Regulators launch post-Sandbox 'Scale-Up Unit' to help high-flying firms

The FCA and PRA are launching a shared specialist department in Leeds that will provide a single point of contact for "fast-growing, innovative" firms covering regulatory processes, product development, the impact of new policy and sector engagement.

By Neasa MacErlean

Similar in nature to the FCA's much-copied Sandbox scheme, but looking at established businesses, the 'Scale-Up Unit' has been launched in two sectors so far - deposit-taking and insurance. It will be extended to the rest of financial services in 2026 when it opens to those firms that are regulated by the FCA alone.