Should you ask for FOS complaint figures in SIPP due diligence?

'Providers should stump up data'

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

Curtis Banks has called on advisers to ask SIPP providers for their FOS complaint data as part of the due diligence process. Tom Ellis asks experts if this constitutes good practice and whether, as the Sipp provider argues, it can offer "a valuable insight into how well-run a firm is and the investments held".

Curtis Banks has pointed out self-invested personal pension (SIPP) complaints rose76% year on year between July and September 2017. Furthermore, it said, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) investigated 1,310 SIPP complaints from January to June 2017, 706 of which were resolved with more than half (57%) upheld in favour of the consumer. According to Curtis Banks pension technical manager Jessica List, these numbers indicate not only was a complaint made to the provider, but the firm has also failed to resolve it to the investor's satisfaction. "Advisers should be prepared to questio...

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 target 17% average growth amid tech and productivity challenges

Advice firms target 17% average growth amid tech and productivity challenges

Research from Owen James reveals

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 July 2026 • 2 min read
Clifton Wealth Partnership snaps up Suffolk financial planning firm

Clifton Wealth Partnership snaps up Suffolk financial planning firm

Brings total AUM to £4bn

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 July 2026 • 2 min read
Lib Dem MP presents Child Savings Account Bill to House of Commons

Lib Dem MP presents Child Savings Account Bill to House of Commons

John Milne’s bill passes for second reading in 2027 under Ten Minute Rule

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 July 2026 • 3 min read