FCA Regulation and Authorisation at Cashfloat
Choosing a lender in the UK is not only about cost or convenience. It is also about regulation, consumer protection, and understanding what rules a lender must follow.
Cashfloat is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This page explains what FCA regulation means, how UK consumer credit regulation works, and what protections apply when borrowing from an FCA-authorised lender.
Who Regulates Consumer Lending in the UK?
Consumer lending in the UK is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA is the independent body responsible for supervising financial services firms and protecting consumers.
Any company offering consumer credit to the public in the UK must be authorised by the FCA and comply with its rules. These rules apply whether borrowing takes place online or in person.
The FCA’s responsibilities include:
- Setting standards for consumer credit firms
- Supervising authorised lenders on an ongoing basis
- Enforcing rules designed to prevent consumer harm
- Taking action where firms fail to meet regulatory requirements
Cashfloat’s FCA Authorisation
Cashfloat is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide consumer credit in the UK.
This authorisation means that:
- Cashfloat operates under UK consumer credit law
- All lending activity is subject to FCA supervision
- The company must comply with detailed conduct and affordability rules
Consumers can verify a lender’s regulatory status by searching the FCA Register, which lists all authorised firms and their permitted activities.
What FCA Regulation Requires Lenders to Do
FCA-authorised lenders must follow strict rules designed to promote responsible lending and protect consumers. These requirements include:
Affordability and Creditworthiness Checks
Before offering credit, lenders must assess whether borrowing is affordable and appropriate for the individual. These credit and affordability assessments consider income, existing commitments, and financial circumstances.
Clear and Transparent Information
Lenders must explain borrowing costs, repayment terms, and potential risks in a way that is clear and not misleading. Key information must be presented upfront.
Fair Treatment of Customers
FCA rules require firms to treat customers fairly at all stages of the borrowing relationship, including if a customer’s circumstances change.
Support for Customers in Financial Difficulty
Lenders must have processes in place to support customers who experience financial difficulty, including offering appropriate forbearance where necessary.
Consumer Protections Under FCA Rules
Borrowing from an FCA-authorised lender provides access to important consumer protections. These include:
- Limits on interest, fees, and default charges for certain types of credit
- Rules governing how repayments and arrears are handled
- Formal complaints procedures with regulated response timeframes
If a complaint cannot be resolved directly with the lender, eligible consumers may be able to escalate the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which provides independent dispute resolution under consumer rights.
Why FCA Regulation Matters When Choosing a Lender
Not all lenders operating online are regulated in the same way. Borrowing from an FCA-authorised firm ensures that UK consumer credit rules apply and that regulatory oversight is in place.
Unregulated or offshore lenders are not bound by FCA conduct standards and may not offer the same level of consumer protection. For this reason, confirming FCA authorisation is an important step before entering into any borrowing arrangement.
How This Regulation Applies Across Cashfloat’s Lending
All borrowing offered by Cashfloat operates within the same FCA regulatory framework. This applies consistently across:
Regardless of the type of borrowing explored, the same regulatory standards, affordability checks, and consumer protections apply.
Independent Information and Support
Borrowing money is not suitable for everyone, and independent guidance is available. Consumers can access free, impartial information about money and borrowing through MoneyHelper, which is backed by the UK government.
MoneyHelper provides guidance on:
- Managing money and budgeting
- Understanding credit and borrowing
- Dealing with financial difficulty