How to Check if Someone is FCA Regulated

Ensuring that a financial professional or firm is FCA regulated is crucial for protecting yourself and your investments. Here's a detailed guide on how to verify FCA regulation status:

1. Visit the FCA’s Official Website: Go to the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) official website. This is the most direct way to check if a firm or individual is regulated by the FCA.

2. Use the FCA Register: The FCA maintains an online register where you can search for financial services firms, individuals, and their activities. Access the register from the FCA website.

3. Search by Firm or Individual Name: Enter the name of the firm or individual you are inquiring about. Make sure to spell the name correctly to avoid errors in the search results.

4. Check the Firm’s or Individual’s Details: Review the search results to confirm if the firm or individual is listed. The FCA register will provide details on their registration status, including any permissions they hold.

5. Verify Contact Information: Ensure that the contact details provided match those given by the firm or individual in question. Authentic FCA regulated entities should have consistent and verifiable contact information.

6. Look for FCA Reference Numbers: Regulated firms and individuals have FCA reference numbers. Cross-check these numbers to confirm legitimacy.

7. Read the FCA’s Warning List: The FCA’s warning list includes firms and individuals that are not authorized but may still be conducting activities that could be misleading or fraudulent.

8. Consult the FCA’s List of Suspended Firms: If a firm has been suspended, it will be listed on the FCA’s website. This is an important step if you have doubts about the firm’s current status.

9. Seek Additional Verification: If still unsure, contact the FCA directly for confirmation. They can provide further verification and guidance if needed.

By following these steps, you can confidently determine if someone is FCA regulated and ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate and authorized financial professional or firm.