Harlequin adviser Allan McRoberts's firm declared in default by FSCS

Set up SIPPs

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

Scotland-based adviser Allan McRoberts, who advised clients to invest in the notorious Harlequin property scheme, has seen his advice firm declared in default by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Back in 2016 the ombudsman found Allan McRoberts of AM Wealth Management Services (AM) had set up self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) for clients referred to him by a former adviser, who was no longer authorised, so they could invest in the unregulated scheme. Their existing pensions did not allow this type of investment. Harlequin worked by taking deposits from mainly UK pension investors to build properties in the Caribbean, with the idea that they could then be sold at a profit on completion or used to generate a rental income from holidaymakers. By July 2016, McRoberts had thr...

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 Companies

Investment platform TILLIT to shut down

Investment platform TILLIT to shut down

No new accounts can be opened and it will close on 12 September

Sorin Dojan
clock 26 June 2025 • 1 min read
First Wealth on hunt to acquire like-minded financial planning firms

First Wealth on hunt to acquire like-minded financial planning firms

Follows significant financial backing from Marlborough

Jenna Brown
clock 24 June 2025 • 5 min read
Openwork in growth push with partner firm Milecross acquisition

Openwork in growth push with partner firm Milecross acquisition

Makes first investment into one of its partner firms

Jenna Brown
clock 19 June 2025 • 2 min read