Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision. In the UK, one of the most important things you can do before taking advice is check whether the advisor is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Being FCA registered means the advisor meets strict regulatory standards designed to protect consumers. Unfortunately, many investment scams in the UK involve individuals or firms that are not FCA authorised.
This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to check if a financial advisor is FCA registered and what to look out for before you invest.
Why FCA Registration Matters
The FCA regulates financial services firms in the UK to ensure they:
- Act in clients’ best interests
- Provide suitable financial advice
- Follow strict compliance and transparency rules
If an advisor is not FCA authorised, you may:
- Lose access to the Financial Ombudsman Service
- Not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
- Be exposed to a higher risk of fraud or mis-selling
Bottom line: FCA registration is non-negotiable.
Step-by-Step: How to Check if a Financial Advisor Is FCA Registered
Step 1: Visit the FCA Register
Go to the Financial Services Register website link, which is the FCA’s official public database of authorised firms and individuals.
This register shows:
- Authorised advisors
- Approved firms
- Warning flags and restrictions
You can also visit the FCA Firm Checker
Step 2: Search by Firm Name or Individual Name
You can search using:
- The advisor’s full name
- The company name
- The FCA reference number (FRN) – if provided
Tip: Always double-check spelling. Scammers sometimes use very similar names to legitimate firms.
Step 3: Confirm Their Authorisation Status
Once you find the advisor or firm, check that:
- Their status says “Authorised” or “Appointed Representative”
- They are currently active (not expired or suspended)
If the firm is listed as “No longer authorised”, do not proceed.
Step 4: Check What They’re Allowed to Advise On
This step is often overlooked, but it’s critical.
An advisor may be FCA registered but not authorised for certain activities, such as:
- Pension transfers
- Investment advice
- Mortgage advice
Look for the section called “Permissions” and confirm their services match what they’re offering you.
Step 5: Match the Contact Details Exactly
Scammers often impersonate real FCA-registered firms.
Compare:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website
If the details you were contacted with don’t match the FCA Register, that’s a red flag
Step 6: Look for Warnings or Disciplinary Actions
The FCA Register also shows:
- Regulatory restrictions
- Past disciplinary actions
- Consumer warnings
If warnings are listed, proceed with caution or seek a second opinion.
Red Flags That an Advisor May Not Be FCA Registered
Be cautious if an advisor:
- Promises guaranteed returns
- Pressures you to invest quickly
- Avoids giving their FCA reference number
- Asks you to move money offshore
- Contacts you out of the blue with “exclusive” offers
These are classic signs of UK investment scams.
What If You Can’t Find the Advisor on the FCA Register?
If an advisor or firm does not appear on the register:
- Do not invest
- Do not transfer money
- Seek advice from an FCA-certified professional instead
How Invest N More Helps
At Invest N More, we connect individuals with FCA-certified financial advisors in the UK, so you can:
- Avoid unregulated advice
- Get guidance suited to your financial goals
- Invest with confidence
If you’re unsure whether an advisor is legitimate, or you’d like to speak with an FCA-certified professional, we can help you get connected anytime.
Final Thought
Checking FCA registration takes just a few minutes, but it can protect your money or wealth for years.
When it comes to financial advice in the UK, regulation isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I check if a financial advisor is FCA registered?
You can check by searching the Financial Services Register on the FCA’s official website. Look for the advisor’s name, firm name, or FCA reference number (FRN) and confirm their status is “Authorised” or “Appointed Representative.”
2. What is the FCA Register?
The FCA Register is a public database that lists all financial advisors and firms authorised to provide regulated financial services in the UK. It also shows what services they are permitted to offer.
3. Is it illegal to give financial advice without FCA authorisation?
Yes. In the UK, providing regulated financial advice without FCA authorisation is illegal. Using an unauthorised advisor puts your money at serious risk and removes consumer protections.
4. What should I do if a financial advisor is not FCA registered?
You should not invest or share personal information. Instead, seek advice from an FCA-certified financial advisor to ensure your money is protected.
5. Are FCA-registered advisors guaranteed to be safe?
While no investment is risk-free, FCA-registered advisors must follow strict rules, act in clients’ best interests, and offer access to protections such as the Financial Ombudsman Service and FSCS.
6. Can scammers appear on the FCA Register?
Scammers sometimes impersonate genuine FCA-authorised firms. Always check that the contact details you were given exactly match those listed on the FCA Register.
7. How does Invest N More help with FCA-certified advisors?
Invest N More connects individuals with FCA-certified financial advisors in the UK, helping ensure you receive regulated, trustworthy, and suitable financial guidance.
