Are the providers you introduce FCA-authorised, and how do you keep promotions fair, clear and not misleading?
Updated October 2025
The short answer and our promise to UK businesses
Yes — where the activity is regulated, we introduce you only to providers that are FCA-authorised or to appointed representatives acting under an authorised principal. For purely commercial arrangements that fall outside FCA scope, we still apply the FCA’s “fair, clear and not misleading” standards to our content and partner selection. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that helps you navigate options; we do not supply loans directly or give regulated advice.
What “FCA-authorised” means in practice
The FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) authorises and supervises firms that carry out regulated financial activities in the UK. When a finance product or activity requires authorisation, we verify the firm’s status on the Financial Services Register and confirm the permissions match the proposed activity. If the provider is an appointed representative, we check the principal firm’s permissions and oversight arrangements.
Our scope: business-only, no consumer lending
We focus on UK businesses seeking commercial finance and do not arrange consumer loans. Some business lending activity is unregulated, but our promotions still follow FCA and ASA principles and Google’s financial advertising policies. You’ll always see clear eligibility, purpose limitations, and realistic expectations about pricing and outcomes.
What you can expect from us
We avoid exaggerated claims like “guaranteed approval” or “lowest rates”. We explain limitations, risks and dependencies such as creditworthiness, security, sector appetite and lending criteria. Every introduction is designed to save you time and connect you with relevant providers who are actively funding in your sector.
Start by completing a Quick Quote for an initial eligibility view. It’s fast, secure and without obligation.
How we check provider status and suitability
1) Register checks and permissions matching
We confirm whether a provider is FCA-authorised and what permissions they hold for the activities they perform. We record the firm reference number (FRN) and cross-check trading names to prevent confusion. Where a provider is an appointed representative, we confirm the appointed representative and principal relationship on the FCA Register.
2) Commercial focus and policy alignment
Our network prioritises firms with proven experience in UK commercial finance across asset finance, invoice finance, equipment and vehicle funding, cashflow loans and related solutions. We discuss sector appetite, underwriting criteria, time-to-decision expectations, and any specialisms before introductions. We avoid providers that do not align with our transparency and conduct standards.
3) Ongoing monitoring and removal process
Provider status can change and market appetites move. We re-check FCA Register entries, review feedback from businesses we’ve introduced, and sample promotional materials for accuracy and clarity. If we identify concerns or receive credible complaints, we pause introductions and, if necessary, remove the provider from our network pending resolution.
4) Evidence trails and version control
We maintain internal records of register checks, email confirmations and provider updates. We version control our web pages and promotional templates so that changes, clarifications and corrections are documented. This helps ensure continuity and accountability if questions arise later.
These checks are not endorsements or guarantees of outcome, but they are a practical safeguard for businesses that want confidence in who they speak to.
How we keep promotions fair, clear and not misleading
We follow core FCA principles and ASA rules
Even where a specific promotion may not be regulated, we use the FCA’s “fair, clear and not misleading” standard as our baseline. We also follow ASA and BCAP guidance to make qualifications prominent and avoid hiding material information. Our Google Ads comply with UK regulations and platform policies for financial services.
Plain English and balanced framing
We write in straightforward UK English with short sentences and clear definitions of finance types. We explain eligibility in practical terms and use realistic, sector-specific examples to set expectations. Where outcomes depend on third-party assessment, we say so plainly.
What we avoid
- “Guaranteed approval”, “instant approval”, or similar absolute claims.
- “Lowest rates on the market” or unfounded superlatives.
- Implying FCA authorisation where an activity is unregulated.
- Hiding fees, broker commissions, or conditions in small print.
Use of numbers, rates and timescales
If a rate, fee or timescale is shown, we indicate whether it is “from”, “typical” or “subject to status”, and we outline the main factors that affect pricing. Where representative examples are appropriate, we make them prominent and comprehensible. We avoid mixing consumer concepts with business-only products.
Prominence of key information
Material eligibility and exclusions are shown where the claim is made, not only in footnotes. We repeat critical points at decision moments such as enquiry forms and follow-ups. We make clear that Best Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender.
Media-neutral standards
Whether on our website, social channels, email, or search ads, we apply the same clarity and substantiation standards. Short-form formats are kept simple and link to fuller explanations before you act. We never invite direct remittance; you receive more information and speak with a provider first.
What this means for your business and your next steps
What you can expect when you enquire
Complete a Quick Quote and our AI-led system will match your profile with suitable lenders or brokers. You will not be charged by Best Business Loans to submit an enquiry, and there is no obligation to proceed. We introduce you to relevant providers, and you decide what is best.
Transparency around criteria and costs
Providers may run credit checks, request financials, and assess security before issuing terms. Pricing, fees and documentation will be explained by the provider, and you should review these carefully. We encourage you to compare options and consider cash flow impact, not just nominal rates.
Where we commonly help
We support established UK businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, construction, hospitality and healthcare. If you work in care homes, clinics or medical services, see our overview of healthcare business loans and funding options. We do not currently support start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance or commercial mortgages.
No hidden agenda — just smarter matching
We do not claim to cover every lender in the market or to always find the absolute lowest rate. Our goal is relevance and reliability, focusing on partners who can genuinely help in your sector. That means better use of your time and faster routes to viable funding conversations.
Ready to explore options for your company? Submit your Quick Quote to get an eligibility view and introductions to suitable providers.
Governance, complaints, and keeping content up to date
Complaints and issue escalation
If you believe a promotion is misleading, contact us with details and a screenshot or URL. We will review promptly, correct or remove content if necessary, and raise concerns with the provider. If you think a provider’s promotion breaches FCA rules, you can also report it directly to the FCA.
Data protection and confidentiality
Your information is handled securely and only shared with relevant finance professionals connected to your enquiry. We do not sell your data, and we expect our partners to comply with UK data protection law. You remain in control and can stop the process at any time.
Continuous improvement and audits
We periodically audit content against the FCA Handbook’s promotional standards where relevant (for example, CONC 3, COBS 4, BCOBS 2), ASA codes, and Google’s policies. We update pages for accuracy, sector appetite changes and new schemes such as government-backed support where applicable. Update dates are shown so you can see when guidance was last refreshed.
Key takeaways
- Where the activity is regulated, we only introduce to FCA-authorised firms or appointed representatives of authorised principals.
- We apply “fair, clear and not misleading” standards to all promotions, regardless of channel.
- We verify provider status, monitor feedback, and remove partners that fall short.
- We are an introducer, not a lender; you stay in control of your decisions.
- Get started with a free Quick Quote to see eligibility and options fast.
Get your free Quick Quote
It takes a couple of minutes to complete the form and receive matches to suitable lenders or brokers. There is no obligation to proceed, and your details remain confidential. Make a smarter start on your business finance journey today.
Helpful definitions
FCA-authorised: A firm supervised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority with permissions to undertake regulated activities. Always check the FCA Register for up-to-date status.
Appointed representative (AR): A firm that carries on regulated activities under the responsibility of an authorised principal firm, which supervises and accepts regulatory responsibility for its actions.
Fair, clear and not misleading: The FCA’s overarching standard for financial promotions. It requires balanced, accurate information presented in a way customers can understand.
Who we help
We specialise in supporting established UK SMEs in asset-rich and operational sectors. Typical needs include cash flow smoothing, equipment upgrades, vehicle and fleet funding, and invoice finance. If your goal is to invest, expand or stabilise operations, we can help you explore the right routes.
Contact
Email: hello@bestbusinessloans.ai
Website: www.bestbusinessloans.ai