Licensing Atlas · Tools

Pre-application meetings and pre-assessment

A pre-application meeting lets you test your business model with the regulator before you file, so a doomed application does not burn months and fees. Of the 43 regulators the Atlas has checked, 32 publish a way to request one. The table shows how, what it costs, and where no such route is published.

Last verified 2026-09-24Markdown · Data (CC BY 4.0)
Pre-application meetings and pre-assessment: toolPRE

Why it matters

Most refused or withdrawn applications fail on points a regulator would have raised in an hour: the licence type does not match the business model, the governance is thin, or the capital plan is unrealistic. A pre-application meeting surfaces those points before the fees are paid and the statutory clock starts. Some regulators charge for it, some forbid consultants from attending, and some offer it only through an innovation hub: the details are in the table.

By regulator

RegulatorJurisdictionOfferedHow it works
AFMNetherlandsYesThe AFM provides structured pre-application engagement, notably the CASP Pre-Scan for prospective crypto-asset service providers. Prospective applicants prepare a slide presentation responding to AFM's pre-scan questionnaire (covering business model, governance, ICT resilience, AML, and planned crypto services) for an informal one-hour digital meeting with the AFM supervisory team to identify regulatory challenges before formal submission (contact: crypto@afm.nl). In addition, exploratory pre-application meetings are offered for applicants under the EU DLT Pilot Regime (contact: Markttoegang_AM@afm.nl).1
AMFFranceYesThe AMF provides free, bilateral pre-application support through its Innovation and Digital Finance team; project promoters submit a comprehensive project presentation, business model, operational flowcharts, and legal analysis via an online information request form to examine regulatory perimeter boundaries and licensing prerequisites prior to formal filing.2
ASICAustraliaYesASIC's Innovation Hub gives free informal assistance to eligible fintech/regtech businesses (startups, scaleups, or firms licensed under 12 months): submit a Word-form request describing the business and the help needed; ASIC typically replies within a week and may offer a meeting within 2-3 weeks. It gives no legal or financial advice and no endorsement.3
BaFinGermanyYesBaFin offers free preliminary discussions (Erstgespräche) for prospective applicants prior to formal submission, where staff review initial business concepts and assign a dedicated contact person through its contact form. However, BaFin is legally barred from offering legal advice.4
BdESpainYesBanco de España offers a formal pre-application process (trámite de presolicitud) for payment institutions and electronic money institutions free of charge. Applicants submit a standardized preliminary questionnaire and business plan through the Sede Electrónica without criminal records. Banco de España then contacts the project promoters to hold an exploratory preliminary meeting evaluating project maturity, resources, and regulatory perimeter before formal filing.5
LBLithuaniaYesThrough the Newcomer Programme, prospective applicants can present their business plan, ask questions about regulatory requirements and request a meeting with the Bank of Lithuania before filing an application.6
BMABermudaYesThe FinTech/Digital Assets team offers a free scheduled consultation ('Contact Us During Office Hours', booked via an online calendar) before formal submission of a digital asset issuance or business application; applicants can also email innovate@bma.bm. Investment business applicants are pointed to published 'Guidance Notes for Prospective Applicants'.7
CBUAEUnited Arab EmiratesYesCBUAE enforces a mandatory preliminary engagement process prior to formal application submission. Prospective applicants must submit an initial proposal and regulatory business plan to the Banking Supervision Department via licensing@cbuae.gov.ae and participate in preliminary consultation meetings before receiving credentials to access the electronic licensing portal. The pre-application consultation process is conducted free of charge.8
CBIIrelandYesCentral Bank of Ireland operates a structured pre-application engagement process for payment and e-money institutions requiring completion of a 15-20 page Pre-Application Key Facts Document (KFD) submitted to applications@centralbank.ie at least 5 working days before an exploratory meeting. Pre-application engagement is provided free of statutory fees.9
CNADEl SalvadorYesCNAD offers a free pre-registration step (an online form) before the formal PSAD application; CNAD reviews it and issues an 'objeción' or 'no objeción' to confirm it has jurisdiction over the applicant's business model before the applicant files complete documentation.10
CNBCzech RepublicYesThe CNB offers pre-application consultations and handles professional regulatory enquiries submitted via electronic forms. Prospective applicants can present project outlines, clarify regulatory classification, and resolve unclear licensing questions before formal filing. Inquiries submitted via the FinTech contact point do not require applicant legal analysis, while professional regulatory queries require the inquirer's own legal assessment. Consultations are free of charge.11
