FCA takes legal action against unregulated firms promoting 'misleading' SIPP investments

Firms were not authorised

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 1 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has started civil legal action against two firms it alleges misled savers and promoted self-invested personal person (SIPP) investments into alternatives such as tree plantations.

The FCA said it was taking action against firms Avacade and Alexandra Associated, and three employees of the firms, Craig Lummis, Lee Lummis and Raymond Fox.   The firms provided a pension report service, marketed at summarising a consumer's pension information and retirement objective to help them decide what to do with their retirement assets. However, the FCA said it believed when performing the service, Avacade promoted SIPPs and alternative investments such as tree plantations. The regulator alleged the firms made misleading statements, carried out regulated activities in the ...

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

Becoming truly data-led: Five regulatory reporting strategies for firms

Becoming truly data-led: Five regulatory reporting strategies for firms

'Five ways to become truly data-driven'

Chris Davies
clock 12 May 2025 • 4 min read
FCA's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

FCA's Hulme pledges tougher scrutiny and clearer guidance

‘We will go harder and faster’ to drive ‘good growth’

Sahar Nazir
clock 07 May 2025 • 3 min read
FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

FSCS declares IFA Ltd and AXG Advice in default

Leeds and London advice firms face claims

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 May 2025 • 2 min read