Anthropic joins UK FCA's Supercharged Sandbox AI testing programme

Anthropic is set to work with the second intake of companies in the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Supercharged Sandbox, a programme created to let firms test advanced artificial intelligence in a controlled setting.

Under the arrangement, participants will be given access to Claude, as well as Claude Code and Claude Cowork, to support their development activity.

The FCA introduced the Supercharged Sandbox in 2025 for firms at the discovery and trial stage of AI adoption, with the aim of allowing them to assess the technology within defined safeguards.

The second intake will examine several possible applications for AI.

These include tools for safer agent-led payments and commerce, improved detection of fraud and economic crime, stronger governance and accountability around AI, broader access to financial services for vulnerable and underserved customers, and more efficient compliance and business processes.

The group will consist of 21 organisations, among them Scottish Widows, Money Advice Trust and TrueLayer.

The regulator said demand remained strong, with applications up 51% from the first intake.

The Sandbox adds to existing backing from NayaOne and NVIDIA.

Separately, the FCA has started the Agentic Academy, a 10-week specialist AI course for selected firms run with the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE).

FCA chief data, intelligence and information officer Jessica Rusu said: "The high level of interest in the Supercharged Sandbox demonstrates the demand for trusted environments where firms can experiment safely and responsibly. With the support of Anthropic, participants will benefit from the technology they need to accelerate innovation.

"This is central to our commitment to supporting economic growth - enabling firms to make the most of technological advances while maintaining the UK's position at the forefront of responsible AI adoption and innovation."