CNMVSpainYesCNMV offers free pre-application consultations through its FinTech Portal with a published commitment to reply within three business days by email, phone, or in-person meetings; for MiCA crypto-asset service providers, the Department of Authorization and Entity Registries (DARE) formally recommends pre-application meetings via tramitacion.mica@cnmv.es prior to submitting administrative files.12
CONSOBItalyYesUnder CONSOB Communication no. 1/24 of 12 September 2024, prospective CASPs and token issuers are invited to initiate free informal preliminary discussions prior to formal submission to clarify documentation and regulatory requirements, via interlocuzioni.CASP@consob.it for CASP authorization and Article 60 notifications or interlocuzioni.whitepaper@consob.it for crypto-asset white papers.13
CSSFLuxembourgYesThe CSSF provides pre-application engagement through its Innovation Hub and dedicated supervisory departments (such as IPIG for payments). Applicants with concrete business cases at an advanced development stage can request a preliminary assessment and pre-application meeting by submitting an Innovation Hub Contact Form, business presentation, and legal memorandum to innovation@cssf.lu.14
DFSADubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)YesThe DFSA offers pre-application engagement for prospective applicants free of charge. Applicants can initiate contact through the DFSA Services Portal (services.dfsa.ae) under Authorisation Enquiries, submit an executive summary and draft business model, and meet with the Authorisation team to clarify regulatory perimeter, licensing categories, and submission requirements prior to formal application.15
DNBNetherlandsYesProspective applicants can contact DNB's Expert Centre on Market Access (markttoegang@dnb.nl) for an informal pre-application consultation to discuss licensing requirements, business models, and submission readiness prior to formal filing.16
EBAEuropean UnionYesFor DORA Critical ICT Third-Party Service Provider (CTPP) voluntary opt-in requests under Article 31(11), the ESAs encourage applicants to submit an informal draft application before formal submission so the ESAs can verify requirements free of charge via esa-dora-oversight@eba.europa.eu. However, for credit, payment, and e-money institution licensing, initial pre-application meetings are conducted directly by national competent authorities rather than the EBA.17
ESMAEuropean UnionYesESMA provides preliminary pre-application engagement for entities seeking direct registration or recognition (such as CRAs, TRs, DRSPs, and benchmark administrators). Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact ESMA prior to formal submission to present their business plans and organizational structure and obtain access credentials for ESMA's secured document-sharing system. ESMA does not charge for pre-application discussions and does not preview draft filings in an advisory capacity.18
FCAUnited KingdomYesThe FCA operates the Pre-Application Support Service (PASS), which is free of charge. Applicants request a meeting via the FCA Connect portal, providing proposed business models and regulatory perimeter analysis. PASS covers wholesale, payments, insurance, cryptoasset, and consumer investment applications, as well as complex change in control notifications and rule waivers.19
FIEstoniaYesFinantsinspektsioon offers pre-application consultations and project assessments free of charge through its Innovation Hub and Licensing Department. Applicants complete an online involvement questionnaire or email preliminary business models to receive non-binding supervisory feedback prior to formal filing.20
FINMASwitzerlandYesFINMA accepts preliminary project presentations and isolated regulatory enquiries prior to formal licence application submission. Submissions must be transmitted electronically via the Survey and Application Platform (EHP) or to fintech@finma.ch. However, pre-application reviews are legally subject to fees billed hourly at CHF 100 to CHF 500 per hour under the FINMA Fees and Levies Ordinance (SR 956.122). FINMA is legally barred from offering legal advice or structuring business models.21
FINTRACCanadaYesn/a
FSCMauritiusYesProspective applicants may request a pre-application consultation meeting with FSC supervision teams by prior appointment to clarify regulatory expectations and structure; no formal advisory opinions are issued, and meetings are conducted free of charge.22
FSRAAbu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)YesFSRA encourages early engagement: applicants contact authorisation@adgm.com and submit a draft Regulatory Business Plan to obtain feedback before the formal application.23
KNFPolandYesKNF provides free pre-application consultations and informal preparatory meetings for prospective fintech applicants via the Department of Payment Services and Department of Financial Market Development. Applicants can present draft business models, clarify regulatory categorization, and obtain guidance on documentation requirements prior to formal application submission.24
