Advisers 'worried' about looming Harlequin claims

Lawyers expecting 1000 new claims

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

Advisers are worried about increased cost and reputation damage following the news the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has expanded its claims scheme for failed Harlequin investments.

The FSCS said in a statement on Tuesday it would start to pay out on claims related to direct investments in the failed property scheme, having previously accepted claims against negligent mortgage advice and pension switching only. It said it had found the products were likely to be unregulated collective investment schemes (UCIS), meaning they are designated investments for regulatory purposes and qualify for FSCS protection. The FSCS is industry-funded, therefore the cost of compensating those clients will largely fall on the back of advisers. Informed Choice managing director M...

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 Your profession

Advice firms report that around four in ten clients are vulnerable - MorganAsh

Advice firms report that around four in ten clients are vulnerable - MorganAsh

Data from the MorganAsh Resilience System

Jaskeet Briah
clock 28 May 2026 • 2 min read
Student loans present 'almost impossible' financial planning question

Student loans present 'almost impossible' financial planning question

To be a 'burden' for years to come, advisers say

Sophia Panayi
clock 28 May 2026 • 5 min read
Advice consolidation: Reputation, regulation and a transforming market

Advice consolidation: Reputation, regulation and a transforming market

Growth alone is no longer enough

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 May 2026 • 5 min read