Table of Contents
Why You Must Verify Independently
Many brokers display regulatory logos on their websites — but some display logos of regulators they are not actually licensed by, or logos of regulators that have suspended or revoked their licence. The only way to know for sure is to check directly with the regulator. This takes 5 minutes and can save you from depositing money with an unlicensed or formerly-licensed broker. Every major regulator maintains a free, publicly searchable online register where you can look up any broker by name or licence number. If a broker claims to be regulated but you cannot find them in the regulator's register, do not deposit.
How to Verify an ASIC Licence (Australia)
ASIC maintains the "Connect" portal at connect.asic.gov.au. To verify: (1) Go to connect.asic.gov.au and select "Professional Registers". (2) Choose "Australian Financial Services Licensee". (3) Enter the broker's name or their AFSL number (usually displayed on the broker's website footer). (4) Check that the licence status is "Current" and not "Suspended" or "Cancelled". (5) Note the licence conditions — some AFSLs restrict the financial products the broker can offer. If the broker claims an AFSL number but it does not appear in the ASIC register, or if the register shows a different company name, treat it as a major red flag. See our ASIC-regulated brokers page for a list of verified brokers.
How to Verify an FCA Licence (UK)
The FCA maintains the Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk. To verify: (1) Go to register.fca.org.uk. (2) Search by the broker's name or their FCA Firm Reference Number (FRN), shown on their website footer. (3) Check that the firm status is "Authorised" — not "Pending", "Withdrawn", or "Cancelled". (4) Verify the firm has "Permission" for "Dealing in investments as agent" or "Dealing in investments as principal". (5) Check for any "Constraints" or "Requirements" on the licence — these may indicate regulatory action. The FCA register is the most detailed of any regulator and includes disciplinary history. See our FCA-regulated brokers page for verified UK brokers.
How to Verify a CySEC Licence (Cyprus)
CySEC maintains its register at cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/entities/investment-firms/. To verify: (1) Go to the CySEC website and navigate to "Regulated Entities" then "CIFs (Cyprus Investment Firms)". (2) Search for the broker's name or licence number. (3) Check that the status is "Authorised" and not "Suspended" or "Under Withdrawal". (4) Note any "Restrictions" on the licence. CySEC also publishes a list of "non-regulated entities" that falsely claim CySEC regulation — check this list if you cannot find the broker in the authorised register. See our CySEC-regulated brokers page.
How to Verify FSCA (South Africa) and FSA (Seychelles) Licences
For FSCA (South Africa): search at fsca.co.za under "Regulated Entities" > "Financial Services Providers". Enter the broker's FSP number. For FSA (Seychelles): search at fsaseychelles.sc under "Licensees" > "Securities Dealers". Both registers are less user-friendly than ASIC/FCA/CySEC but still publicly searchable. Note that FSA Seychelles is a tier-2 offshore regulator — even if the licence is valid, the protections are weaker than tier-1 regulators. See our South Africa brokers and Seychelles brokers pages.
Common Verification Pitfalls
Watch for these tricks: (1) A broker displays a regulator's logo but is not actually licensed — always verify in the register. (2) A broker's licence has been suspended but they still display the logo — check the status field in the register. (3) A broker is licensed under a different company name than the brand name you know — the register will show the legal entity, not the marketing brand. (4) A broker has a licence from a different regulator than they claim — some brokers display a tier-1 logo but are actually only licensed by an offshore regulator. (5) A broker's licence has been surrendered voluntarily — this can be a sign of regulatory issues. When in doubt, contact the regulator directly — they will confirm whether a broker is licensed.