Sandboxed Innovation 2026 (NEW COURSE)

Thursday 23rd April, 2026

Delivered Virtually, Zoom

Attendee Fees: Non-members: £425 (VAT Exempt), Members: £275 (VAT Exempt)

Time: 09:30 - 13:00

Duration: 4 hours

This event has passed.

COURSE DETAILS

Timings: 09:30 -13.00 | 3.5 CPD hours

Innovation doesn’t have to feel like a compliance gamble. For organisations exploring new financial or data-driven solutions, regulatory sandboxes offer a structured space to experiment safely — with support from the very regulators you’ll eventually need to satisfy.

This half-day workshop breaks down how the FCA and ICO sandboxes operate, who can benefit, and what makes a standout application. We’ll also explore the Supercharged Sandbox — a cross-regulator programme designed for advanced, multi-disciplinary innovations. Although the current round will have closed, understanding its structure can help future-proof your projects and get you sandbox-ready across the board.

Course Overview

Regulatory Sandboxes – what, why, and who
- The role of regulatory sandboxes in de-risking innovation
- Distinct mandates of the FCA and ICO sandbox programmes
FCA Sandbox in focus
ICO Sandbox in focus
The Supercharged Sandbox (applications will be closed at the time of this course)
Positioning your project & avoiding common pitfalls
Final wrap-up and resources

Course Overview

Section 1: Regulatory Sandboxes – what, why, and who

The origin story: why sandboxes were introduced
What they offer beyond a traditional application route
Who typically uses them — and for what kinds of projects

Section 2: FCA Sandbox in focus

Eligibility and submission process
Types of regulatory flexibility (e.g. waivers, guidance)
Insights from past participants: what worked, what didn’t
Managing risk, compliance, and governance during testing

Section 3: ICO Sandbox in Focus

Emphasis on responsible innovation and privacy by design
Application process and thematic priority areas (e.g. AI, biometrics, children’s data)
Support available: DPIA reviews, bespoke advice
Examples of real-world innovation supported by the ICO

Section 4: The Supercharged Sandbox

Overview of the DRCF’s multi-agency sandbox approach
Involvement from FCA, ICO, CMA and Ofcom
Ideal use cases: AI, algorithmic decision-making, digital identity systems
What support looks like: multi-agency input, cross-sector collaboration

Section 5: Positioning your project & avoiding common pitfalls

Frequent challenges faced by applicants
What regulators are really looking for
Internal alignment: getting buy-in from compliance, legal, and execs
Discussion: Questions your board or risk committee might ask

Section 6: Final wrap-up and esources

What makes a strong sandbox application
Getting value from participation: setting goals and expectations
Tools you can take away: checklist, readiness self-assessment
Final Q&A

Trainer

The session will be delivered by Larry Banda.

Larry has worked with TISA for ten years as a NED, Deputy Chair and is now CEO of TISA Commercial Enterprises. He also chairs Select ID, the Digital ID marketplace, and TURN, a blockchain company. Larry also sits on the Smart Data Council and FCA roundtables on AI. Having chaired the TISA cross-industry working group on personalised guidance for the last four years he is passionate about the potential use of AI to allow consumers to access products and services in addition to how it can transform the businesses he chairs. In previous roles as a Divisional Director of Nationwide he led the branch and advice teams for financial planning and mortgages and led their project team in the FCA Sandbox.

Guest speaker

Kirsten Smart is a Senior Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, leading on policy and external engagement for the Mass Affluent division. She has a strong track record in developing policy approaches that lead to better customer outcomes, at Lloyds and previously as a regulator and ombudsman. Kirsten is currently focused on the FCA’s review of the advice / guidance boundary, including its policy sprint to test Targeted Support.