Regulator: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) 🇬🇧
The UK has one of the world’s most comprehensive investor protection frameworks, overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If you’ve invested with an FCA-authorised firm and suffered losses due to misconduct, you have significant legal rights and access to free dispute resolution.
FCA Authorisation
Any firm offering financial services in the UK must be authorised by the FCA. You can verify any firm’s authorisation status on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk. If a firm is not on the register, it is operating illegally.
- Check the FCA Register before investing
- Clone firms copy real FCA numbers — always navigate directly to register.fca.org.uk
- Unauthorised firms cannot be pursued through FCA channels but can be reported
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
The FSCS protects consumers when FCA-authorised firms fail. It provides compensation of up to £85,000 per person per firm for investment claims.
- Up to £85,000 per person per firm
- Covers investments, pensions, and insurance
- Free to use — no fees to make a claim
- Visit fscs.org.uk to check eligibility and claim
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
The FOS provides free, independent dispute resolution for complaints against FCA-authorised firms. If a firm has not resolved your complaint within 8 weeks, you can escalate to the FOS.
- Free service for consumers
- Can award up to £415,000 in compensation
- Covers most retail financial products
- Visit financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Section 75 Credit Card Protection
If you paid for an investment using a credit card and the amount was between £100 and £30,000, you may be able to claim a refund from your credit card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.
- Applies to purchases between £100 and £30,000
- Card provider is jointly liable with the seller
- Contact your card provider to initiate a claim
- Act quickly — time limits apply
Reporting to the FCA
Report suspected fraud or unauthorised firms to the FCA via their online reporting tool or by calling 0800 111 6768. Reports help the FCA take action and warn other consumers.