CASS 5 Audit Companies UK: A Practical Overview and Selection Guide
This practical guide offers a clear overview of CASS 5 Audit companies operating across the UK. Rather than ranking them, we explore what these companies actually do in the CASS 5 space and how they support businesses with client money requirements.
You will find a range of companies here – from larger organisations with broad capabilities to more specialised teams focused specifically on CASS audits. Each brings its own approach to helping FCA-regulated companies maintain proper segregation of client money, complete accurate reconciliations, and meet ongoing regulatory obligations.
Whether you need support with daily client money calculations, robust internal controls, or independent assurance reporting, this overview gives you the context to compare your options and make an informed decision that fits your business needs.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors providing CASS 5 audit services to FCA-regulated companies that hold or control client money. The firm delivers independent assurance on client money arrangements in line with the requirements of the Client Assets Sourcebook.
Acumon supports a range of FCA-regulated companies, including insurance intermediaries, investment businesses and other entities involved in insurance mediation activities. The firm understands the importance of proper segregation, accurate reconciliations and robust controls over client funds. Their approach combines technical regulatory knowledge with a practical focus on minimising disruption to day-to-day operations.
The firm applies a structured risk-based methodology when conducting CASS 5 audits. This ensures thorough examination of client money processes while maintaining clear communication with management throughout the engagement. Acumon’s UK-based team works closely with companies to provide assurance that meets FCA expectations and supports ongoing compliance.
Acumon is fully authorised and regulated by the ICAEW and the FRC, which allows the firm to issue formal CASS assurance reports suitable for submission to the regulator. The firm maintains strong standards of quality and independence in all CASS 5 engagements.
CASS 5 Audit Capabilities:
Acumon provides comprehensive CASS 5 audit services focused on client money requirements for FCA-regulated companies. These include:
- CASS 5 audits for companies holding client money
- Client money segregation reviews
- Daily reconciliation process assessments
- Client money calculation verification
- Client bank account compliance checks
- Record-keeping and control evaluations
- Assurance report preparation for FCA submission
Regulatory Licences and Registrations:
Acumon holds several audit registrations that enable it to support organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.
These include:
- UK statutory audit registration
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audit licence
- Jersey audit licence
- Isle of Man audit licence
- Cayman Islands audit licence
- British Virgin Islands audit licence
These registrations allow the firm to provide audit services to groups that include entities in both the UK and key international financial centres.
Core Services:
In addition to statutory external audit, Acumon provides a range of services that support financial reporting and governance.
These include:
- statutory external audit
- group and subsidiary audits
- Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits
- charity and not-for-profit audit
- audit of international group structures
- internal audit and governance reviews
- risk management and compliance support
Audit work is often delivered alongside discussions with management and boards regarding financial reporting processes and governance frameworks.
Many organisations initially encounter statutory audit requirements as they grow and exceed the audit exemption thresholds set out in the Companies Act.
Acumon works with businesses that are:
- approaching their first statutory audit
- preparing for external investment
- expanding into international markets
- operating within corporate group structures
Early engagement with an audit firm can help ensure that financial reporting systems and documentation are aligned with statutory audit requirements.
Contact Information:
- Website: acumon.com
- Phone: 020 8567 3451
- Email: mail@acumon.com
- Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
HWB Accountants
HWB Accountants support FCA-regulated companies with their CASS 5 obligations. The company focuses on helping insurance intermediaries and other relevant businesses maintain proper handling of client money in line with regulatory requirements.
Their team conducts CASS audits and provides assurance on client asset reports. They assist with client money reconciliations, proof of client money requirements, and preparation for CASS 5 audits. The company also offers guidance on implementing necessary operational processes and controls to stay compliant with the Client Assets Sourcebook rules. They emphasise clear reporting and practical support to help companies meet FCA expectations around segregation and record-keeping.
