FCA
Warning List of unauthorised firms
One of several regulator-published lists covered on this page; the FCA says its list shows firms it is concerned are working without permission.
Different regulators publish different lists, under different names and with different limits. This page is a pointer guide to six of them, with what each regulator says about using its list. It reproduces no entries, names no firm and does not rank the regulators.
United Kingdom: FCA Warning List
The FCA states: "Our Warning List shows the firms that we’re concerned are working without our permission." It is paired with the Firm Checker, which shows whether a firm is authorised. See also how to check whether a broker is regulated.
Australia: ASIC Investor Alert List
ASIC publishes an Investor Alert List through its Moneysmart site. The page says: "Before deciding whether to engage with an entity, check ASIC's scam warnings and Investor Alert List." It also gives the limit: "This list is not exhaustive and is based on the information available to ASIC at the time of publication."
Singapore: MAS Investor Alert List
MAS advises: "Always verify the institution's identity and deal only through official channels." The MAS page was last updated on 17 September 2026.
United States: CFTC RED List
The CFTC's RED (Registration Deficient) List is described as follows: "The RED List is developed from tips and leads from the public or other sources." The page says that being listed does not by itself mean a violation has been found, and that not being listed does not mean an entity is registered. Its advice is short: "Check the list before you trade." The page names binary options among products that attract many fraud complaints.
Canada and International
The CSA publishes an archive of alerts from its member regulators: "Here, you can consult CSA member investor alerts." IOSCO's I-SCAN database collects alerts from many countries; its page states: "The information accessible is submitted by IOSCO members and it is public." For how these archives differ from complaint registers, see broker complaint databases explained.
Using Several Lists Together
Check the list of the regulator that applies where you live, then the register of authorised firms, as separate steps. Remember that lists differ in scope and update at different times, as covered in warning list updates. A fuller map of authorities is in the regulator list by country, and a Cyprus example is in the CySEC Warning List guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does ASIC say to check before engaging with an entity?
ASIC states: "Before deciding whether to engage with an entity, check ASIC's scam warnings and Investor Alert List."
Does the ASIC list cover everything?
No. ASIC says: "This list is not exhaustive and is based on the information available to ASIC at the time of publication."
What does the CFTC advise about its RED List?
The CFTC advises: "Check the list before you trade."
Does this page address whether an individual could face liability?
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
Sources and Official References
- FCA: Warning List of unauthorised firms (last updated 30 June 2026)
- ASIC: Investment scam alerts (no date for the list itself)
- MAS: Investor Alert List (last updated 17 September 2026)
- CFTC: RED (Registration Deficient) List (no page date)
- CSA: Investor Alerts (entries dated to 19 October 2026 when read)
- IOSCO: I-SCAN (entries dated to 19 October 2026 when read)
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.