Quick answer
A forex broker licence entry is a record about one legal entity, not a rating of its brand. Match the legal name and reference, then read status, permissions, restrictions, client category, registered domain and contact details. Register terminology differs by authority, so use the regulator’s own definitions. Ask the regulator directly if an important field is unclear.
Key points
- A licence number must match the legal entity and the regulator’s own record.
- Status, activities, restrictions and client permissions are separate fields.
- Trading names, representative relationships and registered domains help define scope.
- A register entry does not prove profitability, suitability or client assignment.
Published: Not recorded
Last reviewed: Not recorded
Author: FXBrokerAlert Research Team
Research methodology: How research and evidence are handled
Sources checked: 2026-10-29
Reading time: 8 minutes
A licence result is structured information, not a one-word verdict. It may show an entity name, reference, status, regulated activities and contact details. Each field answers a different question, and terminology differs between authorities.
1. Legal name and reference
Search by both the entity name and reference number. Names can include punctuation, former names or local-language variants. A brand-only match is not enough: confirm that the company details correspond to the counterparty in the client agreement.
2. Status and dates
Read the regulator’s definition for each status. “Authorised”, “registered”, “appointed representative”, “exempt”, “suspended” and “cancelled” may have different meanings. Note update dates, restrictions and historical changes where shown.
3. Permissions and conditions
A firm may have permission for some activities without being permitted to provide every service advertised under the same brand. Read activity wording, conditions, client categories and product limits. Do not replace the regulator’s definitions with a provider’s summary.
4. Registered websites and contacts
Compare any listed domains, phone numbers and emails with the site and person contacting you. A genuine reference can be copied by an unrelated website. If the details do not align, contact the firm through independently verified information.
5. What the record does not tell you
- It does not show that trading is profitable or suitable.
- It does not automatically apply to another company in the group.
- It may not identify the entity that will serve a person until onboarding.
- It does not verify current spreads, withdrawals or every product claim.
Save the exact entry, official URL and date. If you cannot determine what a permission means, ask the authority or a qualified professional rather than relying on a promotional interpretation.
For the complete process, read how to check if a forex broker is regulated
Find lookup links in the regulator guide directory
Illustrative example
Illustrative example: an entry shows a firm as authorised for one activity but restricts another. The label “authorised” alone does not establish permission to provide every product promoted under the brand.
How to verify it yourself
- Search by legal name and licence/reference number on the official register.
- Read the current status, dates, restrictions and definitions used by that authority.
- Check the listed activities, retail or professional permissions and representative links.
- Compare address, registered domain and contact information with the site you are using.
Research limitations
Register labels and legal effects vary by jurisdiction. This is an educational checklist, not a legal interpretation of a particular licence.
Frequently asked questions
What does a broker licence number prove?
A number alone proves little. Match it to the official record and verify the entity, current status and relevant permissions.
Does authorised mean a broker can offer every product?
No. Permissions can be limited by activity, instrument, client type or conditions listed by the authority.
Why does the register show a different company name?
The register normally identifies the legal entity, which can differ from its trading brand. Confirm the contract entity and any registered trading names.
Not advice
Official sources & research notes
Official sources
Regulator register: FCA Financial Services Register · Financial Conduct Authority
Checked 2026-10-29 · Scope: Use the FCA definitions and the record-specific permissions.
Regulator register: ASIC Professional Registers Search · Australian Securities and Investments Commission
Checked 2026-10-29 · Scope: Several register types are available; inspect the relevant category.
Regulator register: NFA BASIC · National Futures Association
Checked 2026-10-29 · Scope: A US derivatives background tool, not a global certificate.
Last material update: Not recorded
Methodology: FXBrokerAlert research methodology. Publication dates are not inferred from unrelated profile checks.