Key Highlights:
- Specialist support for insurance intermediaries
- Experience with CASS classification and notifications
- Focus on client money reconciliations
- Preparation assistance for audits
- Understanding of regulator focus areas
Services:
- CASS 5 compliance advice
- Client money reconciliation support
- CASS audit assurance reports
- Operational process reviews
- Mandate documentation guidance
- CASS health checks
Contact Information:
- Website: www.hwb-accountants.com
- Phone: +44 (0)23 8046 1200
- Email: admin@hwb-accountants.com
- Address: Highland House, Mayflower Close, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 4AR
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hwb-accountants
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HWB-Chartered-Accountants-222878804508808
- Twitter: x.com/HWB_Accountants
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hwbaccountants
Saffery
Saffery delivers CASS audit services to companies that hold or control client money under FCA rules. The company provides independent assurance on how these companies manage client assets in accordance with the Client Assets Sourcebook.
Their work includes both reasonable and limited assurance reports depending on the company’s permissions and activities. Saffery helps companies understand the differences between assurance types and supports timely submission of reports to the FCA. They focus on the practical application of CASS 5 rules for client money, particularly for firms engaged in insurance mediation activities.
Key Highlights:
- Detailed guidance on assurance opinions
- Support for report deadlines
- Understanding of CASS sourcebook sections
- Experience with hybrid reporting
- Focus on client money protection
Services:
- Reasonable assurance CASS audits
- Limited assurance CASS audits
- Hybrid CASS reports
- Client money compliance reviews
- Regulatory reporting support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.saffery.com
- Phone: +44 (0)131 221 2777
- Email: info@saffery.com
- Address: Level 4, 9 Haymarket Square, Edinburgh EH3 8RY
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
Buzzacott
Buzzacott provides CASS audit services to FCA-regulated companies that handle client money. The company prepares reports giving reasonable assurance opinions on systems and compliance with relevant CASS rules.
They support various types of companies including insurance brokers operating under CASS 5. Buzzacott ensures companies receive clear guidance on requirements for client money handling and assists with the separate nature of CASS audits from statutory work. Their approach includes attention to breaches reporting and an insolvency-focused mindset during procedures.
Key Highlights:
- Support for designated investment firms
- Experience with insurance brokers
- Clear reporting to the FCA
- Attention to rule breaches
- Separate CASS audit process
Services:
- CASS 5 audit reports
- Client money rule compliance
- Reasonable assurance opinions
- Limited assurance opinions
- Breaches schedule preparation
- Regulatory submission support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.buzzacott.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7556 1200
- Email: enquiries@buzzacott.co.uk
- Address: 130 Wood Street, London, EC2V 6DL
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/buzzacott
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Buzzacott/100066357656648
Prydis
Prydis offers CASS audit and assurance services to FCA-authorised companies across the UK. The company works with firms that hold or control client money, delivering independent reviews focused on CASS 5 requirements.
Their process includes pre-audit assessments and efficient delivery of reports with practical recommendations. Prydis supports companies in demonstrating robust controls over client money while maintaining clear communication with regulators.
Key Highlights:
- Reasonable and limited assurance options
- Remote and on-site delivery
- Practical compliance recommendations
- Support for regulatory classification
- Focus on client money protection
Services:
- CASS 5 audit delivery
- Pre-audit control assessments
- Client money compliance assurance
- Ongoing regulatory advice
- Report preparation and submission
Contact Information:
- Website: prydis.com
- Phone: 01637 872328
- Email: mail@prydis.com
- Address: 20 Henver Road, Newquay, Cornwall, UK, TR7 3BJ
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/prydis
Menzies
Menzies supports mortgage and general insurance companies with CASS 5 client money requirements. The company provides guidance on performing client money calculations and reconciliations to ensure proper protection of client funds under FCA rules.
The approach involves regular calculations using either the client balance method or accruals method to determine the client money requirement. Companies then compare this to the client money resource shown in accounting records and reconcile to bank statements. Menzies explains the importance of timely rectification of any excesses or shortfalls. Completed reconciliations require signing by the CASS compliance officer and retention of supporting documentation for review during audits.
Key Highlights:
- Focus on mortgage and insurance firms
- Guidance on calculation methods
- Reconciliation process support
- Timely discrepancy correction
Services:
- Client money reconciliations
- CASS 5 calculation assistance
- Client money resource reviews
- Reconciliation documentation support
- CASS assurance services
Contact Information:
- Website: www.menzies.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7387 5868
- Address: 4th Floor, 95 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7AB
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/menzies-llp
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/menzies_llp
Price Bailey
Price Bailey delivers CASS audit services to companies regulated by the FCA that handle client money. The company works with businesses distributing insurance products under CASS 5 rules as part of their broader client asset compliance support.
