The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is launching a new Financial Services Register on September 7, 2015.
It can be checked out at https://register.fca.org.uk, replacing the old www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do
The new service is set to make it easier to find information on firms, individuals and other bodies that are, or have been, regulated by the FCA and/or the PRA.
The new Register has one search field to help visitors find a firm, individual or collective investment scheme by looking up its name, reference number or postcode. The public is also be able to search for certain investment exchanges.
In addition, search results can be filtered according to certain criteria, and by clicking on a name for further information, one can obtain contact details, the permissions a firm has or whether it is covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service and Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
The new Register also uses clearer language and help text to explain some important financial, technical and regulatory terms.
Continuing with what is new, let’s mention that unauthorised firms will be included in the Register for the first time. These firms are highlighted in search results by red text and a warning symbol.
Search results on the new Financial Services Register will also include consumer credit firms that have interim permission, so visitors will not have to search the Consumer Credit Interim Permission Register separately.
Note, please, that the Mutuals Public Register and Regulated Covered Bonds Register are not included in the new Financial Services Register. These will still have to be searched separately.
The official announcement about the new service can be found here.
To examine the new register, click here.