Verify an investment platform before you pay

The six checks

1. 01

   Name the legal entity

   Write down the company’s exact legal name, registration number, address and the person who contacted you. A brand name alone is not enough.

2. 02

   Check permission for this service

   Search the relevant regulator’s register. Match the legal entity and the specific activity, not just a similar name or an expired listing.

3. 03

   Match independent contact details

   Use the phone number and website shown in the regulator’s record. Contact them there to confirm that the offer and website are really theirs.

4. 04

   Ask for written terms

   Request the product documents, all fees, withdrawal rules, custody arrangements and a plain description of how returns could be generated.

5. 05

   Trace the payment route

   Check the recipient’s legal name and account. Treat requests for personal accounts, gift cards, crypto transfers or overseas wires as reasons to stop and investigate.

6. 06

   Record the decision

   Write down the evidence, unresolved questions and the reason you chose to proceed or pause. Do not let a deadline replace verification.

A worked example

Suppose an advert promises 1.5% a day, shows glowing reviews and asks for a crypto deposit before revealing the legal entity. The appropriate first move is to pause: the entity, permission, payment recipient and return claim have not been verified.

Keep a decision record

Copy this simple record before sending funds: legal entity and registration number; register and permission checked; verified contact channel; product and fee documents; payee and payment method; unanswered questions; date and decision.

Official registers

Regulatory requirements differ by country and product. Start with your national financial regulator; these official resources illustrate the checks. This site does not provide personal investment advice, accept deposits or verify individual firms for you.