How to verify status on the Financial Services Register

Do not begin any regulated financial activities until you have confirmed that your firm is listed as "Authorised" and your advisers are "Active" on the Financial Services Register. This public database is the definitive proof that you have met the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements and are legally permitted to trade.

Steps to verify your status

1. Access the Register: Navigate to the official FCA Financial Services Register.
2. Search for your firm: Enter your firm’s name or your 6 or 7-digit Firm Reference Number (FRN) in the search box.
3. Confirm firm status: On your firm's profile page, verify that the 'Status' clearly displays Authorised. If it shows 'Applied for' or 'Withdrawn', you are not yet permitted to provide regulated services.
4. Check approved persons: Scroll down to the 'People' section. Ensure that you and any relevant staff members are listed with the status Active.

Note: There is often a short administrative delay of 24 to 48 hours between receiving your formal approval notification and the public register being updated.

Why this is essential

Trading before your status is updated on the register can lead to serious regulatory penalties and may invalidate your professional indemnity insurance. Furthermore, savvy clients will often check this register before engaging your services to ensure you are a legitimate, regulated professional. Ensuring your details are correct from day one is vital for building trust and maintaining your legal standing in the UK financial sector.