⚡ Investor Safety • Scam Prevention Manual
How to Verify Broker Regulation with FCA and ASIC: Step-by-Step Registry Search Guide (2026)
Protect your capital against clone firms and unregulated offshore brokers. Follow this step-by-step audit guide to verify Tier 1 regulation on the official UK FCA Register and Australian ASIC database.
1. The Epidemic of Clone Broker Scams
In 2026, fraudulent websites frequently steal the company name, registered address, and regulatory reference number of legitimate financial institutions to create convincing “clone brokers”. Knowing how to verify broker regulation with FCA and ASIC is your first and most vital defense.
2. Step-by-Step UK FCA Verification Process
- Navigate to the official Financial Services Register at
register.fca.org.uk. - Enter the broker’s 6-digit Firm Reference Number (FRN) provided in their website footer.
- Confirm the status displays “Authorised” (Avoid firms showing “Appointed Representative” or “EEA Authorised” without full permissions).
- Check the “Website & Contact Details” tab on the FCA page. The domain name on the register MUST match the exact URL in your browser address bar. If the FCA shows
acmebroker.co.ukbut you are depositing onacme-markets-vip.com, you are on a clone scam!
3. Step-by-Step Australian ASIC Verification Process
- Visit the official ASIC Connect registry at
connectonline.asic.gov.au. - Select “Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licensee” from the search dropdown.
- Enter the broker’s 6-digit AFSL number or 9-digit Australian Company Number (ACN).
- Verify that the licensed entity possesses permission to “deal in financial products: derivatives and foreign exchange contracts” for retail clients.