Start with the consumer question or the full record
FCA Firm Checker is designed to help consumers check a firm's authorisation and permission for the service they want. The FCA explains that it omits some information available in the full Register, including certain professional-only services, historical fines and other permissions or restrictions. Firm Checker scope
The Financial Services Register contains current and historical records of firms, individuals and other bodies, as well as information relating to unauthorised firms. The mere presence of a record is therefore not enough to call a firm currently authorised. Financial Services Register
Open FCA Firm Checker or open the Register guidance and search link.
What to record when checking a firm
Use a short note rather than copying only a brand name:
| Field | What the note should preserve |
|---|---|
| Identity | Legal name, relevant trading name and firm reference number where shown |
| Status | Current status and any historical context relevant to the question |
| Service | The activity or product you are checking |
| Scope | Applicable permissions, restrictions or the principal relationship if relevant |
| Contact | Official contact details used to verify the identity |
| Evidence | Record URL and date accessed |
This is an Orbitrum reading aid, not an FCA-issued form. The result should remain as narrow as the specific record and service examined.
Why a genuine reference number is not enough
The FCA warns that clone firms can copy an authorised firm's name, address or firm reference number. Its guidance is to use official contact details and check that the details provided by the person contacting you match the genuine record. Clone-firm guidance
A hypothetical caller supplying a real reference number has only supplied a number; they have not established that they represent that firm. Use the regulator's website reached independently, rather than treating a link or screenshot supplied by the caller as authentication.
What about appointed representatives?
The Register can identify a firm as an appointed representative acting for a principal. The FCA advises checking with the principal when there are questions about the activities the representative may undertake. Do not rewrite that relationship as an unrestricted permission held independently by the representative. FCA Register guidance
Keep the representative, principal and relevant activity together in the research record. This guide does not determine the contractual or legal responsibility in an individual case.
Warnings and protections answer separate questions
The FCA Warning List describes firms it has identified as unauthorised or potentially running scams. A firm absent from the list is not thereby verified; a check still needs the appropriate current record and permissions. FCA Warning List
Firm Checker also states that it cannot confirm that Financial Services Compensation Scheme or Financial Ombudsman Service protection will definitely apply if something goes wrong. Those questions require the relevant scheme or service information and the circumstances involved. Firm Checker limitations
Questions about the FCA Register
Does a firm appearing in the Register mean it is currently authorised?
Not on its own. The Register includes historical and other records. Examine the current status and relevant scope rather than stopping at the search result. Register documentation
Does a genuine firm reference number prove that a message is genuine?
No. The FCA describes clone firms using copied details. Verify contact information through the genuine official record. Clone-firm guidance
Does no warning mean no risk?
No. An absence from the Warning List is not a substitute for checking status and permissions, and none of these checks guarantees investment performance. Warning List
Sources and scope
Financial Services Register
Financial Conduct Authority Official register documentation
Published/updated: 2026-02-13
Scope: Current and historical records, permissions, individuals, warnings and appointed representatives. Record presence alone is not a current authorisation conclusion.
Documentation consulted: October 9, 2026
FCA Firm Checker
Financial Conduct Authority Official consumer tool documentation
Published/updated: Date not consistently stated; live documentation
Scope: Consumer-service checking and information omitted from the simplified tool, including no definitive FSCS/FOS protection determination.
Documentation consulted: October 9, 2026
Clone firms and individuals
Financial Conduct Authority Official investor-protection guidance
Published/updated: 2025-05-14
Scope: Copied names/reference numbers do not authenticate the person making contact; use official contact details.
Documentation consulted: October 9, 2026
FCA Warning List of unauthorised firms
Financial Conduct Authority Official warning-list documentation
Published/updated: Date not consistently stated; live documentation
Scope: An absence from the warning list is not an authorisation or safety finding.
Documentation consulted: October 9, 2026
Related resources
Continue on Orbitrum
Use the ESMA guide for the relevant EU/EEA research path, or return to the official-source library. The Academy evidence method can help keep the recorded fact separate from a broader interpretation.
Source-based reference prepared with AI assistance. No hands-on platform test or named expert review is claimed.
Educational reference, not a platform recommendation or personalised investment, legal or tax advice. Check current documents for the relevant service and jurisdiction.
This is an Orbitrum guide to third-party documentation, not an official page of the provider or authority. Listing a resource does not imply endorsement or partnership.