Available UK AEMI for Sale
The UK Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI) licence, issued by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, authorises firms to issue electronic money, safeguard client funds, and provide a full range of payment services to UK and international clients. It is the highest-tier e-money licence in the UK — distinct from the Small Electronic Money Institution (SEMI) registration, which operates under tighter transaction and float limits.
Post-Brexit, the UK AEMI functions independently from EU passporting. FCA-authorised AEMIs serve the UK domestic market and international clients directly, but cannot passport into EEA member states — firms with dual-market ambitions typically pair it with an EU AEMI. That said, FCA authorisation carries significant credibility with banks, card schemes, and institutional partners globally, and the UK remains a primary destination for EMI licence applications.
Requirements include £350,000 minimum capital, real UK substance — resident management, registered operations — and an FCA review process that takes 12–18 months in practice. Ready-made UK AEMI entities for sale offer a faster path, though change-of-control notification to the FCA is mandatory and timelines should be planned accordingly.
This page covers FCA-authorised AEMI entities currently available for transfer, with a full breakdown of regulatory requirements, capital obligations, and the acquisition process.
Our team supports both ready-made AEMI acquisitions and new FCA applications — handling change-of-control filings, compliance documentation, and UK substance setup.
Choose an Authorized Electronic Money Institution License for Sale
AEMI License for Sale #1
- The company's existing business model is tailored to serve e-commerce merchants.
- Key services offered to e-commerce businesses include dedicated IBAN accounts for both local transactions within the European Union (SEPA) and international payments via SWIFT.
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The AEMI license also provides a payment gateway to facilitate payment processing for its customers.
- The sale includes an equity capital of €350,000, which is already included in the price.
- The in-house team consists of 3 employees, and functions such as accounting, IT support and legal services are outsourced to optimize operations and reduce overhead costs.
- The company has the status of VISA/MasterСard payment intermediary and has a specialized payment gateway, merchant accounts and business account on a single platform.
- This AEMI license can offer multi-currency UK IBANs through a UK provider, subject to an AML audit.
- The directors and shareholders of the company are the same people and they are willing to remain involved in the business after the sale, providing continuity and expertise.
AEMI License for Sale #2
- It does not retain any clients but comes with valuable integrations including RailsR, CurrencyCloud, and FX capabilities.
- The company has a established IT infrastructure and its executives are ready to proceed with the right buyer.
- Historically, the business provided IBANs to high-net-worth B2B clients based in the UK.
- The company has a clean regulatory record with no fines imposed by the regulator, and comprehensive audits and reports are readily available for review.
AEMI License for Sale #3
- Although it was previously operational, the business is currently in an internal pilot phase, with its primary activity limited to payroll for employees and contractors to maintain its active status.
- The company holds a bank account in UK bank, which serves both safeguarding and operational purposes.
- The software used is outsourced, and the business has an existing agreement with Orenda. However, the new buyer will need to establish their own systems. Assistance can be provided to facilitate this transition.
- The monthly operational expenses for the business amount to £25,000.
- This presents an opportunity for a buyer to acquire an established financial entity in the UK and reactivate it for their specific needs or business objectives.
AEMI License for Sale #4
- This business has no prior transaction history, offering a fresh start for the new owner.
- Included in the sale are valuable assets, including software, a fully developed website, and access to an EU bank account.
- Additionally, one of the directors is willing to remain with the company, providing continuity and expertise for the right buyer.
AEMI License for Sale #5
- This AEMI license has full MasterCard Principal member status, providing valuable opportunities for card-based financial services.
- The security of the funds is ensured through accounts with two EU banks and a UK bank, to which APIs are connected to extend the functionality.
- While the institution can utilize Indirect SEPA and SWIFT for international transactions, it's important to note that it is not passported to the European Union, which may impact certain cross-border operations.
- This company uses external software, payment gateway and compliance automation tools, streamlining operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- The existing directors don't mind staying with the company, offering continuity and experience to the new owner.
EMI in the UK for Sale #6
- Authorised to issue electronic money & provide full payment services.
- Safeguarded bank accounts.
- Direct partnership for SEPA payment processing.
- Experienced team can stay.
