Alternative business structures

Applying for authorisation as an alternative business structure (ABS)

ABS authorisation guide

First published in August 2011, the guide has been updated on several occasions. It comprises four parts, which can be accessed by following the links below or selecting from the options on the left:

• Who needs to be authorised (updated 7 March 2012)
• Does your interest in an ABS require SRA approval? (added 23 April 2012, updated 29 May 2012)
• Preparing to apply for authorisation (updated 7 March 2012)
• About the authorisation process (updated 29 June 2012)

Related information and background

• Ethics guidance on preparing for ABS (published November 2010)
• Our proposals for ABS – speech by SRA Board Chair Charles Plant (8 November 2010)
• Moving to an outcomes-based regime – speech by SRA Executive Director Samantha Barrass (1 December 2010)
• Consultation on proposed ABS fee structure (ended 29 April 2011)
• SRA- and FSA-authorised firms – Consumer protection

Prospective ABSs

We are happy to talk informally to anyone interested in setting up or investing in an ABS. If you are looking to talk about ideas or proposals you may be exploring around ABSs, are preparing to apply, or are simply interested in a confidential, informal discussion about ABSs and how we license them, we would be interested in hearing from you:

• Email authorisation@sra.org.uk
• Telephone 0121 329 6835

Please use www.sra.org.uk/abs to link to this page.

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