FCA Fit & Proper Screening
Whether you need guidance on which checks apply to your FCA-regulated roles or you are ready to get started. Our expert team is on hand to help you meet your Fit and Proper Test obligations quickly and compliantly.
Our FCA Screening service includes:
- Identity verification of name, date of birth & address
- Verification of Right to Work in the UK
- Standard criminal record disclosure
- FCA register verification
- Education checks as necessary
- Academic qualification verification
- Social media check
- Financial Probity checks
- Screening for any financial sanctions
- Independent verification of employment history gaps exceeding 31 days
- Employment/self-employment/unemployment checks for the past 5 years
What is FCA Fit & Proper Screening?
FCA Fit & Proper screening is a mandatory regulatory requirement for anyone performing controlled, certified or senior management roles within an FCA-regulated firm. The Fit and Proper (F&P) Test ensures that individuals appointed to these positions meet the FCA’s expectations of honesty, integrity, competence and financial soundness before they are allowed to carry out regulated activities. As part of the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), the screening acts as a safeguard for consumers and the wider financial system by ensuring that only trustworthy, capable and financially responsible individuals hold positions of significant influence. At its core, FCA screening covers several mandatory checks. When combined, these checks provide a detailed and reliable assessment of an individual’s suitability to carry out functions that impact customers, markets and regulatory outcomes.
Common roles for FCA screening
The Fit & Proper Test applies to individuals performing FCA Senior Management and Certification Functions. It could be anyone with significant responsibility for customers, markets or regulatory outcomes, such as:
- Senior Management Functions (SMFs)
- Certification Functions (CFs)
- Directors & Non-Executive Directors
- Partners & Chief Executives
- Compliance Officers
- Investment & Financial Adviser
Ensure your workforce meets FCA screening requirements
FCA Fit & Proper screening is a mandatory regulatory requirement for anyone performing controlled, certified or senior management roles within an FCA-regulated firm. Our team can guide you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your roles.
Our FCA Screening service
Our FCA Fit & Proper Screening service is designed to streamline this process by combining robust Due Diligence with modern technology, digital identity verification and clear workflows. Candidates can complete identity, address and documentation verification securely and remotely, reducing administrative burden and minimising exposure to fraudulent documents. Employment checks, financial integrity screening and qualification verification are managed end-to-end by experienced vetting officers who ensure each case meets FCA expectations and that all evidence is complete, accurate and audit-ready.
For firms navigating SM&CR, our service offers clarity, consistency and confidence. Whether you are recruiting senior financial professionals, onboarding certified staff or maintaining annual Fit & Proper assessments, our structured approach delivers fast, reliable and fully compliant screening. By ensuring every individual appointed to a regulated role meets the FCA’s standards, organisations can protect consumers, strengthen governance and demonstrate the high level of accountability required across the financial sector.
What our experts say about this service
“BS7858 vetting is the gold standard for security roles, and it’s something we work with every day. We understand how strict and detailed the requirements are, which is why we put real focus on getting every stage right with consistency and expertise. Our BS7858 screening is rigorous, transparent, and designed to ensure every candidate meets the highest levels of trust, integrity, and reliability. It’s all about giving our clients confidence that their workforce is fully vetted to recognised industry standards.”
Steve, Director
Why choose FCA Screening?
Firms must not only complete the Fit & Proper assessment at the point of hiring; they must also reassess individuals at least annually and whenever a material change in circumstances occurs. This ongoing requirement ensures that individuals continue to meet FCA standards throughout their employment, not just at onboarding.
Failure to carry out FCA-compliant screening carries significant consequences. Appointing an individual who is not Fit & Proper can lead to enforcement action, regulatory sanctions, withdrawal of approvals, heightened supervision and serious reputational damage. If a candidate is found unsuitable, whether that’s due to integrity issues, undisclosed criminal convictions, misleading employment history or financial instability, they cannot legally perform FCA-regulated work. Corrective action must be taken immediately and, in many cases, the FCA must be notified.
Begin your FCA Screening today
Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.
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Our FCA Screening Process
Step 1
Provide candidate details & required documentation
We collect identity evidence, Right to Work, address history, qualification certificates, financial background information and a full five-year employment history. Your vetting officer confirms role-specific requirements for SMFs or Certification Functions.
Step 2
Full FCA Fit & Proper background completed by SVS
We conduct financial probity checks, FCA Register verification, criminal record checks, qualification validation, employment referencing, gap clarification and social media/conduct-risk screening. You receive structured updates throughout to ensure no delays.
Step 3
Results, certificate & audit-ready evidence pack
Once screening is complete, you receive a Fit & Proper screening certificate, written confirmation of compliance and a full audit-ready evidence pack suitable for regulatory inspections, annual SM&CR re-certification and internal governance.
What our clients say
Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?
Fast Turnaround
We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.
Dedicated Vetting Officer
Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.
Industry Expertise
With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.
FCA Screening FAQs
Is FCA screening required for existing employees as well as new hires?
Yes. Under the Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR), firms must assess the ongoing fitness and proprietary of Certified staff and Senior Managers. This includes annual re-certification to ensure individuals continue to meet FCA standards throughout their employment.
What evidence does a candidate need to provide for FCA screening?
Candidates typically need to supply proof of identity, address history, Right to Work documentation, employment references, explanations of gaps over 31 days and evidence of qualifications where relevant. Additional documents may be required depending on the role and risk level.
Do criminal convictions automatically cause someone to fail?
No. The FCA evaluates convictions case by case, considering relevance, seriousness, timing and evidence of rehabilitation.
Why are financial probity checks important for FCA roles?
Financial soundness is one of the three pillars of the FCA Fit & Proper Test. Issues such as bankruptcy, CCJs or insolvency can indicate financial vulnerability or risk.
Looking for Digital Identity Verification?
Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)
Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.





















