FCA Supercharged Sandbox
A New Era for AI-Driven Consumer Finance — and Vera Is Leading the Way
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a new Supercharged Sandbox — an experimental environment built specifically for AI-first fintechs solving major challenges in financial services. This new track fast-tracks three-month pilots for high-potential innovation, offering access to real data, compliance guidance, and infrastructure testing — all within a regulator-approved framework.
Why Vera Was Built for This
Vera is applying to the sandbox with a live proof-of-concept: our Council Tax MVP, which enables real-time, AI-powered debt negotiation before enforcement action begins. It’s a critical test of whether AI can be used not just to manage debt — but to prevent escalation and financial harm altogether.
We’re the only known pre-seed UK fintech applying with:
A use case focused on early-stage intervention, not post-default collection
Custom relational AI trained on the emotional, legal, and financial terrain of UK debt
A model built to serve public infrastructure — not just private markets
What We’re Testing
AI that reads and interprets debt letters in plain language
Smart negotiation pathways that offer fair, automated resolution options
Infrastructure that councils and regulators can use to support residents in real time
Why It Matters
This isn’t just a product test. It’s a systems test. The FCA has opened the door to a new category of AI infrastructure — one where compliance, compassion, and computation intersect.
For the public sector, it’s a new tool for protecting residents.
For regulators, it’s a model for ethical AI deployment.
For technologists and investors, it’s a glimpse of what responsible AI at scale looks like.
Ready to lead with us?
We're welcoming councils, advisors, and policy leaders to collaborate on this milestone pilot. Join us in shaping the future of AI in public finance — starting with council tax.
FCA Milestone Tracker
FCA Supercharged Sandbox Announced
Vera immediately identifies alignment and begins strategic preparations for entry.
Sandbox Application Initiated
Supercharged Sandbox Application Submitted
Partners across councils and fintechs confirm interest in participating in the sandbox
Supercharged Sandbox Cohort Launches
Pilot Program Underway
Active sandbox testing with B2B partners. Consumer outcomes, AI impact, and ethical use benchmarks tracked.
Evaluation and Public Reporting
Findings from the sandbox testing are compiled and published in consultation with regulators and partners.