Are UK Business Loans’ broker and lender partners regulated by the FCA in the UK?

Short summary (quick answer): The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates firms that carry out specific financial activities in the UK — notably most consumer credit, regulated financial advice and certain financial promotions. Many brokers and lenders you’ll meet when seeking healthcare business finance are FCA‑authorised, but some types of purely commercial B2B lending sit outside the FCA perimeter (for example, certain loans to limited companies and commercial invoice/asset finance). Read on for a practical explanation of what this means for healthcare providers, how we work with partner firms, and step‑by‑step checks you can make before proceeding.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check (2 mins)

---

Quick answer — the short version

Yes and no. Many broker and lender partners active in UK healthcare finance are FCA‑authorised, particularly where the activity touches on consumer credit rules, regulated advice or financial promotions aimed at individuals or small businesses operating like consumers. At the same time, a sizeable part of commercial finance (loans to incorporated businesses, certain invoice finance and some asset finance) is outside the FCA’s regulatory perimeter. That doesn’t automatically mean a non‑FCA firm is unsafe — but it does change the types of protections available and the checks you should make.

How FCA regulation works: the essentials for healthcare businesses

What the FCA regulates

The FCA supervises firms carrying out regulated activities in the UK. That includes most consumer credit, regulated mortgage activity, regulated advice, certain payment services and controls on financial promotions. If a firm is authorised, it must follow FCA conduct rules, treat customers fairly and publish rules for complaints handling.

Consumer vs commercial lending

FCA rules are typically strongest when an arrangement resembles consumer credit — for example, lending to individuals, householders, or businesses that behave like consumers (small unincorporated businesses in certain circumstances). Purely commercial B2B lending to limited companies or corporate entities often sits outside the FCA perimeter and is governed mainly by contract law, general business regulation and market practice rather than the FCA Handbook.

Why the distinction matters in healthcare

Healthcare businesses range from incorporated clinics and NHS contractors to small practices and care homes. Whether FCA rules apply depends on the borrower’s legal structure and the finance product — so two similar requests from different healthcare operators can fall under different regimes. That affects complaint routes, disclosure obligations and available protections.

Our approach — who we work with and why compliance matters

UK Business Loans acts as an introducer: we match healthcare businesses to lenders and brokers who can provide the finance they need. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice.

When you submit an enquiry we use the details you provide to find the most suitable finance partners. We expect professional conduct from those partners and encourage clear, fair and not‑misleading communications in line with FCA expectations for financial promotions.

If FCA authorisation applies to your enquiry, we will help ensure you are introduced to firms with the appropriate permissions — and we’ll encourage partners to be transparent about their status and terms.

Free Eligibility Check — Get Quote Now (form takes around 2 minutes)

How FCA regulation applies to common healthcare loan types

Equipment & asset finance

Equipment finance for clinics, dental practices or care homes (x‑ray machines, beds, sterilisation units) is often provided as asset finance secured on equipment. Many asset finance providers operate as commercial lenders (B2B) — FCA authorisation may not be required where the customer is an incorporated business. However, some finance arranged via brokers who also advise smaller consumer‑like operators may be carried out by FCA‑regulated intermediaries.

Invoice finance & factoring

Invoice finance and factoring are usually treated as commercial products for businesses. While many reputable providers follow industry best practice, FCA oversight is less likely to apply. Check contract terms, service levels and exit costs carefully before committing.

Commercial property finance

Commercial mortgages and loans for premises (clinic refit, purchase of commercial property) are usually commercial in nature. Regulated mortgage rules generally apply to residential lending; commercial property finance is mainly governed by contract and lender policies.

Loans where FCA rules often apply

Where an arrangement is with an individual, or a business that’s classified in law like a consumer (or an unincorporated small business under specific rules), FCA consumer credit protections can apply. In those situations you should expect clear disclosures, right to complain through an authorised firm’s process and potential access to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

How to check whether a broker or lender is FCA‑regulated (step‑by‑step)

Before sharing sensitive information or signing documents, follow this checklist:

• Ask for the full company name and Firm Reference Number (FRN).
• Search the FCA Register: https://register.fca.org.uk — enter the firm name or FRN and confirm the firm appears.
• Check authorised permissions — the Register shows which regulated activities the firm can carry out (for example, consumer credit, mortgage advice).
• Request written terms and the financial promotion you were shown. Promotions must be clear, fair and not misleading.
• Ask how complaints are handled and whether the firm is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for the product in question (FSCS does not cover all business products).

If you’d like help verifying a firm, complete our quick enquiry and we’ll assist with matching you to partners and can flag FCA status where relevant: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

When lenders are not FCA‑regulated — risks and safeguards

Many reputable commercial lenders are outside FCA scope. That’s common in the commercial finance market and can be acceptable when you understand the differences:

• Risks: fewer formal FCA‑led complaint routes, different disclosure standards, and contractual rather than regulatory remedies.
• Safeguards: do your due diligence, ask for clear written terms, consider legal review, check trading history and references, and ensure you understand default and early repayment terms.

Red flags to watch for:

• No FRN provided when you reasonably expect regulated status.
• Pressure tactics or “limited time” aggressive sales messaging.
• Unclear or hidden fees and repayment mechanics.
• Refusal to provide written contract terms before you commit.