Their process starts with understanding the control environment and includes mapping relevant rules to existing procedures. The team reviews reconciliations and performs tests on segregation of client money in bank accounts. Price Bailey assists with identification of potential breaches and preparation of related schedules for FCA submission.
Key Highlights:
- Dedicated CASS audit team
- Experience with insurance distribution
- Early breach identification
- Control environment assessments
- Reconciliation reviews
Services:
- Reasonable assurance reports
- Limited assurance reports
- Hybrid assurance reports
- Client money segregation checks
- Breach schedule preparation
- CASS mapping exercises
Contact Information:
- Website: www.pricebailey.co.uk
- Phone: 020 7065 2660
- Email: city@pricebailey.co.uk
- Address: 8th Floor Dashwood House 69 Old Broad Street London EC2M 1QS
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/price-bailey
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PriceBaileyLLP
- Twitter: x.com/price_bailey
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pbpeople
BKL
BKL provides CASS audit services to companies that hold or control client money. The company supports compliance with the Client Assets Sourcebook rules through specialist reviews focused on insurance-related activities under CASS 5.
Their team builds an understanding of each company’s business model to assess systems and controls. BKL can coordinate CASS work alongside other audit activities to reduce disruption. The company also prepares different types of assurance reports based on the specific permissions and activities of the company.
Key Highlights:
- Specialist FS audit team
- CASS 5 audit experience
- Systems and controls reviews
- Report preparation support
Services:
- CASS 5 audits
- Limited assurance reports
- Reasonable assurance reports
- Client money compliance reviews
- Control improvement recommendations
Contact Information:
- Website: bkl.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7832 0444
- Address: First floor, 5 Fleet Place, London EC4M 7RD
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/berg-kaprow-lewis-llp
- Twitter: x.com/BKLtweets
Hillier Hopkins
Hillier Hopkins assists companies with CASS assurance reports required under FCA rules for client money handling. The company helps mortgage and general insurance companies determine the appropriate type of report based on their client account setup and holdings.
They explain the differences between reasonable assurance, limited assurance, and hybrid reports. Hillier Hopkins supports companies in understanding reporting deadlines and submission requirements to the FCA. The team works with firms to clarify obligations specific to CASS 5 for client money in insurance activities.
Key Highlights:
- Support for mortgage and insurance companies
- Report type determination
- Deadline guidance
- FCA submission assistance
Services:
- CASS assurance reports
- Reasonable assurance reports
- Limited assurance reports
- Hybrid assurance reports
- CASS 5 compliance reviews
Contact Information:
- Website: hillierhopkins.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)330 024 3200
- Email: hi@hhllp.co.uk
- Address: 45 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5JG
CASS Audit Services
CASS Audit Services offers external and internal CASS audit services to small and medium-sized FCA regulated companies. The company specialises in client money compliance under the relevant CASS rules including those for insurance mediation.
Their work includes conducting assurance engagements and providing consultancy on CASS processes. The team focuses on delivering factual assurance opinions and practical recommendations for maintaining compliance with client money requirements.
Key Highlights:
- Specialist CASS auditors
- External and internal audits
- Consultancy support
- Partner-led engagements
Services:
- External CASS audits
- Internal CASS audits
- CASS consultancy
- Assurance report preparation
- Client money compliance reviews
Contact Information:
- Website: cassauditservices.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 7733808503
- Email: talis@cassauditservices.co.uk
- Address: 3 Eastbourne Road, London, TW8 9PF, UK
MAH
MAH supports FCA-regulated companies with CASS 5 audits for client money. The company performs both reasonable assurance audits for companies that hold client money and limited assurance reviews for those that do not.
The process starts with understanding the business and planning the audit, including reviews of client onboarding, transaction flows, and daily reconciliation procedures. MAH then tests samples of transactions, bank statements, and reconciliations before preparing the final report. Any potential issues or breaches are discussed with the company before submission to the FCA. The company works with various types of businesses including insurance brokers and foreign exchange trading platforms.