Labuan FSAMalaysia (Labuan)YesApplicants may contact Labuan FSA by email before lodging a formal application, to discuss a proposed innovative financial services (fintech) business and get guidance on the applicable regulations; this pre-application engagement is free of charge.25
LBLatviaYesLatvijas Banka offers free pre-application consultation meetings with prospective market participants to assess business models, licensing pathways, regulatory readiness, and AML framework design prior to formal filing.26
MFSAMaltaYesApplicants begin with an intention stage: they submit a Statement of Intent and may ask for a preliminary meeting with the MFSA before filing the full application, under Authorisation Rule 4.27
MGAMaltaYesProspective applicants and existing licensees can request preliminary preparatory and guidance meetings with the MGA prior to submitting a licence application. The Authority does not charge any fees for meetings held with applicants, licensees, or service providers, and requests can be coordinated via info.mga@mga.org.mt or the Licensee Portal.28
NBGGeorgiaYesProspective fintech applicants can request individual feedback and ask supervisory questions through the Financial Innovation Office before applying, free of charge; the office is explicitly closed to legal, consulting, or intermediary firms and answers are informational only, not a binding NBG position.29
NBSSlovakiaYesNBS provides structured pre-application engagement through consultative meetings and the Innovation Hub. Prospective applicants can present project outlines, clarify regulatory classifications, and discuss licensing documentation requirements free of charge before formally submitting an application.30
VARADubai (VARA)YesVARA provides a structured two-stage application procedure where Stage 1 serves as pre-licensing assessment. Applicants complete an Initial Disclosure Questionnaire (IDQ) submitted via Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) or a Dubai Free Zone Authority (e.g. DWTC, DMCC), paying an initial review fee (typically 50% of the licence application fee, i.e. AED 20,000 to AED 50,000). Upon successful assessment, VARA issues an Approval to Incorporate (ATI), allowing legal incorporation, premise leasing, and staff onboarding before formal Stage 2 licensing review.31
AUSTRACAustraliaNot publishedn/a
BVI FSCBritish Virgin IslandsNot publishedn/a
CGACuraçaoNot publishedn/a
CIMACayman IslandsNot publishedFor VASPs, entities without REEFS access or with Travel Rule questions can reach CIMA directly at vaspinfo@cima.ky before applying; an initial VASP assessment fee of KYD 1,000 is payable with the application.32
CySECCyprusNoCySEC does not operate a formal pre-application meeting service or statutory pre-assessment regime; general inquiries regarding the scope of licensing can be addressed informally via electronic communication to authorisations@cysec.gov.cy, but formal application evaluation commences strictly upon receipt of the complete application file accompanied by payment of the non-refundable examination charge.33
FinCENUnited StatesNot publishedn/a
FIUEstoniaNoThe Estonian FIU does not maintain a formal statutory pre-application review or pre-assessment process. Prospective applicants may address informal inquiries to info@fiu.ee or by telephone (+372 696 0500) before submitting formal filings.34
FSASeychellesNoFSA's own application guidance describes only the formal route: obtain the form/guidelines, complete it, pay the application fee, and submit the physical dossier to the Chief Executive Officer by hand or post. No separate pre-application meeting, pre-assessment, or informal-review service is described.35
FSCASouth AfricaNot publishedFSCA offers an optional pre-application meeting to discuss business plans and authorisation requirements before formal submission, per secondary compliance-industry guidance; FSCA's own new-applications page does not itself describe this process and no fee is stated.36
MASSingaporeNoMAS does not provide routine pre-application meetings for standard payment or capital markets licences; applicants are expected to review published licensing guidelines (such as PS-G01) and submit complete applications. Unready applications may be placed on a six-month cooling-off freeze. However, bespoke pre-application consultation is encouraged for innovative applicants seeking entry into the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox via fintech_sandbox@mas.gov.sg.37
SFCHong KongNoThe SFC does not operate a formal pre-application assessment or draft review service for standard licensing applications under the SFO. However, prospective fintech and virtual asset applicants may submit non-binding informal perimeter inquiries to the FinTech Contact Point via an online form or email vatp-licensing@sfc.hk free of charge prior to formal lodgement.38
Last verified 2026-09-24Author Danil Marmysh, Founder & CEO, ProtegraReviewed by Anastasia Sidorenkova, Head of Licensing, ProtegraReport an errorReference information, not legal advice.

