Before using a UK financial firm, check its details on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register. This confirms whether the business is authorised or registered, which services it can provide, and whether it is permitted to operate under the name it is using.
Visit the FCA Register and search by the firm’s name, trading name, or Firm Reference Number (FRN). For example, when checking Updraft, compare the result with FRN 810923. Read the firm’s status, permitted activities, trading names, and contact details carefully. Explore related consumer finance resources for further research.
A firm can appear on the Register but still lack permission for the service you need. Check the “Permission” or “Activities” section and confirm that it covers the relevant product, such as consumer credit, lending, or debt counselling. Pay attention to the firm’s status. “Authorised” and “Registered” have different meanings, while an “Appointed Representative” operates under the responsibility of another authorised firm.
Fraudsters sometimes copy the name, website, or registration details of a genuine business. Do not rely on a link or phone number supplied in an unsolicited message. Compare the contact details on the FCA Register with the firm’s official website, and contact the business using independently verified details. Also search the FCA Warning List for unauthorised firms and known scams.
Save the Register entry, FRN, permissions, and the date you checked them. The Register can change, so repeat the check before signing an agreement or sending money. If the firm’s name, contact details, or permissions do not match, pause and contact the FCA or seek independent guidance before proceeding.