Find the legal entity
Start with the broker's terms, footer and legal documents. A brand can be used by more than one company, and different entities can serve customers in different countries.
Check the regulator's register
Search the relevant regulator's official register for the company name and licence number. Compare the registered website, address and permissions with what the broker claims.
Confirm which entity serves you
A group may contain several regulated companies, but your account agreement determines which entity you actually contract with. Protections can differ between jurisdictions.
Watch for clone firms
Fraudsters can copy the name or licence number of a legitimate company while using a different domain or contact details. Matching the official register to the exact website is therefore important.
Regulation is not investment performance
Regulatory status can help assess custody and conduct risk, but it does not make a trading strategy profitable or eliminate market losses.