Guide · Adviser checker

How to check if a financial adviser is FCA regulated

Check the real firm, the reference, the contact details and the relationship between an adviser and any principal firm before you appoint anyone.

Updated 28 August 2026 · UK

Why check the FCA Register?

The Financial Services Register is the FCA's official public record of firms and individuals carrying out regulated financial-services activity. Checking it helps you confirm that the person or firm you are dealing with is the real regulated business.

What should you check?

Firm name and referenceMake sure the legal firm and FCA reference match the business contacting you.
Contact detailsUse the details on the official record rather than trusting details supplied in an unsolicited message.
Individual or Directory PersonCheck the individual record where relevant and understand the role shown.
Appointed representativeIf the firm is an appointed representative, identify the principal firm responsible for its regulated activities.

What does appointed representative mean?

An appointed representative carries out certain regulated activities on behalf of a principal firm. The principal is responsible for the activities it has permitted the appointed representative to carry out.

If you are unsure what an appointed representative can do, the FCA advises checking with the principal.

How Advisedly will use FCA data

Advisedly's checker is designed to make named FCA lookups easier to understand while still linking back to the official source. The checker should never imply that Advisedly replaces the FCA Register.

Sources & further reading

FCA - Financial Services Register ↗

MoneyHelper - Choosing a financial adviser ↗