The short answer
Search the firm's name or reference number on the FCA's Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk. The entry should show the firm as Authorised, list advising on investments or pensions among its permissions, and name the individual adviser as an approved person. Check the contact details match the ones you were given — clone firms copy real firms' names.
The check, step by step
Go to register.fca.org.uk and search the firm's name or its Firm Reference Number (it should be in the footer of the firm's website and letters).
Check the status says Authorised. Then look at the permissions: for pensions and retirement advice you would expect to see advising on investments and, for pension transfers, advising on pension transfers and opt-outs.
Search the adviser's own name under Individuals to confirm they are listed with the firm. If the firm is an Appointed Representative, the register shows the principal firm that takes regulatory responsibility for it.
Warning signs
The firm is not on the register, or appears with a warning. The phone number, email or web address differs from the register entry — clone firms copy the name and number of real firms. Pressure to decide quickly, unusually high promised returns, or contact out of the blue about your pension.
If in doubt, contact the firm using the details on the FCA Register, not the ones you were given.
Why it matters
Using an authorised firm means you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong, and you may be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm fails. Unregulated firms give you neither.
Every adviser RetireReady introduces you to is authorised by the FCA and on the register — and you can, and should, check that yourself.
Common questions
How do I check if a financial adviser is registered with the FCA?
Search their firm name or Firm Reference Number at register.fca.org.uk, check the status is Authorised, and check the individual adviser is listed with the firm.
What is a clone firm?
A scam that copies the name, address or reference number of a genuine FCA-authorised firm. Always contact a firm using the details shown on the FCA Register.
What protection do I get from an FCA-regulated adviser?
You can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service, and you may be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the firm fails. Unregulated firms offer neither.
Sources
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Get my free reportRetireReady is not a financial adviser and this article is not financial advice. It is educational content using figures from cited public sources — not projections or recommendations. We connect you with FCA-regulated advisers.