- Clean compliance history – no fines or regulatory issues.
Activities:
- Deposits & withdrawals from payment accounts.
- Payment transactions (with/without credit line).
- Issuance of payment instruments & money remittance.
- E-money issuance.
EMI License UK for Sale #7
Kor. Banks:
- Clear Junction (EUR, SEPA, SEPA instant)
- EM Bank (EUR , SEPA, SEPA instant)
- Mano Bank (EUR, SEPA, SEPA instant)
- Clear Bank (multi-currency, international payments, SWIFT, Target 2)
Team:
- MLRO
- CTO
- AML manager
- Operations manager
- Office: central London, office for 4 persons in a prestigious business center
- Own software.
Business:
- At the moment, several of our own companies are being serviced so that the company has activities.
- The company is clean and has no negative history.
- The company passed a financial audit by FSCom auditors in July 2025.
AEMI License UK for Sale #8
- Minimal activity EMI, offering global transfers.
- EMBank safeguarding, a few more business accounts.
- Internal software comes included with the sale.
- One employee, CEO (UK), will consider staying.
- No fines or liabilities.
EMI License UK for Sale #9
Active EMI offering account opening services for over one year, onboarding B2B clients only.
- Duscascopy, WealthCorner safeguarding banks, iFX account with 21 currencies.
- Staff of 20, directors are ready to consider staying.
- In the process of obtaining MasterCard Issuing Principal membership.
- Own quality software.
EMI License UK for Sale #10
Active UK EMI business servicing B2B clients, offering virtual cards.
- Banked with AlfaBank CY for safeguarding, more banks include CH, MT, UK EMIs (a total of 6 EMIs).
- Own code-purchased software SDK.
- Finance with lots of APIs and front-end development, Tribe payments via API.
- 7-8 remote DevOps + London team: 4 UK managers, ready to consider staying.
- No FCA fines or liabilities.
EMI / API Licensed Fintech Company for Sale #11
- Region: UK, Central Eastern Europe, Asia
- Well-established, fully regulated fintech group with offices in London and Singapore, specializing in B2B payment solutions, electronic money issuance, payment processing, and international transactions
- Licenses: UK EMI (since 2020), Latvian EMI (EEA), Singapore MAS Major Payment Institution (MPI); Principal membership with Visa & Mastercard, including high-risk sectors (crypto, gaming, adult)
- Technology: Proprietary payment platform with SWIFT connectivity, API integration, and safeguarded accounts with multiple EMIs
- Clients: B2B clients across low to medium-risk industries
- Highlights: Profitable, scalable, technology-driven, no regulatory fines or compliance issues
- Growth Opportunities: Expansion into new markets, increase transaction volume, technology enhancements, strategic partnerships or M&A
- Transaction Type: Full or majority share sale – turnkey acquisition including licenses, platform, client base, and market position
B2B-Focused Regulated EMI for Sale #12
- Fully operational EMI offering B2B payment solutions, IBAN issuing in 47 jurisdictions, and multi-currency support for 21 currencies
- Licenses: UK EMI, Dubai PI, Canada MSB (in process); Mastercard CBA agreement, principal membership pending
- Technology: Proprietary payment, operations, and back-office software enabling scalability and compliance
- Clients & Revenue: active business clients, low-risk portfolio
- Team: 20 employees managing operations, compliance, and customer accounts
- Banking & Partners: IFX, ClearJunction, Dukascopy, WealthKernel, BlackRock
- Core Activities: Cash placement/withdrawal, payment execution, e-money issuance, IBAN & digital wallet services, SEPA & SWIFT remittances
- Opportunities: Full acquisition or investment in a revenue-generating, scalable B2B payments platform with strong banking relationships
UK-Based Regulated EMI for Sale #13
- Established 2019, FCA-authorized since 2020, offering payments and banking services via proprietary platform
- Banking & Connectivity: Safeguarded accounts with Mano Bank, SWIFT via Clear Junction and iFX, Visa card issuing
- Licensed Activities: Cash placement/withdrawals, payment execution, e-money issuance, card issuing, money remittance
- Opportunity: Investment in a fully licensed, scalable digital payments platform with growth potential
UK-Based FCA-Authorized EMI for Sale #14
- Fully licensed electronic money institution offering payments, e-money issuance, and money remittance services
- Banking & Connectivity: Safeguarded accounts with Mano Bank and TransferWise, SEPA transactions via banking partners
