SCAM ALERT
FCA Warns UK Consumers Against Unauthorised Firm smartea.trading
The FCA says smartea.trading is unauthorised and may be targeting people in the UK, leaving customers without access to key financial protections.
Read alertPUBLIC FINANCIAL BUSINESS REGISTER
Verify before you trust a financial broker.
Search IFSA's public register for approved business details, or follow a documented path to verification for your firm.
- Identity and company checks
- Public verification records
- Clear eligibility status
IFSA VERIFY
Search the public register
Results show only business details IFSA has approved for public release.
Verified records
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Global coverage
across supported jurisdictions
Open access
free public register search
PUBLIC DIRECTORY
Featured verified businesses
Explore a selection of approved records currently available in the public register.
HOW IT WORKS
A clear path from application to public record.
The process is designed to make requirements visible and verification status easy to understand.
See the full process- 01
Apply
Create a business account with a work email and your core company details.
- 02
Complete the checks
Submit supporting documents and verify your phone, email, company, and domain.
- 03
Join the register
Eligible approved businesses receive a searchable public record and verification mark.
INVESTOR PROTECTION
Recent scam alerts
Review recent warnings before sending funds or sharing personal information.
SCAM ALERT
FCA Warns Against First Islamic Cooperative Investment Bank PLC
The FCA says First Islamic Cooperative Investment Bank PLC is unauthorised and may be targeting people in the UK through ficibank.com.
Read alertSCAM ALERT
FCA Warns UK Consumers About Unauthorised algospheremarkets.com
The FCA says algospheremarkets.com is unauthorised and may be targeting people in the UK, and advises consumers not to deal with it.
Read alertIFSA UPDATES
Latest from IFSA
Guidance, announcements, and developments from the authority.
CFTC Staff Allows Clearing Organizations to Use Trust Companies for Daily Settlements
The CFTC’s Division of Clearing and Risk says derivatives clearing organizations may use trust companies for daily settlements if they treat them as settlement banks under applicable requirements.
Read update
CFTC Orders Exchanges to Address Geographic Trading Access Restrictions
The CFTC told designated contract markets to end noncompliant domestic geographic restrictions within 30 days or explain why compliance is not feasible.
Read update
CFTC and USDA Sign MOU to Strengthen U.S. Agricultural Market Oversight
The CFTC and USDA have signed a memorandum of understanding to improve data sharing, coordinate policies and identify risks in U.S. agricultural markets.
Read updateOUR PARTNERS
Working together for market trust
COMMON QUESTIONS
Understand the register before you use it.
What is the International Financial Services Authority (IFSA)?
The International Financial Services Authority (IFSA) is an independent regulatory body responsible for licensing, supervising, and regulating financial services firms operating under its jurisdiction. IFSA’s mandate is to promote financial integrity, market transparency, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection within the financial services industry.
Who is required to obtain a license from IFSA?
Any entity conducting regulated financial services activities within or from IFSA’s jurisdiction must obtain the appropriate license prior to commencing operations. This may include brokers, investment firms, asset managers, payment institutions, and other financial intermediaries.
How long does the licensing process with IFSA take?
The duration of the licensing process depends on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the proposed business model, and the responsiveness of the applicant. On average, the process may take several weeks to a few months following submission of all required documentation.
What are IFSA’s minimum capital requirements?
Minimum capital requirements vary depending on the category of license and the nature of financial activities being conducted. Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to ensure operational stability and client protection.
Can foreign companies apply for an IFSA license?
Yes. Foreign companies may apply for authorization, provided they meet IFSA’s regulatory standards and comply with any local establishment or representation requirements set forth under applicable regulations.
MARKET BRIEF
Financial market headlines
Selected stories from external market publications.
START WITH CONFIDENCE
Check the public record before you choose a broker.
Search by license number for an approved IFSA record, or begin your firm's verification application.