Definition
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The Financial Conduct Authority is the UK regulator for financial services firms and markets. Lenders, brokers and other credit firms must be authorised by the FCA to provide consumer credit. You can check whether a firm is FCA-authorised on the FCA register.
Example
Before applying for a loan through a broker, check that the broker is listed on the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk.
Common misunderstandings
- FCA authorisation means a firm is regulated — it does not guarantee that any particular product is suitable for you.