How Authorised Compliance Helps Credit Brokers Stay FCA-Compliant

In the UK’s heavily regulated credit industry, staying compliant with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s fundamental to operating legally, earning consumer trust, and growing a sustainable credit broking business. But with evolving regulations, complex FCA requirements, and the threat of enforcement action, many brokers struggle to keep up.

That’s where Authorised Compliance comes in. As a specialist consultancy, we support credit brokers in understanding, implementing, and maintaining robust compliance systems that meet FCA standards. In this article, we’ll explore how Authorised Compliance helps credit brokers stay FCA-compliant, avoid common pitfalls, and focus on growth with confidence.

Understanding FCA Compliance for Credit Brokers

Before we dive into how we help, it’s important to understand what FCA compliance for credit brokers really means.

If your business introduces customers to lenders, helps arrange credit, or advises on consumer credit products, you’re engaging in regulated credit broking activities. As such, you must:

  • Obtain and maintain FCA authorisation
  • Comply with the Consumer Credit Sourcebook (CONC)
  • Treat customers fairly (TCF)
  • Conduct appropriate affordability and suitability assessments
  • Maintain clear and transparent financial promotions
  • Handle customer complaints within FCA rules
  • Keep records, policies, and training up to date

Failing to meet these standards can result in enforcement actions, including fines, licence withdrawal, or reputational damage.

1. FCA Application Support: Getting You Authorised

Many credit brokers start their compliance journey by applying for FCA authorisation. This process can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants. The FCA requires detailed information about your business model, compliance infrastructure, financial controls, and senior management team.

At Authorised Compliance, we provide expert FCA application assistance. Our consultants help you:

  • Choose the right permissions for your business
  • Prepare your regulatory business plan
  • Draft required compliance policies and procedures
  • Submit a fully complete application that aligns with FCA expectations

Our guidance increases your chances of approval and helps avoid unnecessary delays or rejections, which can cost you time and revenue.

2. Creating a Custom Compliance Framework

Every credit broker is different—so your compliance setup shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all template.

We work with your team to design a bespoke compliance monitoring framework that aligns with your size, risk profile, and customer journey. This includes:

  • A tailored compliance checklist for credit brokers
  • Written policies and procedures for your firm’s activities
  • A schedule for regular audits, training, and monitoring
  • Risk assessments covering advertising, data handling, and customer affordability

Whether you’re a small start-up or a scaling operation, our frameworks are designed to grow with you—ensuring you always stay one step ahead of regulatory change.

3. Advertising & Financial Promotion Reviews

Credit brokers often fall foul of FCA rules on financial promotions, which require that all adverts be fair, clear, and not misleading.

Common mistakes we’ve seen include:

  • Implying guaranteed approval or low APRs without conditions
  • Failing to disclose that you are a broker, not a lender
  • Omitting the broker’s FCA number or authorisation details

Our team conducts full advertising reviews—checking your website, paid media, social posts, and landing pages for compliance. We help you rewrite or adjust content to avoid breaches and make sure your messaging meets FCA expectations while still converting.

4. Affordability & Suitability Assessment Processes

The FCA expects brokers to ensure that customers are only introduced to products they can afford and that are suitable for their needs. This is a key part of treating customers fairly and is especially important when dealing with vulnerable customers or high-cost credit products.

We help you build and refine your affordability and suitability assessment processes, ensuring they are:

  • Integrated into your systems (digital or manual)
  • Easy for staff to follow
  • Documented with clear audit trails
  • Consistent with the lender's policies and FCA guidance

We’ll also train your team to spot red flags and escalate concerns early, reducing the risk of customer harm and complaints.

5. Staff Training & Regulatory Updates

FCA compliance isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Staff need to be aware of their obligations, and leadership must stay informed about FCA rule changes.

We provide regular, tailored compliance training to keep your team up to speed. Training covers:

  • FCA CONC rules
  • Vulnerable customer handling
  • Complaint management procedures
  • Advertising and disclosure obligations
  • Affordability assessments

We also offer compliance updates whenever there are changes to regulations, helping your firm adapt without falling behind.

6. Complaint Handling & Audit Preparation

Even with strong compliance processes, complaints can arise. But mishandling them is where most brokers get into trouble.

Authorised Compliance supports your firm with:

  • Setting up a compliant complaints procedure in line with FCA DISP rules
  • Logging and responding to complaints within the 8-week deadline
  • Escalating issues to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) where required
  • Using complaint trends to identify and fix root causes

Additionally, we assist with FCA audits and regulatory visits, helping you gather evidence, walk through your systems, and demonstrate that your firm is fully compliant.

7. Ongoing Compliance Monitoring & Reporting

Once your business is authorised and running, you’re required to carry out ongoing compliance monitoring—not just once a year, but regularly.

We’ll help your business:

  • Build a calendar of compliance activities
  • Monitor high-risk areas (sales calls, onboarding, affordability checks)
  • File your regulatory returns (RegData) correctly and on time
  • Keep your FCA authorisation up to date (e.g. with SMCR notifications)

With our compliance consultants for credit brokers by your side, you’ll never miss a deadline or fall out of step with the regulator.

Why Credit Brokers Trust Authorised Compliance

At Authorised Compliance, our mission is to make regulatory compliance simple, practical, and aligned with your commercial goals. Unlike generic compliance providers, we specialise in credit broking and consumer finance, so we understand the day-to-day pressures and risks you face.

Our consultants combine technical expertise with real-world experience—so whether you’re applying for FCA authorisation, growing your network of lenders, or dealing with a complaint, we’re here to help.

Key Benefits of Working With Us:

✅ FCA application assistance
✅ Bespoke compliance framework development
✅ Advertising and website reviews
✅ Ongoing compliance monitoring
✅ Staff training and regulatory updates
✅ Complaint handling support
✅ Peace of mind that your business is protected

Let’s Make Compliance Your Competitive Advantage

In a market where trust, transparency, and accountability are everything, compliance is no longer a back-office function—it’s a strategic asset. With the right support, credit brokers can turn compliance into a strength, not a burden.

Authorised Compliance is here to help you meet FCA expectations, stay ahead of regulatory change, and build a business that lasts.

👉 Ready to stay FCA-compliant with confidence?
Get in touch with Authorised Compliance today to book your free consultation.

Contact us now!

Authorised Compliance Ltd is a company incorporated in England & Wales, with company registration number: 15833435.Our registered address is: The Motorworks, Chestergate, Macclesfield, England, SK11 6DU.We are not currently authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under registration reference C1588780.

© 2025, Authorised Compliance Ltd.

Created by Sakura Creative