Is Spark Finance FCA Authorised?
George Wilks
Commercial Lead · May 12, 2024 · 5 min read
Yes. Spark Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a credit broker. Our Firm Reference Number (FRN) is 958123. You can verify this directly on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk. Here is what FCA authorisation means and why it matters for you as a borrower.
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What FCA authorisation means
FCA authorisation as a credit broker means Spark Finance Ltd has met the FCA's requirements to arrange credit on behalf of businesses and consumers in the UK. We must adhere to FCA conduct rules, treat customers fairly, disclose all commissions and fees, and maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Any UK business arranging credit without FCA authorisation is operating illegally.
Our credit broking permission covers the introduction of businesses to lenders across all product categories: business loans, asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages, bridging loans, and more. We are not authorised to provide financial advice; our service is to introduce businesses to suitable lenders and manage the application process.
What it means for you
Working with an FCA authorised broker gives you important protections. We are legally required to disclose our remuneration (the commission we receive from lenders) before you proceed with any transaction. We must not create a conflict of interest between our remuneration and your best interests. We must handle your personal and financial data in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
If you have a complaint about our service, you can refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service if we are unable to resolve it to your satisfaction. This independent complaints resolution service is only available where the firm is FCA regulated, which is another reason to verify the regulatory status of any broker you work with.
"FCA authorisation is the minimum bar for working with a credit broker in the UK. It is not a guarantee of quality, but working without it would be illegal. Always verify a broker's FRN before sharing any financial information."
- George Wilks, Commercial Lead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spark Finance's FRN?
Spark Finance Ltd's Firm Reference Number is 958123. This can be verified on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.
Is Spark Finance a lender?
No. Spark Finance is a credit broker, not a lender. We introduce businesses to lenders on our panel and manage the application process but do not lend money ourselves.
The bottom line
Spark Finance Ltd. FCA Authorised. FRN 958123. Credit broker, not a lender. Verify at register.fca.org.uk. Apply at apply.sparkfinance.co.uk.
Check your eligibilityAbout the author
George Wilks
Commercial Lead
George leads commercial relationships at Spark Finance, specialising in property-backed finance including bridging loans, development finance, and commercial mortgages. He works with investors, developers, and owner-occupiers to structure short and long-term property finance.
