Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
FinCEN’s MSB registration site lists money-services businesses registered under Bank Secrecy Act rules. The site reproduces information supplied by registrants. FinCEN explicitly says inclusion is not a recommendation, certification of legitimacy, or government endorsement. It does not authorize a firm to offer securities or leveraged trading.
Trust tier
AML registration, not a trading license
Company registration, AML registration, or protection-scheme membership is not a broker trading license. Read the specific scope and eligibility rules.
Money-services-business registration for AML/BSA purposes, not a broker trading license.
MSB registration does not establish investor compensation, deposit insurance, or protection against trading losses.
North America
What it means
How to read FinCEN regulation
- FinCEN’s MSB registration site lists money-services businesses registered under Bank Secrecy Act rules. The site reproduces information supplied by registrants.
- Use the full contracting legal entity, not only the broker brand, when checking official records.
- This is an explanatory authority guide, not confirmation of an individual broker’s current license.
Limits
What this signal does not guarantee
- FinCEN explicitly says inclusion is not a recommendation, certification of legitimacy, or government endorsement. It does not authorize a firm to offer securities or leveraged trading.
- It does not guarantee profits, reimburse ordinary market losses, or establish that every group affiliate is covered.
- A name match on BrokerVS does not verify the account’s permission or protection eligibility.
Verify
How to check this license
Read the official FinCEN source and locate the lookup for the relevant activity.
Match the legal entity, license or registration number, domain, activity, restrictions, and publication date.
Compare the record with your account agreement; ask the authority to confirm any stale, ambiguous, or unavailable status.
Red flags
When to be careful
- FinCEN explicitly says inclusion is not a recommendation, certification of legitimacy, or government endorsement. It does not authorize a firm to offer securities or leveraged trading.
- The account agreement names a different entity or jurisdiction from the advertised authority.
- A registration, membership, or limited permission is marketed as unrestricted brokerage authorization.
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Important disclosure
Broker research, not investment advice
Availability, fees, investor protection, and regulation can vary by country and legal entity. Verify the broker and regulator details directly before opening an account.