Licence route · API
Authorised Payment Institution
Full authorisation for payment institutions. Requires a complete regulatory business plan, financial model, safeguarding design, governance framework and evidence pack that agree with one another.
AvailableApplication depth: Substantial
Who this route is generally for
Payment firms operating above the SPI threshold or seeking passporting-grade standing.
Typical activity
Full range of payment services under FCA authorisation.
Key indicators
Regulatory status
AuthorisedSource: PSRs 2017, reg. 6 · Position at 2026-07-30
Initial capital
€20,000 / €50,000 / €125,000 depending on services providedSource: PSRs 2017, Sch. 2 · Position at 2026-07-30
Ongoing own funds
Method A, B or C as directedSource: PSRs 2017, Sch. 3 · Position at 2026-07-30
Safeguarding
Mandatory for relevant fundsSource: PSRs 2017, reg. 23 · Position at 2026-07-30
Route indicators are informational and require confirmation against the full business model and applicable law.
How Genesis supports the route
Building an API the regulator expects.
- Determines route eligibility from actual activities and funds flow
- Builds the regulatory business plan and programme of operations
- Constructs the route-specific financial model
- Designs safeguarding where applicable and reconciles it
- Assembles the evidence schedule and challenges the application before submission
Common weaknesses
What delays applications.
- Financial model that contradicts the business narrative
- Safeguarding design that does not reconcile with funds flow
- Governance that exists on paper but not in operating reality
- Evidence gaps against stated regulatory claims
- Permissions that do not match the actual activities
Current Genesis route status: Available
This route has a certified reference application pack.