Are the providers you introduce FCA-authorised, and how do you keep promotions fair, clear and not misleading?
The short answer — FCA status and our introducer role
Yes — when a product or activity requires regulation, we aim to introduce you only to FCA-authorised firms or appointed representatives acting under an authorised principal. For products that sit outside the FCA’s perimeter (for example, certain lending solely to limited companies for business purposes), we still apply robust due diligence and conduct standards. Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that does not lend, does not provide financial advice, and helps you connect with suitable UK finance providers.
Our platform focuses on established UK businesses seeking commercial finance, not consumers. Many providers we introduce are dual-regulated by the FCA and PRA, or operate under relevant authorisations for their activities. Where a provider offers unregulated business-only products, we still vet them for reputation, financial conduct, and adherence to industry codes.
We apply the FCA’s “fair, clear and not misleading” standard to all our promotions even where the rules do not strictly apply. We also design our content to align with ASA guidance and Google’s advertising policies for financial services. This helps you make informed, confident decisions.
Who we introduce you to
We introduce to banks, specialist commercial lenders, asset and invoice finance providers, and regulated brokers. Many operate as authorised firms or as appointed representatives supervised by an authorised principal. Our network focuses on business use only and excludes consumer credit aimed at individuals.
What this means for your enquiry
You will be matched with providers that are active in your sector and likely to support your purpose and amount. Where regulation applies, we check that the provider’s permissions are relevant and current. Where it does not, we still apply rigorous checks and transparent disclosures.
Further reading for sector-specific funding
If you operate in construction or trades, explore our guidance on building services loans. You can compare common funding types and typical eligibility expectations. This helps set realistic timelines and next steps.
How we verify FCA authorisation and regulatory status
We conduct a structured verification process before onboarding and throughout our relationship with providers. This includes checks on FCA authorisation, appointed representative status, and permitted activities where applicable. We also monitor changes over time as registers and permissions are updated.
For authorised firms, we check the FCA Register for a valid Firm Reference Number (FRN), permissions that align to the provider’s activities, and status that is active rather than lapsed or restricted. For appointed representatives, we verify the principal firm’s authorisation and the scope of the AR agreement.
For providers offering unregulated business-only credit, we carry out commercial and conduct checks. This includes reputation, underwriting approach, complaints history where public, sector expertise, and clarity of documentation. We prioritise firms that follow high standards even when not mandated.
Our ongoing monitoring approach
Provider statuses can change, so we use calendar-based reviews and trigger-based reviews. Calendar checks occur at regular intervals; trigger checks happen if we see material changes to ownership, branding, or feedback. If a provider’s status becomes unclear, we pause introductions until clarity is restored.
Security and data safeguards
We share your information only with providers that are relevant to your enquiry and meet our checks. We require providers to handle data securely and lawfully. We do not sell your data or pass it to unrelated third parties.
What you can check yourself
Search the FCA Register to confirm a firm’s FRN and permissions where regulation applies. Check the status of appointed representatives and their principal firms. Be alert to clone firm warnings and make contact only via verified channels.
Keeping promotions fair, clear and not misleading
We follow the FCA’s overarching fairness standard across all media, even for business-only content outside the perimeter. We design copy so that key benefits, costs, and limitations are balanced and accessible. Our aim is to help you understand options, not to pressure you into applying.
We avoid absolute claims, exaggerated outcomes, or promises we cannot control. We do not guarantee acceptance, “the lowest rates”, or “instant approvals”. When we mention speed or typical timelines, we clarify that decisions depend on provider assessment and your documents.
If we reference costs or ranges, we add clear context and assumptions. We avoid presenting representative examples if they do not reflect your situation. If an offer is limited or conditional, we state the conditions and how they affect eligibility.
Editorial and compliance controls
Our content goes through a structured review for clarity, balance, and accuracy. We check that product descriptions match how providers actually operate. We flag and correct errors quickly when markets, schemes, or policies change.
Media-neutral implementation
Whether content appears on our website, social channels, or in ads, we apply the same fairness standard. We avoid clickbait and misleading headlines. We keep disclosures close to relevant claims so they are not overlooked.
Alignment with ASA and Google Ads policies
ASA rules require significant qualifications to be clear and prominent. We present material limitations in plain English. Google policies require adequate information and local compliance, which we incorporate into our landing pages and ad copy.
Practical examples — what we say, and what we won’t say
We will say: “We’ll introduce you to providers likely to support your sector and purpose.” We will not say: “Guaranteed approval in minutes.” We will say: “Rates depend on your profile, security, and lender appetite.” We will not say: “Lowest rates on the market, no exceptions.”
We will say: “Funding speed depends on documents, underwriting, and provider capacity.” We will not say: “Cash today with no checks.” We will say: “No obligation to proceed and no fee to submit an enquiry to us.” We will not hide any fees applied by providers.
We will say: “For secured agreements, your asset may be at risk if you fail to keep up repayments.” We will not bury key risks in fine print. We will say: “Commercial finance is for business use only and subject to status and eligibility.” We will not promote consumer borrowing.
Clear language around eligibility
We state where we cannot assist, such as start-ups, sole traders, franchises, property finance, and commercial mortgages. We specify the industries we commonly support. This prevents time wasted on unsuitable enquiries.
Balanced presentation of benefits and trade-offs
We highlight benefits such as speed, flexibility, or asset-backed rates. We also signpost trade-offs like fees, security requirements, and variable costs. Our goal is to present a rounded picture so you can compare options carefully.
Transparent role and remuneration
We are an introducer and do not offer loans directly. We may receive a commission from a provider if you proceed, but there is no charge for submitting an enquiry to us. Providers will disclose their fees and charges before you decide.
Your safeguards, next steps, and how to get a Quick Quote
Before you proceed, confirm who you are dealing with and what permissions they hold if regulation applies. Ask for written terms, total cost of credit, fees, early settlement conditions, and any security requirements. Make sure the funding supports your cash flow and growth plan.
Prepare documents early to speed up assessment. Typical items include management accounts, bank statements, aged debtor/creditor lists, asset details, and ID/KYC for directors. Clear and complete information often leads to faster decisions.
Submit a Quick Quote to get matched with relevant providers. Our AI-led process narrows the field to lenders or brokers actively lending in your sector. You stay in control and choose whether to engage.
How to verify FCA status in minutes
Search the official FCA Register and enter the firm’s name or FRN. Check the permissions match the activity you are discussing, and confirm “Active” status. For appointed representatives, confirm the principal firm and the scope of the AR relationship.
Important notices and risk statements
Business finance is subject to status, eligibility, and provider assessment. If finance is secured, your asset may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments. We do not provide financial advice; consider professional advice before entering any agreement.
Key takeaways
- We aim to introduce you only to FCA-authorised providers or appointed representatives when regulation applies, and apply high standards for unregulated business-only products.
- We keep promotions fair, clear, and not misleading by avoiding guarantees, balancing benefits and risks, and using plain English disclosures.
- You can verify FCA status on the Register, request full cost information, and proceed only when terms suit your business.
Ready to explore options?
It takes a couple of minutes to submit your details for an eligibility check. We’ll introduce you to suitable providers so you can compare terms without contacting dozens of firms yourself. Get Your Free Quick Quote Now.
Our compliance principles at a glance
- We follow the FCA’s “fair, clear and not misleading” standard across all media.
- We adhere to ASA rules on significant qualifications and avoid misleading claims.
- We align with Google Ads policies for financial services, including required disclosures and local compliance.
- We maintain version control, date stamps, and a review cycle to keep content current.
Updated: October 2025