This Act matters if a business arranges investments, gives financial promotions, offers regulated products, operates fintech services or introduces customers to financial providers. The practical first question is whether the activity is regulated, because the answer can affect permissions, marketing, contracts and who can say what to customers.
Main laws
United Kingdom Act
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 is a central UK statute for regulated financial services and markets.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- This Act matters if a business arranges investments, gives financial promotions, offers regulated products, operates fintech services or introduces customers to financial...
- The practical first question is whether the activity is regulated, because the answer can affect permissions, marketing, contracts and who can say what to customers.
Likely relevant if
- Fintech businesses
- Businesses promoting investments or financial products
- Credit and payment businesses
Check first
- Check whether activities require FCA authorisation or an exemption
- Control financial promotions and approval processes
- Map regulated activities before launching a product
What this means in practice
Key points
- A product can become regulated because of the activity, not the label on the website.
- Financial promotions need legal review before growth teams test them.
- Partner-led models still need a clear regulatory responsibilities map.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Fintech businesses
- Businesses promoting investments or financial products
- Credit and payment businesses
- Platforms introducing users to regulated providers
What to check first
Sense check
- Check whether activities require FCA authorisation or an exemption
- Control financial promotions and approval processes
- Map regulated activities before launching a product
- Keep partner, introducer and customer journeys documented
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- Product flow map
- Financial promotion approvals
- Introducer agreements
- Customer terms
- Compliance responsibility matrix