Key Highlights:
- Experience with CASS 5 rules
- Reasonable assurance audits
- Limited assurance reviews
- Detailed transaction testing
- Breach discussion process
Services:
- CASS audit planning
- Client money reconciliation testing
- Transaction sample reviews
- CASS report preparation
- Breach identification support
- FCA report submission
Contact Information:
- Website: www.mah.uk.com
- Phone: 0207 100 3610
- Email: enquiries@mah.uk.com
- Address: 2nd Floor, 154 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4LN
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mah-chartered-accountants
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/MAH-Chartered-Accountants-100068129359509
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mahca2011
FSCom
FSCom provides specialist support to companies in the financial services sector with regulatory compliance matters. The company works with FCA-regulated businesses on client money and assets requirements under CASS rules.
Their approach focuses on practical guidance for meeting ongoing obligations related to client money handling. FSCom helps companies navigate the specific demands of CASS 5 for insurance mediation activities.
Key Highlights:
- Specialist regulatory support
- Focus on financial services companies
- CASS compliance guidance
Services:
- CASS 5 compliance support
- Client money advisory
- Regulatory process reviews
Contact Information:
- Website: fscom.co
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 3327 7337
- Email: info@fscom.co
- Address: 46 New Broad Street, London EC2M 1JH
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fscom-limited
- Twitter: x.com/fscom1
Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton delivers audit and assurance services to companies across the UK, including work with financial services businesses. The company supports regulated companies in meeting their client assets obligations under FCA rules.
Their teams combine local presence with broader resources to assist with CASS-related assurance engagements. Grant Thornton works with companies on various aspects of regulatory reporting and compliance requirements.
Key Highlights:
- Audit and assurance expertise
- Support for financial services companies
- Regulatory reporting assistance
Services:
- CASS assurance engagements
- Client money compliance reviews
- Assurance report preparation
- Regulatory compliance support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.grantthornton.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 224 7200
- Email: dan.j.dickinson@uk.gt.com
- Address: Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, L3 1PS
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grant-thornton-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gt_trainees
RSM UK
RSM UK assists companies with client money and assets compliance under the CASS rules. The company works with financial services businesses to review and strengthen arrangements for protecting client funds.
Their specialist team supports understanding of CASS requirements and conducts assurance reviews. RSM UK helps with preparation of annual CASS audits and operational process enhancements focused on client money controls.
Key Highlights:
- Specialist risk and regulation team
- CASS arrangements reviews
- Assurance review support
Services:
- CASS assurance reviews
- Annual CASS audits
- Client money compliance assessments
- Operational process reviews
- CASS resolution pack development
Contact Information:
- Website: www.rsmuk.com
- Phone: +44 (0)20 3201 8000
- Email: info@rsmuk.com
- Address: 25 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4AB
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
Wisteria
Wisteria provides information and support on CASS audits to companies that may require them. The company explains the requirements for businesses handling client money under FCA regulations, including CASS 5 provisions.
Their guidance covers when companies need CASS assurance reports and the different types of reports available. Wisteria helps companies understand their obligations regarding client money protection and compliance.
Key Highlights:
- Clear guidance on CASS requirements
- Support for regulated companies
- Explanation of report types
Services:
- CASS audit explanations
- Compliance requirement reviews
- Client money guidance
- Assurance report support
Contact Information:
- Website: wisteria.co.uk
- Phone: 020 4546 7630
- Address: The Grange Barn, Pike’s End, Pinner, London, HA5 2EX
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wisteria-limited
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WisteriaAccountants
- Twitter: x.com/wisterialtd
Conclusion
Choosing the right CASS 5 audit partner depends on factors such as the size of your business, your specific sector, the maturity of your existing processes, and your individual regulatory requirements. Some companies take a broader integrated approach while others focus more narrowly on client money compliance and assurance.
This guide has presented a neutral overview of various CASS 5 audit companies in the UK and what they offer in this area. The right partner delivers independent assurance and practical steps to reduce risks and support resilience. Ultimately the decision comes down to finding a good fit that aligns with how your company operates and the level of support you need.