Cheltenham Mortgages is directly authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and operates under the standards and regulations laid down by the FSA.

Customers can feel confident that by working with Cheltenham Mortgages, they are appointing a firm that practices mortgage and general insurance arrangement to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Who is the FSA?

The FSA is an independent, non-government body, given statutory powers by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. They are a company limited by guarantee and financed by the financial services industry.

The FSA is accountable to Treasury Ministers, and through them, to Parliament.

What and who do the FSA regulate?

The FSA is responsible for regulating financial services in the UK. The FSA's broad task is to achieve a marketplace that is run in an efficient, orderly and fair manner whilst ensuring that consumers receive a fair deal by being properly informed and appropriately protected.

Ultimately the FSA is all about maintaining confidence in the UK's financial marketplace for the benefit of everyone.

The FSA regulates most financial services markets, exchanges and firms. It sets the standards that they must meet and can take action against firms if they fail to meet the required standards. This often involves requiring firms to pay compensation to their customers.

How are firms Authorised?

Firms that need to be authorised must show they can meet set standards. These standards require them to be competent and financially sound and treat their customers fairly. When firms reach these standards they are then authorised and placed on the FSA Register. It is important for you to always check that the firm or person you are dealing with is authorised by the FSA. To check, visit the FSA Firm Check Service at www.fsa.gov.uk/register or phone the consumer helpline on 0845 606 1234.

Information for consumers.

The FSA aim to help consumers become better informed about financial matters so that they can manage their financial affairs more effectively. The FSA’s work in this area includes:

• A Consumer Helpline offering information and general guidance on 0845 606 1234, available Monday to Friday 8.00am-8.00pm. The FSA’s Helpline can answer general queries and may be able to put you in touch with other organisations that can help. As an independent regulator, the FSA cannot recommend any firms or give advice about which specific firms or products you should consider;

• A section of the FSA website especially for consumers at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

Free, easy-to-understand booklets covering a wide range of topics both general and product-specific – available from the FSA Consumer Helpline and website

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