Question 1

How are Freemarket regulated?

Accepted Answer

FreemarketFX Limited is an Authorised Payment Institution (API), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA reference number is 585093). FreemarketFX Ireland Limited is a Payment Institution, authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (Firm No. C456818).

APIs can provide customers with a range of regulated payment services. The activities which APIs can undertake are based on their FCA permissions (which can be found in the FCA’s Financial Services Register.)

The Central Bank of Ireland granted Freemarket a license as a Payment Institution pursuant to Regulation 18 of the European Union (Payment Services) Regulations 2018 (you can find more here).

Freemarket’s permissions enable it to carry on payment services activities; this includes receiving bank transfers, processing withdrawals and conducting foreign exchange.

Question 2

Can I remove a beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

On the platform, you can suspend a beneficiary; however, all outstanding transactions to the beneficiary will be cancelled. To completely remove the beneficiary from your viewpoint, then please message us and we can get that sorted for you.

Question 3

How do I spot a fake, fraudulent or phishing email or website?

Accepted Answer

Phishing is a type of email attack in which a fraudster sends you an email while impersonating a person, business, or reliable website in order to obtain your passwords or other sensitive information or gain complete control of your computer.

The majority of phishing efforts take place via email, but fraudsters will use every method they can think of to get you to give them your information or money, including:

Fraudulent emails and other messages that look like they're from legitimate companies
Fake invoices saying you’ve missed a payment
Misleading pop-ups and ads that say your device has a security problem
Scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate employees at companies
Fake promotions that offer free products and prizes

It’s best to be vigilant at all times, fraudsters want your personal details for a number of reasons. Freemarket will never ask you for any personal data. If you receive a message and are unsure it’s really from Freemarket, check to see if it does any of the following:

Uses generic, impersonal greetings like "Dear user" or "Dear [your email address]." We'll always refer to you in our correspondence by your first and last name or by your company name. Greetings like "Dear user" or "Hello Freemarket member" are never used by us.
Requests that you click on links that lead to phoney websites. Before clicking any links in emails, always double-check them. A link can have a secure appearance, such as www.wearefreemarket.com/SpecialOffers. To view the actual location, be sure to hover your cursor over the link. Don't click on the link if you aren't sure.
Has unidentified attachments. Open an attachment only if you are certain it is trustworthy and safe. Pay particular attention to invoices from businesses and contractors you are unfamiliar with. Some attachments contain viruses that install themselves when opened.
Projects a false feeling of urgency. Phishing emails frequently use alarmist language and urge you to update your account right away. They're hoping you'll be swayed by their haste and disregard red flags that the email is a scam. If there’s an urgent need for you to complete something on your account, you can find this information by logging into Freemarket directly.

You can find some more information, tips, how to spot phishing attempts and best practices from Apple, Santander, Microsoft, and Which.

Question 4

Which types of transaction must be safeguarded?

Accepted Answer

In PSRs, safeguarding applies to what are described as ‘relevant funds’. These are defined as sums received:

from, or for the benefit of, the Payment Services User for the execution of a payment transaction, and
from another Payment Services Provider (either a bank or non-bank) for the execution of a payment transaction on behalf of a Payment Services User

Consequently, Freemarket is obliged to safeguard any monies you transact through us including bank transfers and withdrawals. Freemarket’s own funds must be held in different operational bank accounts.

Similarly above, Freemarket Ireland under the PSR 2018 is obliged to safeguard “user’s funds” in the same way.

For more information on our safeguarding processes please see our other articles on the subject here.

Question 5

What security procedures will you require when I instruct you to send money from my account?

Accepted Answer

For each transaction we will ask you the destination of the funds i.e. where the funds are going, the beneficiary details, and to pass all the necessary compliance checks and transaction monitoring. Once approved, we will proceed with authorising your instruction and making the payment.

Question 6

I am entering the correct OTP but it still says incorrect OTP?

Accepted Answer

Freemarket sends a one-time password (or OTP) to authenticate customers. You can receive OTP on mobile or email based on your preference. OTP is used to add extra layer of security during the sign in process or during delivery of certain orders. OTPs are unique and should not be shared with anyone.

If you have tried to access your login page multiple times, every new click on “Resend an OTP” will generate a new OTP. You should enter the latest OTP that you have received based on your preferences.

If you are still having trouble with the code, contact your Relationship Manager or email support@wearefreemarket.com.

Question 7

What are your support hours?

Accepted Answer

Our support team is on hand to answer any queries that might arise. The team is happy to assist you or point you in the right direction.

Monday: 8am – 17:30pm
Tuesday: 8am – 17:30pm
Wednesday: 8am – 17:30pm
Thursday: 8am – 17:30pm
Friday: 8am – 17:30pm

If your request is outside of those hours, we might ask that you send an email and we will respond as soon as possible.

