Trust

Verification for Advisers

Verified members carry a badge that shows they've provided evidence of working in UK financial services. It's what makes discussions on Adviser Forum feel materially different from an open social network.

What the verified badge means

A verified badge indicates the member has provided evidence supporting their status as a UK financial services professional — typically one of the following:

  • Their entry on the FCA Financial Services Register (as an appointed representative or approved person, or their firm's FRN);
  • Evidence of a current professional qualification (CeMAP, DipFA, DipPFS, CII, CISI or equivalent);
  • Confirmation from a network or principal firm the member is authorised through.

What the verified badge does not mean

Verification is not an endorsement. Adviser Forum does not recommend, refer or warrant any verified member, their firm, their advice or their products. The badge only confirms the member is a genuine UK financial services professional at the time of check.

How the check works

1. Submit

You add your firm details, professional type and either your FCA reference or a copy of your qualification.

2. Review

A moderator cross-checks against the FCA Register or the awarding body. We may email you for clarification.

3. Badge issued

If the check passes, the verified badge is added to your profile. If it doesn't, we tell you why so you can appeal.

Keeping verification honest

  • We revoke the badge if a member's authorisation lapses, their firm loses permissions, or the member is suspended for a breach of our rules & terms.
  • We do not verify influencer or media accounts. Editorial content published by Adviser Forum itself is labelled as an "Official Contributor", not as a verified member.
  • If you believe someone is falsely displaying a verified badge or misrepresenting a firm, use the report link on their profile.

Fees

Verification is free during the founding-community beta. We may introduce a paid tier for firms and providers in future — any change will be communicated before it takes effect.

Contact

Questions about your verification: email verification@adviserforum.co.uk. For everything else, see the contact page.