The majority of the forms - 58 - were paper-based, with just two applications sent to the FSA in electronic format.
Firms applying for direct authorisation have been able to register their intent since early November 2003, with paper applications made available since mid-December.
To qualify for the early application discount, forms must be in by 31 March 2004.
FSA spokeswoman Kate Bristowe, said: “All the paper applications have already been sent out to those who registered last year. Those applying for electronic registration forms will have received their passwords by the end of January.”
The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), has announced plans to publish the names of all firms, including those applying for Principal status, which have received a ‘minded to approve’ letter from the FSA from April.
The letters provide a good indication of the firms likely to be approved for direct authorisation by the regulator. The FSA said it was considering offering a similar service, but that anyone could check regulatory status of both individuals and firms on the FSA website register.
