Being authorised by the FCA (or registered with) is a mandatory requirement for any business that intends to carry out activities specified by the Regulated Activities Order 2001 or the Payment Services Regulations 2017. If your business fits one of these profiles, you must register.

Do I need to be FCA registered?

According to provisions made under the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA) 2000, financial activities have to be regulated by the FCA. Any firm (whether a business, a not-for-profit or a sole trader) carrying out a regulated activity must be authorised or registered by us, unless they are exempt.

What does it mean to be registered with the FCA?

FCA regulation or authorisation means that a consumer can trust the firm. It ensures that the firm treats all consumers in compliance with the strict criteria laid out by the FCA. ... This is because new businesses are won by financial service providers who always put their consumers first.