“Both the Credit and Payment Services Teams at Thistle provided invaluable support for both our applications to the FCA. At every step of the journey, both teams gave us great insight into our compliance systems and controls, as well as how we should adapt our business model to fit within the FCA’s regulatory framework. Their diligence and work ethic really made the whole process less stressful, so the rest of the Aperidata team could concentrate on growing the business ahead of launch.”

“The service I received from Thistle was fantastic. I was kept up-to-date throughout the SPI application process. Jack and Melissa, our caseworkers from Thistle’s team, were really helpful and quick to answer all my questions.”

“We contracted Thistle’s Payment Services team to assist us with our FCA application to become a Small Payment Institution (SPI) and received a great level of service from beginning to end. They assisted us in completing our FCA application and HMRC application and answering all questions. In particular, Melissa Cummings was very responsive, providing guidance and regular updates along the way. Melissa was precise with details, right up to the point and would always maintain professionalism and politeness – she is reliable and pleasant to work with. Thistle`s support resulted in us receiving approval from both the FCA and HMRC. We would recommend using Thistle’s services to any company seeking FCA authorisation and if they have experienced resistance from the FCA or HMRC.”

“We worked with Thistle’s payment services team on our application to become a Registered Account Information Service Provider (RAISP). From the very start of the project, the team was extremely professional and fast-moving, answering all our queries in detail and drafting comprehensive documents for our application. This helped us get approved much faster than we had accounted for. We would recommend Thistle’s team to any early-stage company that’s looking for support on their FCA applications.”

“We have used Thistle’s compliance services since 2016 and will continue to do so to help reach our business objectives. Heather worked with us on our FCA Crypto Application with very short notice and delivered an application ready to submit to the FCA at a very high standard. I can only attribute this excellent turnaround to Heather’s relentless work ethic and her deep understanding of the regulatory landscape. I believe this will be the first of many more projects with Heather.”

“Thistle were excellent in assisting our corporate finance firm vary our permissions to offer placing services as a MiFID firm. They provided us with extensive support, from start to approved, including on the new prudential regime, IFPR. Thanks to the Thistle team for the assistance through the whole process.”

“From the beginning, the Thistle team were very knowledgeable about the payment services application process. The team took time to understand our needs, were easy to work with and it felt like they put a lot of effort into the application. Our authorised payment institution application was successful and was approved by the FCA with very minimal feedback, meaning we could start rolling out our services as soon as possible.”

“We had a very positive experience in using Thistle, who helped formulate a strong RAISP application pack with very little follow up questions received from the FCA. Their approach paid dividends and we were extremely satisfied with the level of service provided.”

“Thistle provided us with invaluable, technical advice during our FCA application process. The team took time to understand the particulars of our business and then apply their knowledge, skill and expertise to ensure that commercial goals were being met, whilst also ensuring regulatory requirements and objectives were a central focus to business operation.”

“Our experience of working with Thistle Initiatives to add our CASS permissions has been great. Thistle helped to create the application to vary our FCA permissions and helped to respond to the FCA’s detailed questions following submission. Thistle assisted quickly and clearly at all times, including during the more complex aspects of the process.”