Why FCA regulation matters for health & care providers

FCA authorisation brings oversight, minimum conduct standards and clearer complaint avenues — important where healthcare businesses serve vulnerable clients or operate under tight reputational and regulatory constraints. Even where the FCA does not directly apply, selecting lenders and brokers that provide transparent contracts and professional conduct reduces operational risk and protects patient‑facing reputations.

How UK Business Loans helps healthcare businesses

We specialise in matching healthcare operators (clinics, dentists, care homes and private practices) with lenders and brokers who understand the sector. We typically handle enquiries for loans from £10,000 and upwards.

What we do:

• Quickly assess your requirement and sector specifics (equipment, working capital, property).
• Match you to lenders/brokers appropriate for your legal structure and finance need.
• Encourage clear communication of lender status and terms so you can verify regulatory permissions where relevant.

Submitting an enquiry is not an application — it’s just a short information form we use to find the right partners for your request. Get Started — Free Eligibility Check (2 mins).

For sector‑specific options and examples of how healthcare businesses fund equipment and expansion see our industry overview: healthcare business loans.

Frequently asked questions

Are all UK Business Loans partners FCA regulated?

No. Many partners are FCA‑authorised where the activity requires it, but some commercial lenders operate outside the FCA perimeter. We aim to be transparent about a partner’s status and will help you verify a firm’s FRN and permissions.

Is UK Business Loans authorised by the FCA?

UK Business Loans introduces businesses to lenders and brokers and does not itself provide loans or regulated financial advice. We help match you to suitable partners and encourage clear disclosure of permissions.

Our Business Finance Matching Process

Step 1

Complete Your Details

It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.

Step 2

We Match Your Business

With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.

Step 3

You Get Free Quote + Advice

You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.

It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.

Will completing an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing our enquiry form is a soft, no‑obligation step and will not affect your credit score. Partner lenders may run credit checks only if you choose to progress with an application.

What information do I need for a healthcare equipment loan?

Basic business details, estimated equipment cost, purpose of finance, turnover and a contact point. More detailed documents may be required later by lenders (quotes, invoices, accounts).

How quickly will I be contacted?

Often within hours during business days; in many cases a partner will make initial contact by phone or email to discuss options.

What if my business is an incorporated limited company?

Most commercial lenders lend to limited companies and may treat the arrangement as B2B finance (outside FCA consumer credit rules). We will match you to partners experienced in lending to companies of your size and sector.

How do I verify an FRN?

Ask the firm for their FRN and search the FCA Register at https://register.fca.org.uk. Confirm the permissions listed match the product being offered.

Who handles complaints?

If you deal with an FCA‑authorised firm you should use that firm’s complaints procedure and, if unresolved, the Financial Ombudsman Service where eligible. For non‑FCA firms, follow contractual dispute procedures and seek independent advice if necessary.

---

Ready to get started?

If you’re a healthcare business seeking finance of £10,000 or more, complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers suited to your needs. There’s no obligation and no impact on your credit score — just fast, relevant introductions.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check (2 mins)

No obligation. Submitting an enquiry is not a loan application — it’s information we use to match you with providers who will contact you with options.

---

Sources & further reading: FCA Register — https://register.fca.org.uk; FCA guidance on financial promotions. For tailored matching to lenders and brokers who understand healthcare, complete our short form: Get Quote Now.

1. Are UK Business Loans and its broker/lender partners FCA‑regulated?
Many partners are FCA‑authorised where required, but some commercial B2B lenders operate outside the FCA perimeter — we help you verify each partner’s status.

2. Is UK Business Loans a lender and will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
We are an introducer, not a lender, and completing our short enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation step that will not affect your credit score.

3. How do I check whether a broker or lender is FCA‑authorised?
Ask for the firm’s full name and Firm Reference Number (FRN) and confirm permissions on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.

4. What types of finance can UK Business Loans match my business to?
We connect businesses to lenders and brokers for asset and equipment finance, invoice finance, commercial and property lending, working capital and more.

5. What loan amounts can I apply for through UK Business Loans?
Our network typically handles loans from around £10,000 up to multi‑million pound facilities, depending on lender criteria.

6. How quickly will I hear from a lender or broker after submitting an enquiry?
Most enquiries receive a response within hours on business days, with initial contact by phone or email to discuss your options.

7. Can start‑ups, sole traders and limited companies get business loans through your service?
Yes — we work with partners experienced in supporting start‑ups, sole traders and limited companies, though FCA protections may vary by legal structure.

8. Are non‑FCA commercial lenders unsafe and what checks should I make?
Non‑FCA commercial lenders can be reputable, but you should review written contract terms, check trading history, request references and consider legal advice before committing.

9. What information and documents will lenders typically ask for on equipment or invoice finance?
Expect to provide basic business details, estimated equipment cost or invoice information, turnover and contact details, with further documentation requested during formal applications.

10. Who handles complaints and what protections are available like the Financial Ombudsman or FSCS?
If you deal with an FCA‑authorised firm use its complaints procedure and the Financial Ombudsman Service if eligible; for non‑FCA firms follow contractual dispute routes and note the FSCS may not cover business products.