests, interviews and follow-up questions throughout the assessment.

Launch preparation

Authorisation is the beginning of regulatory supervision. We help turn the application into a working compliance programme your team can operate after launch.

Built for fintech teams

You still have a company to build while the application is moving.

We keep the project tight: clear ownership, short working sessions, useful drafts and direct feedback. Your team always knows what is outstanding, who owns it and why it matters.

Who we work with

• Payment and e-money businesses

• Digital wallets and remittance platforms

• Embedded finance providers

• Open banking businesses

• Crypto exchanges and brokers

• Crypto custody and wallet providers

• Stablecoin and token businesses

• Crypto trading platforms

• Firms moving from VASP registration to MiCA authorisation

• International firms entering the UK or EU market

Planning an authorisation application?

Tell us what you are building, where you want to operate and when you want to launch. We will give you a clear view of the regulatory route and the work involved.

The terminology reflects current FCA payment and crypto routes, the forthcoming UK FSMA crypto regime, and MiCA CASP authorisation requirements. FCA payment institutions guidance, FCA crypto regime guidance, Central Bank of Ireland MiCA guidance.