Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is the UK’s principal financial services regulator. It is an independent body responsible for overseeing firms that provide financial products and services to ensure they are honest, transparent, and treat customers fairly.

What Does the FCA Regulate?

The FCA authorises and supervises:

• Banks and building societies
• Investment and insurance firms
• Payment service providers (like us) and e-money providers
• Mortgage and consumer credit businesses

It monitors compliance with conduct rules and enforces penalties for breaches.

Why the FCA Matters

The FCA’s responsibilities include:

• Protecting consumers from mis-selling and financial harm
• Ensuring market integrity and transparency
• Encouraging effective competition in the financial sector

Firms that are authorised by the FCA must meet strict standards on governance, transparency, and client fund handling. Consumers and professionals can verify a firm’s status via the FCA register.

Examples and Use Cases

• A probate services provider that handles estate funds must be FCA-regulated if offering payment or e-money services.
• An investment firm promoting a financial product must follow FCA disclosure rules to ensure clients understand associated risks.

Mini-FAQ

How do I check if a firm is FCA-authorised?
Search the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk. You will find our FCA registration under firm number 833374.

Is the FCA the same as the Bank of England?
No. The Bank of England manages monetary policy and systemic risk; the FCA regulates conduct in the financial services sector.

Can the FCA fine companies?
Yes. It has legal powers to impose fines, revoke licences, and prosecute criminal misconduct in financial services.