Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Terminology

The FCA information we show is sourced from the FCA and displayed as statuses using FCA terminology.

Although most statuses have a clear meaning, it is worth noting that cancellations in FCA terms need not be a red flag because that's how the FCA refers to companies that used to do FCA-regulated activities but do not do so anymore.

The implication is that such a status is a red flag if the client knows the firm is currently engaged in FCA-regulated activities.

TermDescription
Active IndividualAn individual (and some firms) that can perform certain tasks in an authorised firm. We describe these individuals and firms as ‘approved persons’ and the tasks as ‘controlled functions’.
Appointed RepresentativeA firm or individual that can act on behalf of another firm (its principal) that is authorised in the UK or regulated in another EEA country. The principal is responsible for the appointed representative's activities.
Appointed Representative – FormerAn appointed representative that can no longer provide regulated products and services, but previously could act on behalf of another firm (its principal).
Appointed Representative – IntroducerA firm that can introduce customers to another firm or members of the firm’s group, and/or give out certain kinds of marketing material. It must be a representative of a firm authorised by the FCA or PRA, or regulated in the EEA.
ApprovedAn individual (and some firms) that can perform certain tasks in an authorised firm. We describe these individuals and firms as ‘approved persons’ and the tasks as ‘controlled functions’.
Authorised FirmA firm that is given permission to provide regulated products and services.
Authorised Firm – Applied to CancelA firm that has applied to cancel its authorisation but must still meet our standards in dealing with its customers.
Authorised Firm – In AdministrationA firm that has stopped taking on new business but is still authorised and has to continue to meet our standards in dealing with its customers.
Authorised Firm – In LiquidationA firm that has stopped taking on new business but is still authorised and has to continue to meet our standards in dealing with its customers.
Authorised Firm – SuspendedA firm that has to stop providing regulated products and services for a period of time.
Authorised Electronic Money InstitutionA firm that we have given permission to issue electronic money (e-money) and provide payment services.
Authorised Payment InstitutionA firm that we have given permission to provide payment services.
EEA Authorised FirmA firm regulated in another European Economic Area (EEA) country that can offer certain products or services in the UK. The firm must meet minimum standards agreed across all EEA countries.
Electronic Money AgentA firm that can issue electronic money (e-money) and provide payment services on behalf of an e-money institution.
Inactive IndividualAn individual (and some firms) that was previously approved to perform certain tasks in a regulated firm. These individuals and firms would have been described as ‘approved persons’ and the tasks as ‘controlled functions’.
No Longer Authorised FirmA firm that can no longer provide regulated products and services, but previously was authorised by the PRA and/or FCA.
Payment Services AgentA firm that can provide payment services on behalf of a payment institution.
Small Electronic Money InstitutionA firm that can issue electronic money (e-money) and provide payment services. These firms are ‘registered’ (rather than ‘authorised’), which affects how we regulate the firm.
Small Payment InstitutionA firm that can provide payment services. These firms are ‘registered’ (rather than ‘authorised’), which affects how we regulate the firm.
Unauthorised FirmSome firms provide products and services without the required authorisation, or are knowingly running a scam. We strongly suggest you avoid dealing with unauthorised firms.
No Longer AuthorisedThis is a firm that can no longer provide regulated products and services, but was previously authorised by the PRA and/or FCA.
CancelledThe firm has cancelled its interim permission to undertake consumer credit business.
Previously IP RegisteredThis firm previously had interim permission to perform certain consumer credit activities for the period indicated in this record. It has since applied for and been authorised to carry out credit activities in its main permission, replacing the interim permission. You should refer to the authorisation record for this firm for the permissions since the interim permission ended.
Fully Authorised Apart from 2nd ChargeThis firm is authorised to run consumer credit business. You should refer to the authorisation information for this firm rather than its interim permission, except for its second charge mortgage business which still comes under its interim permission.
Interim Permission GrantedThe firm has interim permission to undertake consumer credit business.
IP IssuedThe firm has interim permission to undertake consumer credit business.
IP Provisionally IssuedThe firm has interim permission to undertake consumer credit business.
IVOP IssuedThis firm has interim permission to run consumer credit business and was already authorised to provide financial products and services.
IVOP Provisionally GrantedThe firm has interim permission to undertake consumer credit business and was already authorised to provide financial products and services.
LapsedThe firm no longer has interim permission to undertake consumer credit business.
RevokedThis firm has had its interim permission to run consumer credit business withdrawn. See the disciplinary and regulatory action section for more information.
SuspendedThis firm has had its interim permission to undertake consumer credit business suspended by the FCA and/or PRA. See the Disciplinary and regulatory action about the firm for further information.

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