SIPP operators at risk from 'smarter scammers' - FCA

Regulator flags due diligence failings

Victoria McKeever
clock • 2 min read

Self-invested personal pension (SIPP) operators must become more aware of current threats and review due diligence practices, the regulator has warned, as scammers become increasingly sophisticated in developing products to defeat such efforts.

In an alert, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said scams had evolved from a "first generation" that offered unregulated assets for direct investment and a "second generation" that obscured these assets by packing them in special purpose vehicles (SPV) bonds. A newer "third generation" of SIPP scams obscure investments further still, it warned, by using the services of discretionary fund managers to create portfolios that invest in SPV bonds. The regulator said SIPP assets must appear on its list of standard assets and "must be capable of being accurately and fairly valued on an o...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

'Gone are the lengthy consultation and rule-setting cycles that often took several years'

Paul Muir
clock 15 April 2024 • 6 min read
Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Given the prerequisite for accuracy, a rigorous selection process is essential

Richard Farr
clock 15 April 2024 • 4 min read
A practical way forward: Utilising hybrid to close the advice gap

A practical way forward: Utilising hybrid to close the advice gap

Will the FCA's advice/guidance review increase access to advice?

Chet Velani
clock 02 April 2024 • 6 min read