What is an FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN)?
Every firm that the FCA authorises or registers is given a unique Firm Reference Number. Understanding what it is and how to use it can help you verify any UK financial firm before you deal with them.
General guidance only. This page provides general information. Always verify firm status directly on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.
What is a Firm Reference Number?
A Firm Reference Number (FRN) is a unique 6-digit number assigned by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to every firm it authorises or registers. It is the single most reliable way to look up and verify a financial firm in the UK.
Because it is unique to one firm, searching by FRN on the FCA Register will return exactly one result — the firm that holds that number. This makes it much more reliable than searching by name, where similar names or typographical differences can cause confusion.
The FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk is the definitive source. Always verify directly there.
Where to Find a Firm's FRN
Company website footer
FCA-authorised firms are required to display their FRN in an FCA disclosure notice, typically in the website footer. It usually reads "Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN: XXXXXX."
Financial documents and agreements
Credit agreements, insurance documents and other regulated financial paperwork typically include the firm's FRN as part of required disclosure.
FCA Financial Services Register
You can search by company or trading name at register.fca.org.uk to find the FRN. This is the definitive source — always cross-check here.
Ask Fin Lender Details pages
Many Ask Fin lender and debt collector information pages include the FRN where it has been sourced from the FCA Register, to help you cross-check quickly.
One FRN, Multiple Trading Names
A single FCA-authorised firm can operate under several different consumer-facing brand names, all under one FRN. This is common in larger financial groups.
Example
A firm with FRN 123456 might be legally registered as "XYZ Financial Services Limited" but trade as "QuickLoans", "FastCredit" and "EasyMoney". All three brand names will appear listed as trading names on that firm's single FCA Register entry.
When you search the FCA Register by trading name, it will find the parent firm and show you all associated trading names — so you can verify which legal entity stands behind a brand.
FRN vs Companies House Number
FCA FRN
- Issued by the Financial Conduct Authority
- Relates to financial services regulation
- Search at register.fca.org.uk
- Shows FCA permissions and regulated activities
- Format: 6 digits (e.g. 123456)
Companies House Number
- Issued by Companies House
- Relates to company incorporation
- Search at find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk
- Shows directors, filing history, accounts
- Format: 8 digits or letters (e.g. 01234567)
Most UK financial companies have both. They are different numbers from different bodies. Use the FRN to check FCA status; use the Companies House number to check company registration details.
How to Use an FRN to Cross-Check a Firm
- 1Find the FRN from the firm's website footer or from any financial document they have provided.
- 2Go to register.fca.org.uk and search by FRN.
- 3Check that the name on the register matches the firm you are dealing with — including any trading names listed.
- 4Check the firm's status (Authorised, Registered, or Appointed Representative) and that the activities it has permission for match the service it is offering you.
- 5Check the firm's contact details on the register against the contact details the firm has given you. Any discrepancy is a serious warning sign.
Warning: FRN mismatch is a serious sign
If a firm gives you an FRN that does not match their name on the FCA Register, stop all contact immediately. Do not make any payment or share financial details. This could indicate a clone firm — a fraudulent operation impersonating a real FCA-authorised business. Read about clone firm scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FCA FRN?
An FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN) is a unique 6-digit identifier assigned by the Financial Conduct Authority to every firm it authorises or registers. It allows consumers to look up a firm's exact record on the FCA Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk.
Where can I find a firm's FRN?
Reputable FCA-authorised firms are required to display their FRN prominently, usually in the footer of their website alongside an FCA disclosure statement. You can also find FRNs on the FCA Register itself by searching by company name or trading name.
Can one firm have multiple trading names but one FRN?
Yes. A single FCA-authorised firm can operate multiple consumer-facing brands or trading names, all under one FRN. For example, a financial group with FRN 123456 might trade as three different brands. All of those trading names will be listed on the firm's single FCA Register entry.
Is an FRN the same as a Companies House number?
No. An FRN is issued by the FCA and relates to financial regulation. A Companies House number is issued by Companies House and relates to company incorporation. A firm may have both (and most UK financial companies do), but they are different numbers from different bodies, and searching one will not find the other.
What if a firm gives me an FRN that does not match its name on the register?
This is a serious warning sign. Always verify by entering the FRN directly into the FCA Register search at register.fca.org.uk. If the name and details on the register do not match the firm that contacted you, do not proceed. This could be a clone firm. Contact Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848) or report to the FCA at fca.org.uk/scamsmart.