Cyber Security for IFAs & Wealth Managers
FCA-aligned, 24/7 managed cyber security for IFAs and wealth management firms in the UK. Meet FCA operational resilience cyber security requirements without hiring a security team.
Why IFAs and wealth managers are high-value targets
Independent financial advisers and wealth management firms hold some of the most sensitive data in the UK economy — client portfolios, bank details, national insurance numbers, and power-of-attorney documentation. Proper cyber security for wealth managers in the UK is not optional: you are a priority target for cyber criminals, and the FCA expects you to prove you can protect client data.
The FCA has made clear that cyber security is a board-level responsibility for all regulated firms, regardless of size. Small IFA practices face the same regulatory expectations as large wealth managers — but rarely have the in-house expertise to meet them.
FCA cyber security requirements for small firms
The FCA doesn't prescribe a specific security framework, but it expects every regulated firm to manage cyber risk proportionately. Here's what that means in practice for IFA practices and wealth managers — and how SOC in a Box maps to each requirement.
FCA Operational Resilience
Firms must identify important business services, set impact tolerances, and prove they can stay within them during disruption. SOC in a Box provides 24/7 monitoring and incident response that supports your resilience self-assessment.
SM&CR Accountability
Under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, a named individual is accountable for operational resilience. We give that person a named analyst, monthly reporting, and a real-time Confidence Score they can present to the FCA.
GDPR & Data Protection
IFA firms process sensitive personal and financial data under UK GDPR. SOC in a Box includes data loss prevention (DLP) that detects and blocks exfiltration via email, USB, and cloud storage — before a breach occurs.
FCA Cyber Questionnaire
The FCA's Cross-Sector Operational Resilience Questionnaire (CSORQ) asks about threat detection, access controls, incident response, and third-party oversight. SOC in a Box provides evidence for every section.
Cyber Insurance Evidence
Insurers require proof of endpoint protection, MFA, email security, and 24/7 monitoring before writing a policy. SOC in a Box includes cyber liability insurance and provides the evidence your underwriter needs.
Cyber Essentials
While not mandated by the FCA, Cyber Essentials is the most widely recognised baseline for UK firms. SOC in a Box meets or exceeds every Cyber Essentials control and supports your certification path.
Everything an IFA firm needs — in one box
SOC in a Box replaces multiple security invoices with a single managed service. No capital expenditure, no hiring, no complexity.
- 24/7 SOC analyst monitoring with a named analyst
- EmilyAI — 8 years of AI-augmented threat detection
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for client data
- Dark web monitoring for leaked credentials
- Active cyber defence and threat hunting
- DecoyPulse deception technology
- Attack surface management
- Vulnerability management and patching oversight
- Cyber liability insurance included
- Monthly board-ready reporting
- Incident response playbooks
- FCA-ready compliance evidence pack
The cyber threats targeting financial advisers
Business Email Compromise
Attackers impersonate advisers or clients to redirect fund transfers. BEC is the single biggest financial cyber threat to IFA firms in the UK.
Ransomware
Ransomware gangs target financial firms because downtime is costly and client trust is fragile. A single attack can trigger FCA reporting obligations and regulatory scrutiny.
Phishing & Credential Theft
Sophisticated phishing campaigns target IFAs with fake platform login pages and client impersonation emails designed to harvest credentials for investment platforms.
Insider Threats
Departing advisers copying client books, accidental data sharing, or compromised supplier access. DLP and behavioural monitoring detect these risks before they become breaches.
Supply Chain Attacks
IFA firms depend on platforms, back-office providers, and custodians. A compromise at any third party can expose your client data. We monitor your full attack surface, including third-party risk.
Dark Web Exposure
Stolen credentials and client data from IFA firms are actively traded on dark web marketplaces. Continuous dark web monitoring alerts you before compromised credentials are exploited.
Live in five working days
No disruption to your advisers. No complex onboarding. We handle everything.
1. Scoping Call
30-minute call to map your infrastructure, platforms, and compliance requirements.
2. Appliance Ships
Next-day UK delivery. Virtual appliance available within one hour if preferred.
3. Plug In
Under one hour to connect. No client disruption, no downtime, no configuration burden.
4. Monitored 24/7
Your named analyst begins 24/7 monitoring with tuned detection and response playbooks.
Guides for IFAs and wealth managers
Protect your clients. Satisfy the FCA. Sleep at night.
Book a 30-minute scoping call. We'll review your current security posture, map your FCA obligations, and show you how SOC in a Box replaces multiple invoices with one — with no obligation.
From £335/month · 5 working days to live · Cancel anytime