Context
The FCA has published a webpage informing that the FCA are working with major firms to test AI in a safe place to better understand the potential benefits and risks. The AI Live Testing initiative is the first of its kind in the financial sector to help firms who are ready to use AI in UK financial markets. Participating firms receive tailored support from the FCA’s regulatory team and its technical partner Advai, to develop, assess and deploy safe and responsible AI.
Advai is a UK-based AI company specialising in automated testing, evaluation and assurance of AI systems, providing independent technical evidence so organisations can deploy AI safely and confidently at scale.
Key points to note and next actions
- In September 2025, the FCA published a Feedback Statement on the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges raised by the FCAs proposal for AI Live Testing.
- AI Live Testing complements the FCA’s Supercharged Sandbox which helps firms who are in the discovery and experiment phase with AI. Applications for the second cohort for AI Live Testing will open in January 2026 and participating firms will be able to start testing in April.