Category: Compliance & AML · Reviewed by Chrissie Anderson, Client Executive · Last reviewed June 2026
A person — typically a company, LLP, partnership or individual — that has been granted a Part 4A Permission under FSMA and so may lawfully carry on the regulated activities listed in that permission.
An Authorised Person is a person to whom permission has been given to carry on regulated activities under FSMA Part 4A. The defined term “person” includes both natural persons and legal entities. The status is granted by the FCA (or, for dual-regulated firms, by the PRA with FCA consent) and is published on the Financial Services Register.
FSMA sections 19 (the general prohibition), 31 (authorised persons) and 33 (criminal offence of carrying on regulated activity without authorisation). Section 31 lists the routes to authorisation — Part 4A permission, EEA passporting (now mostly historical post-Brexit), Treaty firms, and ICVCs.
Authorisation is firm-level. The firm appears on the Financial Services Register with its Firm Reference Number (FRN), permitted activities, customer types and any limitations. Individuals operating within the firm are not themselves “Authorised Persons” — they are subject to SMCR controls (SMF approval or certification) but the firm holds the authorisation. Trading names linked to the firm are also recorded on the register.
Appointed Representatives are not Authorised Persons — they operate under exemption from the general prohibition by virtue of FSMA section 39 and the Principal’s responsibility. Exempt Persons (recognised investment exchanges, members of Lloyd’s, etc.) are also not authorised but are permitted to operate without authorisation by specific statutory exemption.
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is an Authorised Person under FCA FRN 724952. The legal entity holds the permission. Individuals such as the Director and Client Executive operate within the firm under the SMCR framework but are not themselves Authorised Persons.
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, sections 19, 31, 33. Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/544).
By Matt Bartlett, Director, on 2026-06-11.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-11. Apex Insurance Brokers Limited, FCA FRN 724952, Companies House 07014570. Not regulated advice — consult your broker on your specific position.
Apex Insurance Brokers serves UK professional services firms and commercial businesses. Call 0117 325 0027, email hello@apexinsurancebrokers.co.uk, or request a quotation.
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