The FCA, in collaboration with NVIDIA, a global leader in accelerated computing and AI infrastructure, is now accepting applications for its new Supercharged Sandbox—an enhanced version of the FCA’s Digital Sandbox that supports innovation in financial services through access to data, application programming interfaces (APIs), and assistance from the regulator.
The Supercharged Sandbox allows applicants to trial AI for use cases such as fraud detection, personalised advice, AML, and market abuse surveillance, without compromising market integrity or consumer protection. The resources available include:
- Cloud based accelerated computing
- 200+ synthetic, public, or anonymised datasets
- 1,000+ APIs
- Direct regulatory feedback
The FCA’s Tech-Positive Approach
This launch aligns with the UK government’s broader AI strategy, which includes:
- Up to £750 million for a new supercomputer
- An increase in the AI Research Resource capacity by twentyfold
- Up to £500 million for establishing a UK Sovereign AI Unit to promote national AI leadership
- £48 million for the Tech Expert programme to enhance AI education and talent scholarships
- £240 million for the AI Security Institute to lead in frontier AI research
The FCA views the Supercharged Sandbox not as a standalone project but as the financial services front line of a national strategy that prizes rapid innovation, proportionate but outcomes-based regulation, and global competitiveness. Notably, no new AI specific rulebook is planned. Regulated firms must comply with existing conduct, data protection, and governance requirements.
Key Dates
- Applications close: 11 August 2025
- Testing window: Late September 2025 to early January 2026
Our Guidance
Firms seeking to utilize the Supercharged Sandbox should:
- Target high-impact, innovative use cases: Prioritise high impact deployments (e.g. real time AML screening) that align with the FCA’s consumer outcomes agenda and the government’s vision for trustworthy AI.
- Build a first class application to use the Supercharged Sandbox: Show why sandbox resources are essential, the public benefit of your idea, and how you will measure success over the three month window.
- Design for privacy and security at the outset: Exploit the platform’s synthetic data, encrypt everything and document privacy by design controls—the FCA (and the ICO) will expect it.
- Map AI to existing rules: Show your model aligns to Treating Customers Fairly, SM&CR responsibilities, and Consumer Duty outcomes. Be prepared to explain decision-making logic and outcomes.
- Upskill your team: Blend data science, compliance and cyber security training so the team can interpret regulatory feedback and iterate quickly.
Why It Pays to Partner
Navigating the Supercharged Sandbox requires more than technical capability—it demands a deep understanding of regulatory expectations, AI governance, and how to translate innovation into a measurable consumer benefit. Working with an experienced partner, such as ACA, can significantly increase your chances of success—both in securing a place in the sandbox and delivering meaningful outcomes.
How We Help
Harnessed effectively, the Supercharged Sandbox offers firms a rare chance to accelerate trustworthy innovation, satisfy regulators, and deliver genuinely better outcomes for customers, all within a controlled environment.
We can support your application through:
- Regulatory advisory: We translate FCA principles into AI specific controls, craft sandbox applications, and coach you through supervisory “touchpoints”.
- Cybersecurity: ACA’s award-winning cybersecurity solutions can be engaged throughout the sandbox testing process, to help you to uncover risks and identify deficiencies in your cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls.
Connect with us today to explore how we can support your Supercharged Sandbox application with expert regulatory guidance and award-winning cybersecurity solutions.