AEMI20 Jun 2026 07:08
Sorry AI but could this be for acquiring an Authorised emi perhapsa both in UK and EU
Acquiring an existing company with an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licence in the UK generally costs between £200,000 and £1,000,000+. The exact price largely depends on whether it is a Small EMI or an Authorised EMI (AEMI), the condition of its technical infrastructure, and whether it has operational banking relationships. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The total financial outlay required to get a regulated e-money firm operational in the UK breaks down as follows:
1. Acquisition and Setup Costs
Ready-made / Shell Firm: Purchasing an existing, licensed "shell" company typically requires an acquisition price ranging from £150,000 to £500,000 for a Small EMI, and upwards of £500,000 to £1 million+ for a full AEMI. [1]Legal and M&A Fees: Expect to pay £15,000 to £40,000 for corporate legal advisors, due diligence, and navigating the FCA’s Change in Control application process.FCA Fees: The statutory fee for a Change in Control application with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is typically between £250 and £5,000 depending on the complexity of the firm. [1]
2. Regulatory Capital Requirements
You will need to demonstrate that the company has enough liquid capital to satisfy FCA requirements:
Authorised EMI (AEMI): Requires a minimum initial capital of €350,000 (or GBP equivalent).Small EMI: No initial capital required up to €500k in issued e-money; however, you must hold own funds equal to 2% of outstanding e-money for volumes between €500k and €5m. [1, 2]
3. Key Acquisition Considerations
Banking and Safeguarding: Many buyers are willing to pay a premium if the shell company already has active safeguarding accounts and correspondent banking relationships, as securing these from scratch is highly challenging.Regulatory Compliance: The FCA requires rigorous due diligence under the Change in Control rules to ensure that any new owners, directors, and Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) pass the "fit and proper" test.