Swissquote FCA Regulation checklist

Broker groups commonly operate several entities under different regulators, and marketing pages do not always make clear which one serves your country. Before checking any register, find the precise legal entity name and registration number in the account opening documents or terms of business. FCA authorisation applies to a specific entity, not to a brand name, so verifying the wrong entity gives a misleading answer.

The FCA maintains a public register of authorised firms. Search it using the exact entity name or reference number taken from the broker's documents, then confirm the firm's status is authorised, that the permitted activities cover the services you plan to use, and that the contact details on the register match those on the broker's website. Mismatched details are a common sign of clone firms that impersonate legitimate brokers.

Authorisation by a regulator sets conduct standards and may bring access to compensation and dispute schemes, but it does not protect you from trading losses. Which protections apply, including any compensation scheme coverage and complaint routes, depends on the entity holding your account and your client classification. Ask the broker in writing which protections apply to your specific account before funding it.