the FCA's warning list is the first place to look
Every year the FCA publishes warnings against brokers soliciting the UK clients without permission. Those lists are free intelligence: use them before investing, and cite them after a loss.
What the warning lists contain
Warnings name firms, websites and clone patterns observed targeting the UK. They are published precisely because complaints arrived — meaning real victims preceded every entry.
In claims, a named warning converts your loss from "investment went wrong" into "documented, warned-about fraud" — language banks and complaint bodies act on.
The gap the lists cannot close
New scam brands appear faster than warnings. That is why the register check matters more than the blacklist: no licence means no permission, regardless of warnings.
UK victims should also check the FCA Register before transferring, and remember that banks must offer a claim under the APP reimbursement rules even when the payment was made voluntarily.
Using warnings in a claim
If the platform that took your money appears in a the FCA warning, attach it to your Action Fraud report and your written bank claim. It pre-empts the "you invested wisely" defence.
If it is not listed, the register check plus your evidence still carries the claim — warnings help, but registration status decides.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the official warning list?
On the FCA's website — search for "warnings" or "unauthorised firms". Beware fake "regulator" sites that scam operators create.
The firm is not on any list. Does that mean it is safe?
No. Only a licence on the official register is meaningful. Most fraud platforms never live long enough to be warned about.
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