How We Verify Firms

GBR is connected to regulatory data sources including FINTRAC, enabling us to cross-reference firm registrations against official records through automated checks and intelligent systems. Each entry is verified against the relevant regulator's register before publication, with ongoing monitoring to keep information current.

Data Sources

Firm data on GBR comes from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and completeness:

• Regulatory data feeds — We maintain connections to regulatory databases and data aggregators including FINTRAC, enabling automated cross-referencing of registration numbers, statuses, and firm details against official records.
• Official registers — Records are checked directly against each regulator's public register, covering 12 regulatory bodies across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
• Public records — Company registries, incorporation data, and trade name filings are used to build a complete picture of each firm's legal identity.
• User submissions — Firms can be suggested by users and are vetted through the same verification process before publication.

Verification Process

Every firm listing follows a structured verification workflow:

1. Ingestion — Firm details are collected from regulatory data sources or submitted by users. Basic identity information (legal name, registration numbers, jurisdiction) is extracted and normalised.
2. Cross-reference — Automated systems compare the firm's registration details against the relevant regulator's official register. Registration status, dates, and licensee name are matched programmatically.
3. Review — Discrepancies and edge cases are reviewed. Records that pass all automated checks proceed to publication. Records with mismatches or missing data are flagged for review.
4. Publication — The firm profile is published with a verification badge reflecting the outcome. A “Last verified” timestamp is recorded so users can assess currency.
5. Ongoing monitoring — Connected data sources are polled for status changes. If a firm's registration status changes, the record is updated and the change is reflected on the profile.

Verification Badge

Each firm receives one of three badges:

• Verified — Our systems have confirmed the firm's registration details against the official register.
• Pending Verification — The firm has been added but not yet cross-checked.
• Not Verified — We checked and could not confirm the registration, or the firm has been flagged as suspicious.

Trust Score

Trust scores (0–100) are calculated using a weighted model that considers multiple factors:

• Regulatory footprint — Number of regulators the firm is registered with and the rigour of each regime.
• Years active — Longer-operating firms with consistent registration history score higher.
• Complaint history — Upheld abuse and scam reports reduce the score proportionally.
• Review sentiment — User-submitted reviews contribute to the overall assessment.
• Verification status — Verified firms receive a baseline uplift; unverifiable firms are penalised.

The score is displayed with a qualitative label (High / Moderate / Low Trust) so the number is never the only signal.

Firm Age

Firm age is calculated from the earliest available date: either the incorporation date from the company registry or the first registration date with a regulator. This provides context for how long a firm has been operating and helps distinguish established institutions from newly formed entities.

Last Updated

Each firm record includes a “Last verified” timestamp so you can assess how current the information is. Records are monitored through our connected data sources; if a firm's registration status or details change, the record is updated. Users can also flag outdated information using the “Report Incorrect Info” link on any firm profile.

Coverage

GBR currently covers firms regulated by 12 regulatory bodies across six regions. We focus on brokers, financial intermediaries, and firms that handle client assets or provide investment services. Coverage is expanded over time as new regulatory data sources are connected and user demand is identified.

Suggest a Firm or Report an Issue

If a firm is not yet listed on GBR, you can submit a suggestion using our contact form. All submissions go through the same verification process before publication. If you notice incorrect or outdated information on a firm's profile, use the “Report Incorrect Info” link on that profile to flag it for review.