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On May 20, 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) opened applications for its Scale-up Unit to solo-regulated financial services firms. The Scale-up Unit provides tailored regulatory support to fast-growing and innovative financial services businesses seeking to expand sustainably. The unit offers solo-regulated firms a dedicated point of contact and practical assistance to navigate regulatory processes, develop innovative products, and understand the impact of policy changes. Jessica Rusu, FCA chief data, information and intelligence officer, said the initiative will help firms "grow with confidence" and "navigate regulation, scale sustainably and contribute to making the UK the best place to start and grow a financial services business." The FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have already supported six dual-regulated firms through a Scale-up Unit pilot programme. The pilot has provided the FCA with insights into how it can best support growing firms, and the FCA intends to continue this dialogue with solo-regulated applicants. The FCA will use insights from participating firms to inform wider policy and process improvements, ensuring regulation keeps pace with innovation. The Scale-up Unit sits alongside existing FCA programmes including Innovation Pathways, Pre-Application Support Service (PASS), and the Early and High Growth Oversight function, creating a pathway from start-up to scale-up. Applications from solo-regulated firms to join the Scale-up Unit opened on May 20, 2026 and close on June 22, 2026. Eligible firms can apply through the FCA website, which provides detailed eligibility criteria and application guidance.