Alternative business structures

Last updated 23 April 2012

Applying for authorisation as an alternative business structure (ABS)

ABS authorisation guide

Published August 2011

The guide 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
• Does your interest in an ABS require SRA approval? (Added April 2012)
• Preparing to apply for authorisation
• About the authorisation process

Related information and background

• Ethics guidance on preparing for ABS (published November 2010)
• FAQs
• Our proposals for ABS – SRA Chair's speech
• Moving to an outcomes-based regime – Samantha Barrass's speech
• Consultation on proposed ABS fee structure (ended 29 April 2011)
• SRA- and FSA-authorised firms – Consumer protection

Prospective ABS

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 ABS, are preparing to apply, or are simply interested in a confidential informal discussion about ABS and how we intend to license them, we would be interested in hearing from you.

You can

• email ABScontact@sra.org.uk, or
• call our contact centre on 0870 606 2555.

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