How to check a South African financial services provider
A consumer guide to using the FSCA's official FSP search and checking the provider's identity, status, and authorised categories.
This is general consumer education, not legal or financial advice. Rules and register entries can change; check the current official record for the relevant service and jurisdiction.
Use the official FSCA search
Open the FSCA search for financial services providers and look up the exact legal name or FSP number. Do not treat a screenshot or a number copied into an advertisement as proof that the record belongs to the person contacting you.
Check the category and status
Review the provider's recorded status and financial product categories. A provider may have permission for some services but not others. If the offer is outside the listed scope, ask the FSCA or the provider for clarification before proceeding.
Understand the limits
The register is a regulatory lookup, not a recommendation or guarantee. Some financial activities may involve additional authorities or rules. Confirm which legal entity is responsible for the specific product.
Official sources
- FSCA financial services provider searchSouth African financial regulator
- FSCA regulated entitiesSouth African financial regulator
These links are starting points for checking current records. Their inclusion is not an endorsement and does not verify a particular company or offer.
Frequently asked questions
Does an FSP number prove a specific investment is approved?
No. Check the provider's status and permitted categories; an FSP record is not approval of a particular product or investment.
What if the provider's contact details differ?
Treat the mismatch as a reason to pause. Contact the provider using details obtained independently from official records.