How to Verify a Broker's Licence in the Regulator's Register

Verifying a licence takes just a few minutes and protects you from the most common scams. The rule is simple: authentic information lives in the regulator's register, not on the broker's website.

What Are the Steps?

1. Gather details from the broker's website: Note the legal entity name, licence number, and regulatory body. You will typically find these in the website footer or on the "Legal Documents" page.
2. Access the regulator's register directly: Type the official URL yourself rather than clicking a link provided by the broker.
3. Search by number, then by name: Confirm that the status is "Authorised" and not suspended or revoked.
4. Match the domain name: Regulators list every approved website for an authorised firm. Any discrepancy in the domain is a major red flag for a clone firm.
5. Check permitted activities: Some licences restrict firms from accepting retail clients or offering contracts for difference (CFDs).

Where Can You Find Regulatory Registers?

• UK FCA Register, along with the FCA Warning List of unauthorised firms.
• CySEC Register (Cyprus) for Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs).
• ASIC Register (Australia).
• DFSA Public Register (Dubai Financial Services Authority).
• IOSCO I-SCAN Portal, aggregating regulatory warnings worldwide.

What Is a Clone Firm?

A clone firm impersonates a genuine regulated entity by using its legal name and licence number while operating through a different domain. It may appear fully authorised if you only search by company name. Always cross-reference the website address, phone numbers, and email addresses with the official regulatory record. The FCA frequently publishes alerts regarding these impostors.

Is an Offshore Licence Sufficient?

Licences issued by certain island nations and offshore jurisdictions operate with minimal oversight and often lack investor compensation funds or negative balance protection. If a broker holds both a tier-1 licence and an offshore entity, always check under which regulatory jurisdiction your trading account will be established.

In every review on BrokerRating, we detail the broker's regulatory licences, provide direct links to official registers, and rank regulators by tier. Explore our Broker List or review our Broker Warnings page.