Practical Guide to Compliance Services Companies in the UK
AC
Acumon Chartered Accountants·14 min read
Compliance services companies in the UK take on much of the regulatory burden so businesses can stay compliant without constant internal hassle. From ensuring proper segregation of client money under FCA rules, handling accurate payroll and HMRC submissions, to verifying that grant funds are used correctly, these companies fill gaps where in-house teams lack specialist knowledge or capacity. The market ranges from narrow FCA authorisation experts to larger players covering governance, risk management, and continuous regulatory oversight across different sectors.
This guide gives a clear, neutral overview of UK compliance services companies. It’s not a ranking or recommendation-just a practical look at the options. Some provide wide-ranging, integrated support; others specialise in specific areas like grant audits, financial crime prevention, or tech-focused governance.
Acumon
Acumon is a UK-based firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors providing a range of compliance-focused services to help organisations meet regulatory and statutory obligations.
The company supports clients across various sectors with tailored assurance in areas such as regulatory audits, grant funding compliance, statutory filings, payroll processing, HMRC interactions, and governance/risk frameworks.
Acumon operates as an ICAEW-registered audit firm with additional recognised auditor status in Jersey and the Isle of Man, enabling compliance support for UK and certain offshore entities.
Many team members have prior HMRC experience, which informs their approach to tax and payroll compliance matters.
Acumon works with UK PLCs, limited companies, charities, not-for-profits, international group subsidiaries, and other regulated entities.
Services address specific regulatory requirements including FCA CASS rules, Charity SORP, grant conditions, Pensions Act standards, and SRA Accounts Rules through specialist audits.
The company assists with statutory compliance under the Companies Act, PAYE/NI and CIS obligations, and HMRC enquiry defence via fee protection arrangements.
Risk and governance services target CFOs and finance directors with internal controls, IT/cyber risk, and corporate governance advisory.
Compliance Capabilities:
Acumon provides compliance-related services across a range of organisational structures and sectors.
These include:
UK PLCs and limited companies
Charities and not-for-profit organisations
International group subsidiaries
Public interest entities and regulated firms
Grant-funded projects and recipients
Entities requiring Jersey or Isle of Man compliance
Regulatory Licences and Registrations:
Acumon holds several registrations that enable compliance and assurance work in the UK and selected jurisdictions.
These include:
ICAEW statutory audit registration
Recognised auditor status for Jersey
Recognised auditor status for Isle of Man
Authorisation for Public Interest Entity (PIE) audits via FRC
Core Services:
In addition to audit and assurance, Acumon provides a range of compliance-oriented services.
Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK
Protiviti
Protiviti offers regulatory compliance consulting tailored to financial services and other regulated sectors in the UK. The company supports clients in building compliance frameworks that align with business strategy and regulatory expectations. It focuses on integrating compliance into risk management processes using data and analytics.
Services include designing target operating models for compliance, remediation of regulatory issues, and consumer protection programme management. Protiviti provides compliance risk assessments, monitoring and testing, and regulatory change management. It also handles client assets safeguards, financial crime compliance, and skilled person reviews. The approach emphasises predictive controls and efficient responses to regulatory demands.
Key Highlights:
Compliance transformation support
Regulatory remediation expertise
Consumer duty implementation
Risk assessment and testing
Services:
Compliance risk management consulting
Regulatory compliance services
Financial crime compliance
Client assets safeguarding
Consumer protection advisory
Regulatory change management
Skilled person reviews
Contact Information:
Website: www.protiviti.com
Phone: +44.20.7930.8808
Address: The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Protiviti
Twitter: x.com/ProtivitiUK
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/protiviti-uk-
Instagram: www.instagram.com/protiviti.uk
Cosegic
Cosegic delivers compliance advisory services primarily for FCA-regulated companies. The company conducts health checks, assurance reviews, and provides ongoing regulatory support. It guides clients through authorisation processes and helps maintain compliance frameworks.
Support includes FCA authorisation applications from readiness to response phases, policy and procedure development, and training on key FCA topics. Cosegic offers secondments for compliance resourcing, perimeter guidance, and advice on specific regimes like SM&CR and consumer duty. Training covers areas such as treating customers fairly, vulnerable customers, and complaints handling.
Complyport provides regulatory compliance consulting and resourcing solutions for financial services companies. The company supports clients with licensing, ongoing compliance obligations, and risk management in regulated environments. It operates across global and UK jurisdictions with a focus on practical regulatory adherence.
Services encompass compliance consulting for local and EU requirements, prudential reporting support, and regulatory technology solutions. Complyport offers resourcing for compliance roles, monitoring programmes, and liaison with regulators. Additional areas include cybersecurity and operational resilience, as well as support for complex client onboarding and KYC processes.
