Finance glossary
Appointed Representative
Also known as: AR
In simple terms
An appointed representative is a firm or person allowed to do regulated business under the responsibility of an FCA-authorised “principal” firm, rather than being directly authorised itself.
On this page
What does appointed representative mean?
An appointed representative (AR) is a business that carries out regulated activities under a contract with, and the responsibility of, an FCA-authorised firm called the “principal”. The AR is not directly authorised itself, but is covered by its principal.
The principal is responsible for making sure the AR follows the rules.
How appointed representatives work
The principal takes on regulatory responsibility for the AR’s regulated activities, oversees it, and answers for its conduct. You can find both the AR and its principal on the FCA Register.
The FCA has tightened oversight of the AR regime because some principals failed to supervise their ARs properly.
How could this affect me?
Dealing with an AR still gives you regulatory protection through its principal, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service and often the FSCS. It is worth checking the AR is genuinely linked to its stated principal on the FCA Register.
If something goes wrong, you may be able to complain to the principal firm as well as the AR.
Things to watch out for
- An AR is not directly authorised — its cover comes from its principal.
- Check the AR and principal link is genuine on the FCA Register.
- Scammers sometimes falsely claim to be an AR of a real firm.
Know your rights
- A principal firm is responsible under FCA rules for the regulated activities of its appointed representatives.
- You can usually still access the Financial Ombudsman Service and check both firms on the FCA Register.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- FCA, Appointed representatives (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.