UK FCA second cohort of AI live testing applications now open

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a blog on its AI live testing service. The service is voluntary and open to firms that have developed AI proofs of concept and are active in UK financial markets, subject to competitive selection criteria. The initiative aims to support safe and responsible AI deployment through a collaborative, real-world testing environment and complements the FCA's Supercharged Sandbox. The blog sets out: (i) what the FCA is testing; (ii) how the testing operates in practice; and (iii) what the FCA aims to learn from the process. The first cohort joined in October 2025. The FCA confirms it has opened a second application window and is now inviting applications until 2 March. The FCA has provided Terms of Reference with further detail and confirms that successful applicants will be notified by mid-March. The testing is due to commence from April.

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