- Team: COO, Technical Director, AML & KYC Officers, Accountant – experienced staff available post-acquisition
- Clients: active corporate clients, low to medium-risk sectors
- Licensed Activities: Cash placement/withdrawals, payment execution, e-money issuance, payment instruments, money remittance
- Opportunity: Full or majority share sale – turnkey acquisition of a compliant, operational UK EMI with growth potential
UK-Based FCA-Authorized EMI for Sale #15
- Fully licensed UK Electronic Money Institution with FCA authorization, turnkey opportunity for immediate market entry
- Infrastructure: Established banking relationships, white label solution, in-house technology, and operational team including two UK directors and an MLRO
- Licensed Activities: Cash placement/withdrawals, payment execution, e-money issuance, payment instruments, money remittance
- Growth Potential: Ready-to-launch platform with EU IBAN support, cross-border capabilities, and potential for Mastercard principal membership
- Opportunity: Full acquisition – fully operational, scalable EMI platform with team continuity and flexible go-to-market options
UK-Based EMI & VASP Digital Banking Platform for Sale #16
- Innovative platform enabling customers to buy, sell, and hold fiat and cryptocurrencies, with Mastercard debit card support for seamless spending
- Licenses: EMI and VASP, fully compliant with regulatory requirements
- Services: Instant crypto transactions, real-time balances, transaction notifications, and user-friendly interface for all experience levels
- Competitive Advantages: Integrated banking and crypto services, transparent fees, strong compliance, and experienced leadership
- Opportunity: Investment in a rapidly growing digital finance platform with scalable operations and innovative features
UK-Based FCA-Authorized EMI for Sale #17
- Fully licensed UK Electronic Money Institution with FCA authorization, turnkey opportunity for immediate market entry
- Infrastructure: Established banking relationships, white label solution, in-house technology, and operational team including two UK directors and an MLRO
- Licensed Activities: Cash placement/withdrawals, payment execution, e-money issuance, payment instruments, money remittance
- Growth Potential: Ready-to-launch platform with EU IBAN support, cross-border capabilities, and potential for Mastercard principal membership
- Opportunity: Full acquisition – fully operational, scalable EMI platform with team continuity and flexible go-to-market options
Related e-money licences available for transfer
Key Takeaways About UK Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI)
- Enables regulated e-money issuance. An AEMI licence allows a firm to issue e-money and provide regulated payment services under Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and Payment Services Regulations 2017.
- Capital and safeguarding fundamentals. Applicants must maintain €350,000 of their own funds and implement operational safeguarding frameworks to protect customer funds as required by the FCA.
- FCA’s current supervisory themes. Recent FCA work emphasises safeguarding effectiveness and wind-down planning, which significantly impact both authorisation reviews and ongoing supervision.
- UK substance matters. Real UK head office, mind-and-management, and local governance resources materially influence eligibility and regulatory confidence.
- Banking context remains a key constraint. Safeguarding and operational account onboarding often lag licence issuance and can affect go-live timing.
- No automatic EU passporting. Post-Brexit, UK authorisation does not grant access to EU markets, requiring separate or supplementary EU licensing strategies.
- Ongoing compliance obligations. AML/CDD monitoring, regulatory reporting, and safeguarding audits are continuous operational commitments after authorisation.
- Legasset support role. Legasset provides tailored guidance on aligning business models to regulatory requirements, preparing robust applications, and navigating banking and safeguarding complexities for both new licences and ready-made acquisitions.
What You Need to Know About a UK AEMI and How It Works
Table of Contents
Regulatory Architecture Under EMRs 2011 and PSRs 2017
A UK AEMI operates within two connected legal frameworks: Electronic Money Regulations 2011 for e-money issuance and Payment Services Regulations 2017 for payment services.
The FCA assesses whether each activity fits cleanly within these definitions before granting permissions.
This is not a registration regime.
