How to Check if a Lender is FCA Authorised
Before you borrow money, use a broker, or deal with a debt collector, you can check whether the firm is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This page explains how to do that and what the results mean.
General guidance only. This page provides general information. It is not regulated financial or legal advice. Always verify firm status directly on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.
What is the FCA Register?
The Financial Services Register — maintained by the Financial Conduct Authority — is a public record of every firm and individual that is currently, or has previously been, authorised or registered to carry out regulated financial activities in the UK.
It covers lenders, credit brokers, debt collectors, debt purchasers, insurers, investment firms, mortgage advisers and thousands of other financial services businesses. If a firm needs FCA authorisation to do business with UK consumers, it should appear on the register.
The register is free to use and is at register.fca.org.uk.
How to Search the FCA Register
Search by company name or trading name
Type the name you know the firm by into the search box. This is important: many firms trade under a different name to their official legal name.
For example, a firm with the legal name "XYZ Finance Limited" might trade as "QuickLoans" or "FastCredit". The FCA Register lists trading names alongside legal names — so search by the name you actually know.
Search by FRN (Firm Reference Number)
Every FCA-authorised firm has a unique Firm Reference Number — a 6-digit number. If you know the FRN, searching by that is the most reliable method because it uniquely identifies one firm.
Reputable firms will display their FRN on their website, usually in the footer. Learn more about FRNs.
Why trading names matter
A single FCA-authorised firm may trade under multiple brand names. For example, a large financial group might have one FRN but operate three or four different consumer-facing brands. When you look up a firm on the FCA Register, all of its registered trading names will be listed on the firm's register entry.
What the Status Types Mean
Authorised
The firm is fully approved by the FCA to carry out the regulated activities listed on its register entry. This is the highest level of FCA oversight for most consumer financial services.
Registered
The firm is subject to lighter-touch FCA regulation — common for some payment institutions, e-money firms and credit reference agencies. Registered firms must still follow applicable FCA rules.
Appointed Representative (AR)
The firm is not authorised in its own right but acts under the FCA authorisation of another firm (its "principal"). The principal firm is responsible for the AR's regulated activities. Always check both the AR entry and its principal firm.
What to Do if a Firm is Not on the Register
Do not send money or personal details
If a firm claims to be FCA-authorised but does not appear on the register, or the details do not match, stop all contact. Do not make any payment and do not share bank details or personal information.
- 1. Contact Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 for free guidance on what to do next.
- 2. Report the firm to the FCA via their ScamSmart portal at fca.org.uk/scamsmart.
- 3. Check whether the firm may be a clone firm — a fraudulent business impersonating a real authorised firm.
- 4. Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 if you believe fraud has taken place.
Clone Firm Warning
A clone firm is a fraudulent operation that copies the identity of a real, FCA-authorised firm — using a similar name, logo, website or even the genuine firm's FRN — to deceive consumers.
Always verify contact details (phone number, email address, registered address) independently — using the details on the FCA Register itself, not the details the firm has given you. Clone firms often use slightly different phone numbers or email domains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the FCA Register?
The FCA Financial Services Register is at register.fca.org.uk. It is free to search and lists every firm and individual currently authorised or registered with the FCA, as well as historic records.
Can I search by trading name on the FCA Register?
Yes. The FCA Register allows you to search by company name, trading name or Firm Reference Number (FRN). Because many firms operate under different trading names to their legal name, always try the name you actually know the firm by, not just its legal name. The register will list all trading names associated with a firm.
What is the difference between Authorised and Registered on the FCA Register?
"Authorised" firms are fully approved by the FCA and can carry out regulated activities. "Registered" firms — such as some payment institutions or e-money firms — are subject to lighter-touch FCA oversight. Appointed Representatives are not authorised in their own right but act under the authorisation of an FCA-authorised firm (their principal). The type of status matters depending on the type of product or service.
What should I do if a firm is not on the FCA Register?
Do not send any money or provide personal or financial details. Contact Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848) for guidance. Report the firm to the FCA using their ScamSmart portal at fca.org.uk/scamsmart. Also check whether the firm may be a clone — a fraudulent firm using the name or details of a real FCA-authorised firm.
What is a clone firm?
A clone firm is a fraudulent operation that impersonates a legitimate FCA-authorised firm, often using a very similar name, website or contact details. Always check the contact details on the FCA Register directly — do not rely on contact details the firm itself provides to you. Check the FCA ScamSmart site for known clone warnings.