An authorised payment institution can execute payment transactions, run payment accounts and offer money remittance and acquiring. It cannot issue e-money. For many payment businesses this is the licence that fits the model, and an existing company can be the faster route.
| Buy existing | Apply new | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to operate | Depends on the regulator's change-of-control review | Full authorisation process |
| Scope | Fixed by the permissions already on the licence | Whatever you apply for and are granted |
| Main risk | Past compliance gaps carried into your ownership | Refusal, delay or restrictive conditions |
| Cost profile | Purchase price plus due diligence | Application, advisers, capital and staff before any revenue |
Every sale is subject to regulator approval of the new owners. Timelines are set by the regulator and are not guaranteed.
No. Issuing e-money requires an e-money institution licence or a credit institution authorisation.
A small payment institution is a restricted category with lower thresholds. It usually cannot passport services abroad and is limited in monthly payment volume.
You can apply to vary permissions, but that is a separate regulatory process and is not guaranteed.
The licence belongs to the company. The company can be renamed after the acquisition, subject to notifying the regulator.
Tell us the licence type, region and budget. We reply with matching companies under NDA.