Authorisation means the FCA evaluates governance, systems, capital, and safeguarding in detail before approval.
FCA, EMRs 2011, and PSRs 2017 are applied together, not in isolation.
Misalignment between the business model and these regimes is a frequent cause of delays.
Permitted Business Models and Revenue Structures
A UK AEMI can support several regulated payment and wallet models when structured correctly:
- E-money wallets or accounts holding stored value issued as electronic money
- Payment execution services linked to e-money, including transfers and card-based flows via partners
- Programme manager or agent-based models, where oversight and control are clearly documented
Revenue is typically generated through transaction fees, interchange sharing, FX margins, or account services.
The FCA expects each revenue stream to align with the authorised activity scope.
Activities That Are Outside the AEMI Perimeter
An AEMI is not a bank and cannot accept deposits from the public.
Customer funds are protected through safeguarding, not deposit guarantee schemes.
UK authorisation does not provide EU passporting after Brexit.
Firms targeting EU clients must plan a separate EU licensing or partnership strategy.
Activities that blur into credit provision, lending, or unregulated investment services trigger immediate FCA scrutiny.
Capital and Safeguarding Logic — How Money Is Protected
A UK AEMI must hold €350,000 in initial own funds on an ongoing basis.
This capital supports operational resilience and is separate from safeguarded customer funds.
Safeguarding applies to funds received in exchange for issued e-money.
The FCA expects clear segregation methods, daily reconciliations, and documented controls.
Safeguarding design is not a theoretical exercise.
It must be operational before authorisation and continuously monitored after launch.
2025–2026 FCA Focus Areas That Change the Risk Profile
Recent FCA supervisory work highlights recurring weaknesses in safeguarding governance, risk management, and wind-down planning. These themes directly influence authorisation reviews and ongoing supervision.
The FCA increasingly tests whether firms could exit the market without harming customers.
Wind-down plans are now treated as a live operational requirement, not a contingency document.
- Insight: Firms with credible safeguarding and wind-down frameworks face fewer FCA follow-ups during and after authorisation.
Tax and UK Substance Reality for AEMIs
The UK does not apply an offshore-style economic substance regime. Instead, tax and regulatory substance depend on real UK management and control.
Corporation tax applies at 19% for small profits and 25% for profits above the upper threshold, with marginal relief between bands. These rates influence pricing models and group structuring.
The FCA expects the head office to reflect actual decision-making. Purely nominal UK setups often raise both regulatory and tax concerns.
Market Positioning — Why Firms Still Choose UK AEMI
The UK remains a mature payments market with strong infrastructure and global counterpart recognition. For many operators, this credibility outweighs higher compliance costs.
Compared with small EMI registration, an AEMI supports scalable volumes, agents, and complex programmes. Compared with EU EMIs, it trades passporting for regulatory depth and market reputation.
This licence suits firms committed to long-term UK operations rather than short-term regulatory arbitrage.
Eligibility Requirements for a UK AEMI Authorisation
Eligibility depends on whether the proposed structure, governance, capital, and operational readiness align with FCA expectations for authorised e-money institutions.
Applications rarely fail because of the idea itself, but because execution details do not match the risk profile. Founders often underestimate how early-stage decisions affect timelines.
Ownership & Controllers
The FCA reviews controllers for integrity, financial soundness, and transparency. Complex holding chains slow reviews unless ownership and source of funds are clearly evidenced.
– Indirect shareholders require full UBO tracing
– Funding narratives must match the business plan
Governance & Key Individuals
Senior management must demonstrate real oversight capacity and relevant payments experience. Key roles are expected to be available for interviews and decision-making. Weak governance profiles commonly trigger follow-up questions and delays.
UK Substance & Head Office
The FCA expects genuine UK mind-and-management, not a nominal address. Operational decisions, risk ownership, and compliance oversight must sit in the UK. Outsourced models still require strong local control functions.
Capital & Financial Readiness
Applicants must evidence €350,000 initial capital and ongoing own funds maintenance. Capital must be available at authorisation and remain unencumbered. Liquidity planning is reviewed alongside capital, not after approval.