Sources

  1. afm.nl: casp pre scan · retrieved 2026-09-24
  2. amf-france.org: information request · retrieved 2026-09-24
  3. asic.gov.au: informal assistance for fintechs and regtechs · retrieved 2026-09-24
  4. bafin.de: schritte erlaubnis node en · retrieved 2026-09-24
  5. sedeelectronica.bde.es: autorizacion entidades pago p212 · retrieved 2026-09-24
  6. web.archive.org: newcomer programme · retrieved 2026-09-24
  7. bma.bm: digital asset issuance · retrieved 2026-09-24
  8. services.cbuae.gov.ae: licensing · retrieved 2026-09-24
  9. centralbank.ie: payment authorisation · retrieved 2026-09-24
  10. cnad.gob.sv: psad · retrieved 2026-09-24
  11. cnb.cz: financial innovation · retrieved 2026-09-24
  12. cnmv.es: ayuda · retrieved 2026-09-24
  13. consob.it: operational guidance for applications and notifications · retrieved 2026-09-24
  14. cssf.lu: innovation hub · retrieved 2026-09-24
  15. dfsaen.thomsonreuters.com: 13 october 2025 dfsa connect new digital services streamline · retrieved 2026-09-24
  16. dnb.nl: application process timeline · retrieved 2026-09-24
  17. eba.europa.eu: dora oversight · retrieved 2026-09-24
  18. esma.europa.eu: ESMA80 1286971524 881 Registration Guide (PDF) · retrieved 2026-09-24
  19. fca.org.uk: pre application support service · retrieved 2026-09-24
  20. fi.ee: involvement innovation hub · retrieved 2026-09-24
  21. finma.ch: beurteilung von bewilligungsprojekten und vorfragen · retrieved 2026-09-24
  22. global.acclime.com: fsc licensing repeat investors mauritius · secondary · retrieved 2026-09-24
  23. adgm.com: fsra general application process · retrieved 2026-09-24
  24. knf.gov.pl: procesy licencyjne rejestrowe · retrieved 2026-09-24
  25. labuanfsa.gov.my: Frequently Asked Questions Innovative Financial Services I (PDF) · retrieved 2026-09-24
  26. bank.lv: innovation hub · retrieved 2026-09-24
  27. mfsa.mt: Authorisation Rule 4 of the MFSA Act (PDF) · retrieved 2026-09-24
  28. mga.org.mt: faqs · retrieved 2026-09-24
  29. nbg.gov.ge: financial innovation office · retrieved 2026-09-24
  30. nbs.sk: innovation hub 2 · retrieved 2026-09-24
  31. vara.ae: licence applications · retrieved 2026-09-24
  32. cima.ky: vasp faq · retrieved 2026-09-24
  33. cysec.gov.cy: contact · retrieved 2026-09-24
  34. fiu.ee: process application · retrieved 2026-09-24
  35. fsaseychelles.sc: applying for a license · retrieved 2026-09-24
  36. fsca.co.za: LR FAIS New Applications · retrieved 2026-09-24
  37. mas.gov.sg: ps g01 guidelines on licensing for payment service providers · retrieved 2026-09-24
  38. sfc.hk: Application procedures · retrieved 2026-09-24

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