Quick answer: Before you share personal details or sign anything, check that the firm or adviser is on the FCA Register. Type their firm reference number (FRN) or name below. It takes a few seconds and costs nothing.
Where to find the reference number
Every FCA-authorised firm has a firm reference number, usually six or seven digits. It must appear on the firm’s website, letters and emails, often in small print at the bottom. Individual advisers have their own reference number (IRN), made of three letters and five numbers. If a firm can’t or won’t give you its number, don’t go ahead.
What the result means
- Authorised: the FCA has given the firm permission to carry out regulated work. Check its permissions match what you need.
- Appointed representative: the firm isn’t authorised itself but works under another firm that is, called its principal. The principal is responsible for its advice. Look up the principal firm too.
- No longer authorised or Unauthorised: the firm must not give you financial advice. Don’t go ahead.
- Nothing found: check the number. If it still isn’t found, treat it as a warning sign.
Check the details match
Fraudsters sometimes copy the name, address and reference number of a real firm. This is called a clone firm. Only contact a firm using the phone number and website shown on the Register, not the ones in an email, text or advert. If they don’t match, stop and report it. How to spot a pension scam
If you’re thinking of moving a final salary pension
The adviser’s firm must have permission to advise on pension transfers. The result above shows whether it does. By law, you must take advice from a firm with this permission before transferring a final salary pension worth more than £30,000. Final salary pension advice
Questions to ask before you go ahead
- What is your firm reference number?
- Are you authorised yourself, or an appointed representative? Who is your principal?
- What will your advice cost, and how do I pay it?
- Will I get your recommendation in writing?
- Who do I complain to if something goes wrong?
Frequently asked questions
Is this the real FCA Register?
Yes. The details come from the FCA’s own Financial Services Register, the official record of firms and people the FCA regulates. The result also links to the full record on the FCA website.
Can I check an individual adviser?
Yes. Choose “An individual adviser” and enter their reference number (IRN) or full name. The Register shows people who hold certain roles. Their firm should also be on it.
What if the firm isn’t on the Register?
Don’t give them personal details or money. Firms giving financial advice in the UK must be authorised. Report it to the FCA consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768.
Is Pensions Advice UK on the FCA Register?
No. Pensions Advice UK is not authorised by the FCA and does not give advice. We are an introducer. You can check the firm we introduce you to here.
Related guides
- What is the FCA, and why does it matter to you?
- How to spot a pension scam
- The Financial Ombudsman Service explained
- FSCS compensation explained
Going to the official FCA Register website
You can also search the Register on the FCA’s own website. It holds the full record for every firm, including its history, trading names and the people who work there.
Opens the official website in a new tab. This page stays open.