How to understand a financial firm's regulatory permissions
Learn how to compare a firm's register permissions, restrictions, products, and customer types with the service it offers.
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.
Match activity to permission
Identify what the firm is actually doing: advising, arranging, lending, broking, managing, safeguarding, or distributing a product. Similar terms can have different legal meanings, so use the regulator's definitions for the jurisdiction.
Check restrictions and customer scope
A permission may be limited by product type, customer class, territory, or conditions. Read the full record and any related notice instead of relying on a short status label.
Do not infer approval of outcomes
Authorisation is not a guarantee that a product is suitable, profitable, insured, or risk-free. It describes regulatory status and scope, not an endorsement of an offer.
Official sources
- FCA RegisterUK financial regulator
- ASIC register searchAustralian regulator
- FSCA FSP searchSouth African 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 authorised mean every service is allowed?
No. The firm's permissions and restrictions define the scope; check the specific activity.
Does a permission mean a regulator recommends the firm?
No. A register entry is not a recommendation or guarantee.