Evidence standard: This article distinguishes public records, company claims and editorial assessment. Information may change after publication.
A brand name is not a legal entity
The name shown in an advertisement or trading app may be shared by several companies. Each company can operate under a different licence, website and investor-protection framework. Before funding an account, record the legal entity named in the client agreement and compare it with the entity shown in the regulator's public register.
The five-point licence check
- Match the exact legal entity name, including suffixes such as Limited or Pty Ltd.
- Confirm the licence or reference number on the regulator's own website.
- Check whether the authorised website domain matches the site you are using.
- Read the permission scope, status, restrictions and any public warnings.
- Save the register URL and the date of your check before you deposit.
| Field | What to compare | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Legal entity | Client agreement and official register | Brand name only |
| Licence number | Regulator record | Number appears only on broker website |
| Domain | Register contact details | Similar spelling or unrelated domain |
| Permissions | Activities and client types | Licence does not cover offered service |
| Status | Active, restricted or cancelled | Old screenshot without live record |
Use the official register as the primary source
Third-party directories are useful for navigation and comparison, but they are not the licensing authority. Open the regulator's official register in a new browser tab, search the entity independently and compare every material field. Where the record is unclear, contact the regulator or the firm using contact information shown on the official register.
A logo, company registration or trading platform does not prove that the entity holding your account is authorised to provide the service.
Sources and verification links
Sources were available to the editorial team on the recorded check date. External records may change.
FCA Financial Services Registerofficial · verified · checked Jul 19, 2026ASIC Professional Registersofficial · verified · checked Jul 19, 2026CySEC Cyprus Investment Firms directoryofficial · verified · checked Jul 19, 2026Frequently asked questions
Does a broker licence apply to every company in the group?
No. A licence belongs to a specific legal entity. Another company using the same brand may be subject to a different regulator and protection framework.
Is an MT4 or MT5 server proof of regulation?
No. Trading software is not a regulatory licence. The legal entity and permission record must be checked separately.