Safeguarding & Operational Readiness
Safeguarding frameworks must be operational, not conceptual. The FCA tests segregation logic, reconciliations, and escalation processes before approval. Incomplete safeguarding design is a frequent rejection trigger.
Pros & Cons of a UK AEMI Licence
+ Full regulatory authorisation. Enables scalable e-money and payment models beyond small EMI volume and service limits.
+ Market counterparty acceptance. UK AEMIs are widely recognised by banks and payment partners, easing commercial negotiations.
+ Agent and programme flexibility. The framework supports agent-based and programme manager structures with proper oversight.
+ Clear safeguarding regime. Defined safeguarding rules reduce customer fund risk when implemented correctly.
– Higher governance burden. Senior staffing, UK substance, and controls materially increase fixed costs.
– No EU passporting. UK authorisation does not grant access to EU clients, requiring parallel licensing strategies.
– Lengthy authorisation timelines. Incomplete applications can extend FCA review well beyond initial expectations.
– Banking dependency. Safeguarding account onboarding often dictates real go-live timing, not licence issuance.
How to Get a UK AEMI Licence or Acquire a Ready-Made Entity
Founders can enter the market either through a new FCA authorisation or by acquiring an already authorised AEMI, where available. A ready-made route reduces regulatory uncertainty but requires deeper legal and compliance due diligence.
- Step 1: Regulatory Scoping and Model Mapping 2-4 weeks
Define activities, revenue streams, and client types against EMRs and PSRs.
Key Documents: Business model summary, activity mapping.
Estimated Cost: Advisory scoping and legal analysis.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks. - Step 2: Governance and Substance Design 3-6 weeks
Structure UK management, compliance, and oversight roles.
Key Documents: Organogram, role descriptions, outsourcing model.
Estimated Cost: Staffing, governance drafting.
Timeline: 3–6 weeks. - Step 3: Safeguarding and AML Framework Build 4–8 weeks
Implement safeguarding logic, AML policies, and reporting workflows.
Key Documents: Safeguarding policy, AML manual, risk assessment.
Estimated Cost: Compliance design and tooling.
Timeline: 4–8 weeks. - Step 4: FCA Application Submission FCA review begins on submission
Prepare and submit the full authorisation pack to the FCA.
Key Documents: FCA application forms, supporting schedules.
Estimated Cost: FCA fee and advisory support.
Timeline: FCA review begins on submission. - Step 5: FCA Review and Clarifications 3–10 months
Respond to information requests and interviews.
Key Documents: Clarification responses, updated policies.
Estimated Cost: Ongoing advisory input.
Timeline: 3–10 months depending on completeness.
Key Documents: CNB decision, operating manuals, reporting templates, ICT and business continuity plans, client disclosures.
Estimated Cost: recurring compliance support, audit and reporting costs, system maintenance.
Timeline: ongoing. - Step 6: Banking and Safeguarding Account Onboarding Parallel or post-authorisation
Open safeguarding and operational accounts with a credit institution.
Key Documents: Bank onboarding packs, safeguarding confirmations.
Estimated Cost: Banking setup and legal support.
Timeline: Parallel or post-authorisation.
Total estimated timeline and costs
- From initial scoping to operational readiness, the process typically takes 6–12 months. Major cost drivers include €350,000 capital, governance staffing, compliance build, advisory support, and banking onboarding.
How Legasset Helps With a UK Authorised E-money Institution
We support buyers who want a transfer-ready UK Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI) under FCA supervision. We handle both routes: acquiring an existing AEMI or preparing a new FCA authorisation file.
- AEMI fit check under EMRs 2011 and PSRs 2017, including product perimeter and revenue logic
- Target search and due diligence: permissions, history, agents, outsourcing, and past FCA interactions
- Ownership and controller pack: UBO tracing, source-of-funds narrative, and change-control planning
- €350,000 own-funds readiness and ongoing capital maintenance plan
- Safeguarding framework review: segregation method, reconciliations, audit trail, and banking pack
- Wind-down plan and governance substance: roles, committees, decision logs, and UK mind-and-management
- AML and financial crime controls under MLRs 2017, including SAR escalation to the UKFIU route
- Reporting and compliance handover: RegData returns, policies in use, and operational control testing
- Banking and safeguarding account onboarding support, including partner due diligence materials
AEMI value is realised only when safeguarding and banking are operational. We focus on go-live readiness, not paper compliance.
