Difference between SPI and API in the UK

Published:
January 17, 2025
Difference between SPI and API in the UK

A business in the UK can become a licensed API or SPI. Understanding these distinctions is crucial since they may influence company tactics and achievements. So, in this article, you can compare SPI vs API License (UK).

API Compliance in the UK

A business may propose remittance services throughout every European Economic Area state after it has received API authorization. Relying on the expected payment activity, the first capital needed asset is between € 20,000 and 125,000.

  • Having a real headquarter in Britain or a European nation is one of the primary prerequisites for API licensing, in complement to the required capital.
  • to hire personnel in the UK or the applicant countries in Europe.
  • To prove that the company have appropriate data technology systems to operate.
  • to create a business in the UK.

SPI License in the UK

Institution for Small Payments permission could not services connected with providing payments outside of the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area and is exempt from having to fulfil a minimum amount of capital.

Choosing a permit relies on a company’s development plan. Obtaining specialized assistance can assist in making sure the permit request is successful and submitted on time.

The services can be offered with SPI approval:

  • allowing money to be deposited into a payment account and all activities essential to run an account;
  • making it possible to withdraw money in banknotes from an account and perform every action necessary to run it;
  • the implementation of remittances, considering transfers of money from users’ payment providers to different ones, considering the implementation and operation of debits; the implementation of money transfers using credit cards or other equivalent technology; the implementation of credit transactions;

Also, Small Payment Institution in the UK promotes:

  • ​carrying out financial operations for a customer of a payment system where the assets are limited by LOC, considering the carrying out of debits; the carrying out of money transfers using credit cards or other equivalent technology; the carrying out of credit dealings;
  • generating financial dealings or transaction tools.

Our team of lawyers can assist you in selecting SPI License or API License in the UK. Everything that you need to do is contact us.

Table of contents

Related insights

FINTRAC releases new information-sharing guidance for reporting entities

Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada has published updated guidance on exchange of personal material between informing entities. This material sets out procedure for entities that intend to voluntarily exchange data for purpose of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, in compliance with mandatory requirements for defense of personal data. New clarifications are...

How to Choose a Custodian: 7 Questions Every RIA Should Ask

For independent investment advisors, depositary is not ancillary service or technical detail. It is basic infrastructure of business. Client assets, transactions, reports, cash flows and most of operational load pass through depositary. A mistake in choosing such partner is costly – in terms of money, time and reputation. In practice, many consultants choose depositary by...

Choosing the Right Custodian for Your Firm

Choosing reliable custodian and related services is key element of corporate financial accounting and securities servicing infrastructure. Choosing wrong depositary partner can lead to delays in operations, errors in reporting, reduced investor confidence and increased operational risks. In today’s environment, companies are faced with wide range of custodians and services, which requires systematic approach to...

Shelf companies in the UK: potential risks and benefits

Term “ready-made company” refers to firm that is already already recorded with Companies House, has not been actively trading prior to sale, and is formally considered “empty”. Such firm has legal existence, registration number and date of incorporation, but, according to supplier’s assurances, has no trading register, obligations or accounts. After acquisition, new owner receives...

FCA annual work programme 2025/26

Financial Conduct Authority’s annual work programme sets out the regulator’s priorities for the planned period and serves as a guide for financial market participants, government agencies and other interested parties. The programme links FCA’s strategy to specific actions that the regulator intends to implement over the coming period and reflects a combination of tasks aimed...

Opening accounts for UK entities with non-UK UBOs: what really moves the needle

Setting up firm in UK in 2026 remains accessible to non-residents: legal regulations do not prohibit foreigners from registering legal entity here. However, existence of firm itself and opening bank account are two different processes. While organizations registration is highly standardized, banking practices for legal entities with non-British ultimate beneficial owners present practical barriers and...

The Retail Payment Activities Act: the changing regulatory landscape for Canadian MSBs

The landscape of monetary restriction in Canada has experienced a significant transformation with the introduction of the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA). For money services firms (MSBs) operating in the country, this act represents a paradigm shift in how remittances are regulated and how MSBs must conduct their activities. Understanding the nuances of the RPAA...
Prev
Next

Feel free to contact us

Send your request for any info