How to Check the FCA Register: A UK Guide for 2026

The FCA Register is the Financial Conduct Authority's public database of all firms and individuals authorised or registered to provide financial services in the UK. According to Kaeltripton analysis, checking the FCA Register before engaging any financial adviser, broker, or investment platform is the single most important consumer protection step available.

How to Check the FCA Register

Go to register.fca.org.uk
Search by firm name, individual name, or FCA reference number
Check the status shows "Authorised" not "Formerly authorised" or "Registered"
Verify the permissions match what the firm is offering
Check for any warnings, requirements, or restrictions listed

What the FCA Register Shows

Each FCA-authorised firm entry includes:

FCA reference number (FRN)
Authorisation status and date
Regulated activities permitted
Address and contact details
Any requirements, limitations, or waivers applied
Appointed representatives (ARs) linked to the firm

Authorised vs Registered vs Appointed Representative

Authorised firms hold their own FCA permission and are directly regulated.

Registered firms are covered for specific limited activities (typically payment services or crypto) but have fewer protections than full authorisation.

Appointed Representatives (ARs) operate under a principal firm's authorisation. They appear on the Register but regulatory responsibility sits with the principal. This distinction matters for FSCS protection.

FSCS Protection and the FCA Register

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection applies only to regulated activities carried out by FCA-authorised firms. If a firm is not on the FCA Register and something goes wrong, FSCS claims are not available.