Want to buy a UK authorised EMI? Talk to our team.
Post-Licensing Compliance Obligations for UK AEMIs
I. AML, CDD and Monitoring
AEMIs must apply risk-based customer due diligence under MLRs 2017.
Ongoing transaction monitoring and SAR reporting to the UKFIU are mandatory.
II. Prudential & Reporting Duties
Own funds must be maintained at required levels at all times.
Regulatory reporting under EMRs and PSRs continues throughout operations.
III. Governance, Notifications & Business Changes
Material changes require prior FCA notification or approval.
Outsourcing and agent oversight remains a supervisory focus.
- Insight: Governance gaps often surface after launch, not during authorisation.
IV. Corporate Tax and Substance
Corporation tax applies based on UK management and control.
Substance expectations influence both tax residency and FCA supervision.
FAQ: UK Authorised Electronic Money Institution (AEMI)
What is the typical timeline and regulatory cost for a UK AEMI authorisation?
Authorisation timelines vary with application completeness and FCA workload. A complete application can be reviewed in around three months but incomplete packs often extend to many months due to follow-ups and clarifications. FCA charges an application fee based on its category schedule, and the principal costs are governance design, compliance implementation, and safeguarding build-out.
What business models and client activities does a UK AEMI support?
An AEMI can issue electronic money and provide payment services such as transfers and account services within the UK regulatory perimeter. The firm may use agent or programme manager structures as long as oversight and controls meet FCA expectations.
Can a UK AEMI serve both retail and institutional clients?
Yes, UK AEMIs can serve both retail and institutional segments subject to their defined permissions and effective compliance frameworks. The FCA evaluates the controls, AML systems, and risk management controls relative to the client mix proposed.
What capital and prudential requirements must a UK AEMI meet?
Applicants must demonstrate €350,000 of initial own funds on an ongoing basis, separate from safeguarded funds. This minimum ensures the business can withstand operational and financial stresses aligned with its e-money and payment services.
How difficult is it to open banking or safeguarding accounts after authorisation?
Bank account and safeguarding arrangements often determine operational readiness. Banks independently assess risk appetites and may require robust governance evidence and controls before onboarding. Being FCA authorised does not automatically guarantee immediate banking access.
Can a UK AEMI include virtual asset-related services?
Traditional AEMI permissions do not inherently cover virtual assets. If a firm plans to engage in virtual asset related services, it must ensure that those activities are clearly mapped to regulated payment or e-money services or seek additional permissions where relevant.
How can Legasset assist with a UK AEMI licence or acquisition?
Legasset can help map the business model to EMRs and PSRs requirements, design governance and safeguarding frameworks, prepare FCA applications, and support investor or buyer due diligence for ready-made AEMIs.
Additional Links and Resources for UK AEMI
I. Electronic Money and Payment Institutions — FCA
Official FCA hub covering how to become a payment services or electronic money institution, conduct requirements, reporting requirements, notifications, and policy context. This page is a primary gateway for regulator expectations and application prerequisites.
II. Payment Services Regulations 2017 and Electronic Money Regulations — FCA
Provides regulatory definitions of payment services and electronic money under UK law, explaining the scope of EMRs 2011 and PSRs 2017 and who falls within the regulatory perimeter. This link is essential for understanding regulated activities and thresholds.
III. Safeguarding Requirements for Authorised EMIs — FCA
Explains how authorised EMIs must safeguard relevant funds received in exchange for e-money and unrelated payment services. This includes segregation of funds and the regulatory logic behind safeguarding obligations.
IV. Payment Services and Electronic Money — Our Approach Document
FCA’s detailed guidance on authorisation, governance, risk management, safeguarding, and reporting expectations. It is a core document for application preparation and supervisory interaction.
V. The Payment Services Regulations 2017 — UK Legislation
The official text of the UK’s Payment Services Regulations, which, alongside Electronic Money Regulations 2011, forms the statutory basis for regulated payment and e-money activities. This is critical for legal compliance and understanding statutory obligations.
