Are you FCA‑regulated, and do you only introduce to FCA‑authorised firms?
Short answer — clear and immediate
Best Business Loans (BestBusinessLoans.ai) is not an FCA‑authorised firm and does not itself provide regulated lending or regulated advice. We act as an independent introducer and matching platform that connects UK businesses with lenders and brokers who may be able to help. Where a product or service is regulated, we aim to introduce you only to firms that are FCA‑authorised or otherwise permitted to carry out that regulated activity.
Who we are and what “not FCA‑regulated” means
Our role: introducer and AI matching service
Best Business Loans is a platform that helps established UK businesses explore commercial finance options quickly using AI‑driven matching. We do not underwrite, provide, or administer loans ourselves and we do not give regulated investment or consumer credit advice. Our service is designed to shorten the search for appropriate lenders and brokers and to route enquiries to relevant providers.
Why we are not FCA‑regulated
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) authorises firms that carry out specific regulated activities, such as consumer credit, consumer investments or mortgage broking. Because Best Business Loans operates as an introducer and does not recommend, arrange or provide regulated products directly, we are not authorised by the FCA. That means we are careful to ensure our communications are clear, fair and not misleading.
How we handle regulated vs non‑regulated business finance
Regulated products and introductions
Some products are regulated by the FCA depending on who the customer is and the product type — for example consumer credit, certain loans to sole traders or products aimed at consumers. When a business enquiry involves a product that is FCA‑regulated, we seek to introduce you to FCA‑authorised firms, appointed representatives (ARs) of authorised firms, or brokers who operate within the regulatory framework. We encourage you to verify any provider’s status on the FCA Register before proceeding.
Commercial lending for companies and exemptions
Many forms of commercial finance provided to limited companies, partnerships or larger SMEs are not regulated by the FCA in the same way as consumer credit. For genuinely commercial-only lending we may introduce to lenders and brokers who are not FCA‑authorised, because those products fall outside the FCA’s perimeter. We will always make clear whether a provider is FCA‑authorised and whether the product is regulated so you can make an informed choice.
How we check and choose partners
Partner due diligence and ongoing checks
We operate a partner selection process to help ensure providers meet minimum standards for reliability and transparency. For regulated products we prioritise FCA‑authorised firms and reputable brokers, checking FCA register entries, company records and evidence of relevant permissions. For non‑regulated commercial lenders we perform checks on trading history, customer feedback and financial stability before we include them in our network.
Transparency when we pass your details on
When you submit a Quick Quote, we will only share your details with lenders or brokers that match your business profile and funding need. We explicitly state the introducing firm’s status — FCA‑authorised, appointed representative, or non‑regulated commercial provider — in the information we pass on or in subsequent communications. You remain free to accept or decline introductions and you retain control over next steps.
What this means for you as a business
How to approach regulated vs non‑regulated offers
If a proposed product is FCA‑regulated you will receive information and contractual terms from an FCA‑authorised firm or authorised representative. That brings specific consumer protections and disclosure rules. If the finance is non‑regulated commercial lending, those protections may not apply, so you should assess terms, pricing and business risks carefully and consider seeking independent legal or financial advice.
Simple steps to protect your business
Always check the FCA Register for authorisation status when dealing with regulated products. Ask for full written terms, comparison rates and any fees before signing. Use our Quick Quote to get a decision in principle or eligibility check so you can compare multiple routes while we confirm provider status and help you take the next step.
Compliance, advertising and our commitment to fair practice
Adhering to FCA, ASA and Google expectations
Although we are not FCA‑authorised, Best Business Loans follows best practice drawn from FCA guidance, Advertising Standards Authority rules and Google’s advertising policies. Our financial promotions and site content aim to be clear, fair and not misleading. Where applicable we make prominent disclosures about regulation, provider status and any limitations of the products introduced.
Privacy, data handling and how to proceed
Your enquiry is handled securely and confidentially and we never sell your data to unrelated parties. Submitting a Quick Quote is free and non‑binding, and it often leads to a faster Decision in Principle or an eligibility check from matched providers. To explore options now, complete our Quick Quote form and we’ll match your business with relevant lenders or brokers.
Internal resource for related finance options
For details about the types of business loans we commonly match, see our business loans page: business loans. That page explains product types, eligibility and common uses so you can choose the right enquiry path with confidence.
Who to contact if you’re unsure
If you’re unsure whether a product is regulated, or whether a provider is authorised, please contact us at hello@bestbusinessloans.ai before proceeding. We can explain the likely regulatory status and suggest whether you should speak with an FCA‑authorised broker for regulated products or consider commercial lenders for non‑regulated finance. Our aim is to help you make informed, compliant choices.
Key takeaways
- Best Business Loans is not FCA‑authorised — we act as an introducer and AI matching platform.
- For regulated finance we aim to introduce only to FCA‑authorised firms, ARs or compliant brokers.
- Many commercial loans to companies are not FCA‑regulated, and we will make provider status clear.
- Always verify provider status on the FCA Register and request full written terms before committing.
- Start with a Quick Quote to get matched and to receive a Decision in Principle or eligibility check.
Frequently asked question (short)
Q: Can I rely on your introductions for regulated advice?
A: We introduce you to providers and brokers; regulated advice must come from an FCA‑authorised adviser. If your situation requires regulated advice, we will prioritise introductions to authorised firms or appointed representatives.
Q: Do you charge for introductions or share my data widely?
A: No — submitting a Quick Quote is free and non‑binding. We only share your details with carefully selected providers that match your needs, and only with your permission.
Ready to check options and get a Decision in Principle? Complete our Quick Quote now and we’ll match your business with suitable lenders and brokers. Fast, secure and no obligation.