Address: 34 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7AT, United Kingdom
Twitter: x.com/complyport
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/complyport-ltd
RQC Group
RQC Group offers regulatory compliance consulting with a focus on FCA and SEC requirements for financial services companies. The company handles authorisation applications, including form preparation, documentation, and guidance on SMCR and prudential matters. It provides ongoing support through policy development, compliance monitoring, and regulatory advice. Health checks, gap analyses, and remediation projects form part of its tailored approach.
Services extend to periodic monitoring meetings, marketing reviews, FCA reporting assistance, and horizon scanning for regulatory changes. The company supports variation of permission and change in control applications, along with mock audits and deep dive reviews. It also offers compliance training courses that are CPD-certified. Assistance covers correspondence with regulators and strategic planning for compliance obligations.
Kroll delivers financial services compliance and regulation consulting, with dedicated support for UK requirements under the FCA and PRA. The company assists with regulatory licensing, establishment of compliance programmes, and advisory on governance and risk management. It provides retained support, managed services, and solutions for regulatory change. Skilled person reviews and regulator-commissioned work address specific compliance issues.
Services include authorisation and registration guidance, internal audit in regulated environments, and regulatory due diligence for transactions. The company offers regulatory hosting platforms for investment activities and fund operations. Advisory covers financial crime prevention, investment compliance, and preparation for regulator visits. Remediation design helps resolve identified risks and restore confidence.
Address: The News Building, Level 6, 3 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kroll
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearekroll
Twitter: x.com/KrollWire
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wearekroll
Saffery
Saffery provides regulatory consulting and assurance services primarily for financial services companies operating in regulated environments. The company focuses on helping clients navigate FCA and PRA requirements through tailored advice on compliance obligations and internal controls. It delivers support in areas such as CASS assurance, safeguarding reviews, and systems/controls reporting under frameworks like AAF 01/20. Saffery also assists with FCA interim profits reviews and broader regulatory compliance in a changing landscape.
Services address the complexities of operating under strict oversight, including client money protection assessments and guidance on evolving regulations. The company works with financial services businesses to ensure transparency in reporting and confidence in compliance arrangements. It combines audit expertise with regulatory knowledge to support ongoing adherence and risk management. This approach helps clients maintain operational integrity while meeting statutory and sector-specific demands.
Address: Trinity Court, 16 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6HY
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/saffery
Instagram: www.instagram.com/saffery_uk
IQ-EQ
IQ-EQ delivers governance, risk management, compliance, and reporting services tailored to regulated entities, with a strong emphasis on alternative investment funds and asset managers. The company supports clients in meeting complex regulatory obligations across jurisdictions, including FCA requirements in the UK and EU directives like AIFMD and SFDR. It offers comprehensive compliance consulting from initial authorisations through to ongoing policy development, monitoring, and regulatory inquiry support. Services extend to AML, KYC, and outsourced compliance functions for firms seeking flexible expertise.
The approach helps asset owners and managers build robust frameworks that align governance and risk processes with regulatory expectations. IQ-EQ provides proactive management of compliance programmes, reducing exposure in highly regulated environments. It draws on specialist teams familiar with UK and international standards to handle applications, quarterly reporting, and examination responses. This enables clients to focus on core activities while maintaining transparent and efficient regulatory adherence.
Key Highlights:
Governance frameworks
Risk management support
Regulatory compliance structures
Services:
Governance risk compliance advisory
Compliance framework development
Risk assessment and mitigation
Regulatory governance support
Contact Information:
Website: iqeq.com
Phone: +44 20 7397 5450
Address: 4th Floor, 3 More London Riverside London, London, SE1 2AQ, United Kingdom
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/iq-eq
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IQEQGroup
Instagram: www.instagram.com/insideiqeq
The Compliance Company
The Compliance Company provides FCA compliance services for regulated financial businesses in the UK. The company offers advisory support to help clients meet ongoing regulatory obligations under the FCA framework. It assists with maintaining compliance programmes and addressing specific regulatory requirements.
Services include compliance monitoring, policy development, and training tailored to FCA rules. The company conducts health checks and gap analyses to identify compliance issues. It supports clients through regulatory change implementation and liaison with the FCA when needed. Advisory covers areas like conduct rules and operational standards in regulated environments.
Address: 32 Mulberry Way, Armthorpe, Doncaster, England DN3 3UE
Airwalk Reply
Airwalk Reply delivers risk and compliance consulting services, often integrating technology solutions for regulatory needs. The company supports financial services clients in managing compliance with evolving regulations. It focuses on operational resilience and risk frameworks in regulated sectors.
Services include advisory on regulatory compliance, risk management strategies, and implementation of controls. The company provides support for digital operational resilience requirements like DORA. It assists with risk identification, assessment, and mitigation approaches. Guidance covers compliance transformation and technology-enabled monitoring.
