Focused comparison

Australia trading platforms vs United Kingdom trading platforms

A focused comparison for trading platforms businesses choosing between Australia and United Kingdom.

QuestionAustraliaUnited Kingdom
Likely routeAFSL market, dealing, or clearing/custody analysis depending on modelTrading venue, MTF/OTF, arranging, dealing, or platform permissions analysis
Key peopleResponsible managers with appropriate competence and organisational capacity Authorised representatives where services are provided under another licenseeSenior Manager Function approval where a controlled function applies Certification for relevant staff under SM&CR where applicable
Corporate evidenceGovernance and accountability; Capital and financial resources; Compliance framework; Cyber and technology controls; Custody and client assets; Official-source route memo; Public register verification plan; Questions log for qualified advisersGovernance and accountability; Capital and financial resources; Compliance framework; Cyber and technology controls; Custody and client assets; Official-source route memo; Public register verification plan; Questions log for qualified advisers
Capital/resourcesFinancial resource expectations depend on authorisations, financial products, client money/custody, and licensee obligations.Capital and prudential requirements depend on the permissions, MiFID/MIFIDPRU status, client asset position, and business model.
TimelineOften 4 to 8+ months depending on authorisations and proof quality.FCA service standards distinguish complete and incomplete applications; practical timelines often run 4 to 10+ months.
Common bottlenecksRequested authorisations are broader than the actual operating plan can support Responsible manager evidence is thin or not matched to all authorisationsPermissions requested do not match the actual operating model Financial forecasts are inconsistent with the applicant legal entity or prudential category