Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
The FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk lets you verify whether any financial firm is genuinely FCA-authorised in seconds. Search by firm name or FRN. Check the firm has 'Authorised' status (not just 'Registered') and holds the correct permissions. Buying from an unauthorised firm means no FSCS protection and no FOS access.
How to Check If a Financial Firm Is FCA Authorised: Step-by-Step
Direct answer
How do I verify a financial firm is FCA authorised?
Go to register.fca.org.uk and search by the firm's name or FRN (Firm Reference Number). The FRN appears on your policy schedule or the firm's website. Check the firm has 'Authorised' status and that its permissions include the activity you need. Takes under 60 seconds.
Go to register.fca.org.uk
Use the search box at the top of the page. You can search by firm name, FRN number or individual name.
Search by name or FRN
If searching by name, check the full legal name -- some firms trade under a different name from their registered name. The FRN on your policy is more reliable than the trading name.
Check the status field
Look for 'Authorised' for full FCA firms. 'Registered' is a lighter category. 'Inactive', 'Cancelled' or 'Lapsed' mean the firm is no longer permitted to trade.
Check the permissions
Click through to the firm's full record and check the Permissions tab. Confirm they hold the relevant permission for your product (e.g. 'effecting contracts of insurance' for insurers).
Check for restrictions or enforcement
The record shows any current requirements or restrictions on the firm's permissions. Cross-reference with fca.org.uk/news/final-notices for enforcement history.
FCA Authorised vs FCA Registered: What Is the Difference?
| Category | FSCS protection | FOS access | Consumer Duty applies | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCA Authorised | Yes -- full FSCS limits | Yes | Yes | Banks, insurers, mortgage lenders, IFAs |
| FCA Registered | Limited | Limited | Partial | Some payment firms, e-money institutions, credit unions |
| Unauthorised | No | No | No | Scam firms, unregulated introducers |
FCA Register: Common FRNs for Major Home Insurers
| Insurer (FCA legal entity) | FRN | Status June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Admiral Insurance (EUI Limited) | 314925 | Authorised |
| Aviva Insurance Limited | 202153 | Authorised |
| U K Insurance Ltd (Direct Line / Churchill) | 202702 | Authorised |
| Liverpool Victoria Insurance (LV=) | 110035 | Authorised |
| NFU Mutual Insurance Society | 110577 | Authorised |
| Hiscox Insurance Company | 113849 | Authorised |
| Qmetric Group (Policy Expert) | 561972 | Authorised |
| Avantia Insurance (Homeprotect) | 304432 | Authorised |
| Hastings Insurance Services | 311492 | Authorised |
Source: FCA Register, register.fca.org.uk, verified June 2026. Always verify current status before purchasing.
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a financial firm is FCA authorised?
Go to register.fca.org.uk and search by firm name or FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN). The FRN appears on the firm's marketing materials, policy schedule or website. Look for 'Authorised' status -- not 'Registered' (which is a lower category covering some smaller firms). Confirm the firm's permissions include the activity you need (e.g. 'effecting contracts of insurance' for insurers, 'advising on regulated mortgage contracts' for mortgage advisers).
What is the difference between FCA authorised and FCA registered?
FCA Authorised means the firm has been approved to carry out specified regulated activities and is subject to full FCA supervision including conduct rules, capital requirements and Consumer Duty. FCA Registered is a lighter-touch category covering certain smaller payment institutions, e-money institutions and credit unions. For home insurance, your insurer must be FCA Authorised (not just Registered) for FSCS protection to apply. Always check the status field in the FCA Register, not just whether the firm appears on it.
What is an FCA Firm Reference Number?
A Firm Reference Number (FRN) is the unique 6-digit identifier assigned by the FCA to every authorised or registered firm. It appears on your policy schedule, mortgage offer, terms of business or the firm's website. You can use the FRN to search the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk to verify the firm's identity, current status, permissions and any enforcement actions against it.
What does the FCA warning list show?
The FCA maintains a warning list at fca.org.uk/consumers/warning-list-unauthorised-firms of firms operating without FCA authorisation or known to be scams. If you are approached by a firm not on the FCA Register, or whose FRN does not match their advertised name, check the warning list before proceeding. Buying insurance from an unauthorised firm means no FSCS protection and no FOS access.
Can I check if my insurer has had FCA enforcement action?
Yes. The FCA Register includes details of any current restrictions on a firm's permissions. The FCA also publishes final notices (enforcement decisions) and warning notices at fca.org.uk/news/final-notices. You can search by firm name to see any disciplinary history. The FCA also publishes consumer alerts for firms that appear to be cloning legitimate firms or operating unauthorised.
Primary sources
Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office under registration number ZC135439.