Key Highlights:
Regulatory risk advisory
Operational resilience support
Technology-driven compliance
Risk framework implementation
Services:
Risk and compliance consulting
Regulatory compliance advisory
Operational resilience guidance
Risk management strategies
Compliance transformation support
Digital risk controls
Contact Information:
Website: airwalkreply.com
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7730 6000
Address: 160 Victoria Street, 2nd Floor Nova South, Westminster, London SW1E 5L
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/airwalk-reply
BIP
BIP offers risk and compliance services across various regulated industries. The company helps clients develop and maintain effective risk management and compliance programmes. It provides advisory on regulatory requirements and internal controls.
Services encompass risk assessment, compliance framework design, and regulatory advisory. The company supports implementation of governance structures and control measures. It offers guidance on specific regulations affecting operations. Additional areas include monitoring and reporting for compliance obligations.
Capco provides risk and compliance solutions specifically for financial services companies. The company assists with regulatory compliance and risk management in a changing environment. It focuses on integrating risk and compliance into business operations.
Services include advisory on conduct risk, operational risk, and governance requirements. The company supports regulatory change programmes and compliance framework enhancements. It offers risk modelling and stress testing approaches. Guidance covers regulatory reporting and remediation efforts.
Key Highlights:
Financial services risk focus
Regulatory change support
Conduct and operational risk
Compliance framework advisory
Services:
Risk and compliance solutions
Regulatory compliance advisory
Conduct risk management
Operational risk advisory
Governance and controls support
Regulatory reporting guidance
Contact Information:
Website: www.capco.com
Phone: +44 20 7426 1500
Address: 77-79 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HU, United Kingdom
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/capco
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CapcoGlobal
Twitter: x.com/capco
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifeatcapco
The Compliance Guys
The Compliance Guys delivers FCA authorisation and compliance support for regulated firms. The company assists with initial authorisation applications and ongoing regulatory requirements. It provides practical guidance tailored to FCA-regulated activities.
Services include FCA authorisation support, ongoing compliance assistance, and appointed representative arrangements. The company offers help with consumer duty implementation, data protection compliance, and changes in legal status or control. It conducts health checks and provides ad-hoc compliance advice. Support extends to regulatory submissions and liaison where needed.
BDO offers compliance services tailored to regulated financial services companies in the UK. The company assists with FCA authorisations by guiding clients through the application process, preparing documentation, and addressing threshold conditions like governance and risk management. It provides retained compliance support, including health checks, policy management, training, horizon scanning, and regulatory filings. BDO also helps implement regulatory changes through impact analysis, implementation plans, and post-implementation reviews.
Services cover resource augmentation for short-term needs, such as remediation projects or specialist support. The company works with sectors like asset management, wealth management, payment services, consumer credit, and fintech. It focuses on proportionate compliance that aligns with regulatory spirit while avoiding unnecessary complexity. Advisory includes financial crime prevention, CASS, prudential risk, and conduct of business matters.
RSM provides regulatory compliance services that help organisations manage regulatory risk and strengthen governance. The company supports clients in navigating complex regulations by integrating compliance into strategy and operations. It assists with risk management, governance frameworks, and responses to regulatory change. Services aim to shift oversight from reactive to strategic approaches.
The company offers global compliance management through outsourced services like coordinated filing and reporting across jurisdictions. It provides project management for tracking obligations country-by-country with dashboard visibility. RSM helps with compliance integration into daily performance and transformation efforts. Support includes accountability mapping and proactive decision-making for board and operational leaders.
Address: 14th Floor, 20 Chapel Street, Liverpool L3 9AG.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rsm-uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rsm.uk
Crowe
Crowe delivers consulting services focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of risk and compliance functions. The company helps organisations enhance their approaches to regulatory compliance, risk management, and governance. It provides practical support in areas like sustainability, resilience, cyber security, and technology. Crowe works to make compliance more adaptable to change and uncertainty.
Services include advisory on risk and governance structures. The company offers guidance on compliance strategies within broader consulting. It supports organisations in building proportionate risk and control environments. Additional focus areas cover data analytics, AI implications, and supply chain resilience in regulatory contexts.
This guide serves as a straightforward overview of compliance services companies operating in the UK, focusing on what they actually provide rather than any formal ranking. Companies in this space vary widely - some handle a full range of statutory and regulatory obligations across sectors, while others concentrate on niche areas like grant audits, payroll compliance, or specific governance frameworks. Here you'll find context on the types of services available, the sectors they typically serve, and the strengths different companies bring to the table. The aim is simple: equip you with clear information to evaluate and select a partner that aligns with your requirements.
AC
Written by the Acumon team
Acumon is an ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors
based in London, with offices in Pitstone, Aylesbury and Bournemouth. Need advice on
anything covered here? Talk to us.
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