How regulations protect you

Your broker should advise you

To understand the level of regulatory protection you get, firstly you need to establish whether the loan you are proposing to take out is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or non-regulated. A regulated loan gives you much more protection, firstly in how it is sold and secondly in your ability to complain if it is not sold correctly.

Your broker will normally inform you at the outset but, in the case of regulated loans, it is mandatory for your broker to explain the scope of his or her service including the types of products offered, the likely fees involved and information about how to complain, how they are regulated etc.

Perhaps the key point is that, in the case of regulated second charge mortgages, your broker should give you full advice on loans which are suitable to your circumstances and needs. This means carrying out a detailed fact find and only offering products which the broker deems suitable. You should be able to rely on this advice provided you have given accurate information. If you have a material complaint which the broker won’t resolve you can refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Scheme for adjudication.

Is my loan regulated?

Your broker will tell you but as a guide regulated loans are aimed at consumers / the public who may not be familiar with or experienced in taking finance of this nature. The following are examples of loans which are typically regulated and should be offered on a fully advised basis.

• A second charge loan secured on your main residence taken out by the homeowners in their personal names.
• A second charge loan taken out on a buy to let property where the property is or will be occupied by family members.

Borrowers taking out regulated loans enjoy a higher level of protection against taking out an unsuitable loan.

Is my loan non-regulated?

Non-regulated loans usually have some business or commercial element which could relate to the type of property being offered as security, who is borrowing the money (a business rather than a consumer) and the purpose of the loan. The loan may be offered on a non-advised basis which is faster and gives business people the options to do as they please. The broker will offer products which closely match the requirements or given circumstances together with the relevant information to allow borrowers to decide themselves which they feel is suitable.

Borrowers taking out a non-regulated loan on a non-advised basis are taking responsibility themselves to ensure the product is suitable.