Consumer credit loan broker Freedom Finance has received full authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The authorisation covers all of Freedom Finance’s consumer credit products and services including secured, unsecured and buy-to-let loans.

The FCA’s approval comes ahead of the introduction of the European Mortgage Credit Directive (EMCD), which will affect the advising and selling standards for second charge mortgage brokers from 21 March 2016.

“We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been authorised by the FCA,” said Nicola Georgiou, managing director of Freedom Finance.

“This decision underscores the importance that we place on having robust consumer protection policies in place. We will continue to uphold these high standards for all of our customers, so that we can consistently provide them with the best possible outcomes.”

Tara Carroll, compliance manager of Freedom Finance, added: “Our treating customers fairly culture is evidenced by our 99% FEEFO rating, our NPS of +58 and the trust that our introducers and lending partners have shown in the outstanding service that we have provided for many years.

“Full authorisation by the FCA provides further evidence of our ongoing commitment to striving for excellent outcomes for our customers whilst ensuring that we have comprehensive risk management and compliance monitoring programmes in place.”