Find out how to check if a firm is authorised, what it means if you’re using an Appointed Representative, and what to do if a firm is unauthorised.
First published: 20/03/2023 Last updated: 14/12/2023 See all updates
On this page 
- How to check a firm is authorised
- Using authorised firms
- What to do if a firm is unauthorised
- Appointed Representatives
In the UK, almost all financial firms must be authorised by us.
Being authorised means that firms must meet certain standards and follow our rules.
These rules are there to make sure that you’re treated fairly, you’re protected, and the products and services you’re offered are suitable.
How to check a firm is authorised
You can check our Financial Services Register (FS Register) to make sure a firm or individual is authorised. It will also tell you the activities the firm has permission for.
Search the FS Register
1
Search for the firm by name, or by using its firm reference number (FRN).
2
If the firm is authorised, check it haspermission forthe products and services you need, to reduce the risk of something going wrong.
3
Check the firm’s contact details and make sure they match the contact details you’ve been given. If there aren’t any contact details listed, or the firm says they’re out of date, call us on 0800 111 6768.
4
If the firm is authorised but you’re not sure what protections you have, ask the firm using the details on the FS Register.
You should also check with the Financial Ombudsman Service and Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to get a better idea of how you’d be covered if something went wrong.
If you’re struggling to check the FS Register, find out how to contact us.
Using authorised firms
If a firm is authorised, it gives you greater protection if things go wrong.
If you deal with a firm that isn’t authorised, or that doesn’t have permission for the activities you need, you won’t have access to the Financial Ombudsmanif you have a complaint.
You also won’t be protected by the FSCSif the firm goes out of business. This means that it’s unlikely you’d get your money back.
What to do if a firm is unauthorised
Unfortunately, there are firms that work without our authorisation. This is against the law.
If we’ve published a warning about an unauthorised firm, this will appear on the FS Register when you search for the firm.
Some unauthorised firms might appear as clone firms. A clone firm is a copy of a genuine, authorised firm. Scammers pretend to be working for the authorised firm to con you.
For a full list of the firms we’ve published warnings about, you can search our Warning List.
Find out more about how to protect yourself from scams.
No longer authorised or revoked firms
If you see a firm that's 'No longer authorised' or 'Revoked' it means that the firm's authorisation has been cancelled and you should avoid dealing with it.
When a firm shows as 'No longer authorised' or 'Revoked' it can no longer carry on any regulated activities.
Firms can apply to voluntarily cancel their authorisation, for example if they’re no longer carrying on any regulated activities. These firms appear on the FS register as 'No longer authorised'.
However, some firms are cancelled following enforcement action. These firms appear on the FS Register as 'Revoked'.
Some revoked firms may apply to have their authorisation reinstated (by applying for an annulment). But even if a firm does apply for an annulment, you should still avoid dealing with it unless its application is successful. Then its status on the FS Register will show as 'Authorised' again.
You can check 'Disciplinary and regulatory action' on the firm’s FS Register page to find out why its authorisation was revoked.
Appointed Representatives
You may notice that some firms on the FS Register are listed as Appointed Representatives (ARs). This means they’re carrying out activities on behalf of another firm, known as their principal.
ARs can have more than one principal. The principal agrees what activities the AR can do and is responsible for that business.
It’s important you check with the principal what these activities are. If the AR has gone beyond the activities the principal has allowed, you may not be protected by the Financial Ombudsman or the FSCS if something goes wrong.
You can find contact details for ARs and principal firms on the FS Register.
Page updates
: Information added Check protections with Financial Ombudsman and FSCS.
: Information added No longer authorised or revoked firms.
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On this page
- How to check a firm is authorised
- Using authorised firms
- What to do if a firm is unauthorised
- Appointed Representatives
More information
Check our Warning List of unauthorised firms
Report a scam to us
Protect yourself from scams