Question 8

Can I turn off notifications?

Accepted Answer

All clients are currently set to receive notifications as their default setting.

If you message your Relationship Manager or support@wearefreemarket.com, we can switch this for you.

Question 9

What is One Time Password (OTP)?

Accepted Answer

A one-time password (OTP) is a randomly generated string of letters, numbers, and/or symbols that is delivered to a user to be used for just one login or transaction. An OTP is more secure than a static password, particularly one that was established by the user and may be insecure or used on several accounts.

What are the benefits of OTPs?

OTPs reduce the risk around passwords.

Multi-factor authentication: OTPs can add an additional layer of authentication. Using security tokens, OTPs can be generated for users to provide as an additional form of authentication, which increases security and reduces the risk of a breach.
Time-based OTP (TOTP): this type of OTP is time-based, in that it provides a window of time within which the OTP code will be valid. In general, timesteps are 30-60 seconds in length. If the user does not enter the OTP code within the specified timestep, they must request a new one.

Read more on Twilio, Transmit Security, and Entrust.

Question 10

How do I set up 2FA on my account?

Accepted Answer

Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection, and all users have to provide this code in order to access their account and make cross-border payments.

A user is only permitted access to an application or website using the 2FA electronic authentication procedure after successfully showing two or more pieces of evidence, including knowledge, possession, and inherent characteristics. Here are a few examples of this:

Something you know - a password or a pin
Something you have - a smartphone
Something you are - a fingerprint or facial recognition

Each user must configure 2FA, you can't do this for others at your organisation.

With the two-factor authentication enabled on your account, you would require an additional 6-digit verification code for a successful sign in to Freemarket.

To create a time-based one-time password (TOTP) that will change each time you use it, we advise setting up two-factor authentication on an app. For this, we advise adopting a cloud-based application. The majority of applications available would support this. Below we've listed some of the options available to you.

Microsoft Authenicator
Google Authenicator
LastPass Authenicator
Keeper Authenicator
NordPass Authenicator
1Password Authenicator
Authy Authenticator

You must enter a verification code if 2FA is enabled on your Freemarket account in order to sign in successfully.

After setting up 2FA, a 30-day window will open for your account. Otherwise, on the 30th day, you will be asked to perform 2FA during a period of activity. If you are unable to execute 2FA in order to pass the checkup, you must utilise the given shortcut to modify your 2FA settings and maintain platform access.

First time setup

Log into the platform here

2FA Screenshot 1

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/pXeX4Nv2Vt/2FA%20Screenshot%201.png (2FA Screenshot 1)

Once logged in, you will be presented with the page provided below. Please click on receive code to get the verification code depending on your current 2FA

2FA Screenshot 2

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/rrV9Wmzpr8/2FA%20Screenshot%202.png (2FA Screenshot 2)

If there is a phone number registered on the account, then a verification code will be sent to the registered mobile number as a primary option for 2FA
If there is no phone number registered on the account, the verification code will be sent to the registered email address as a primary option for 2FA

Type in the verification code you were supplied

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/Yx9AyMmDcs/New%20QR%20code.png (New QR code)

If you'd like not to be prompted for another 30 days, choose to remember the device
When you log in to your account, the next screen will appear
Download an authenticator app from the Google Play Store or the App Store that is compatible

Microsoft Authenticator for Android, iOS
Google Authenticator for Android, iOS

After downloading one of the authenticator applications, you have the option of manually entering the information or scanning a QR code
The authenticator app will display a 6-digit verification number after scanning the QR number; this code automatically refreshes every 30 seconds. You must enter this code in the verification code text box above and select verify
If everything goes smoothly the app's setup will be finished

Please note: If your current password does not meet the new complexity rules you will be prompted to change your password: once the password is updated, you will be sent back to the sign in page so you can log in with your updated credentials to sign in.

2FA Screenshot 4

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/frPNeQDAEc/2FA%20Screenshot%204.png (2FA Screenshot 4)

Signing into Freemarket using the authenticator app

Once you've successfully set up the authenticator app, subsequent logins will require the verification code it creates, so when you enter your credentials, the next screen you'll be provided with will ask you to input the verification code.

2FA Screenshot 5

https://malcolm-en-gb.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/instances/fnDSsgZVaa/resources/kSw1rDStX8/2FA%20Screenshot%205.png (2FA Screenshot 5)

Open the authenticator app
Enter the the 6-digit verification code displayed on the authenticator app and click on sign in

Please email support@wearefreemarket.com to disable or resetting your authenticator app if you experience any difficulties logging in. This will enable you to install the authenticator app on either your current or new smartphone.