Ipswich IFA admits defrauding clients of £300,000

Norwich court hearing

clock • 1 min read

An Ipswich IFA has admitted to defrauding his clients out of more than £300,000 over a two-year period.

Luke Durrant, 31, faced Norwich Magistrates Court on two charges of fraud, according to Eastern Daily Press. The charges related to a two-year period  from 2016 to 2018 while Durrant was employed as an adviser with Sophex, who trade as Lifetime Financial Solutions. Durrant, who worked at the firm's Suffolk office, pleaded guilty to both charges and will be sentenced at a later date. Sophex director Alex Couling told Eastern Daily Press he was pleased to put the ordeal behind him. He said: "We are a small family business that my dad literally set up from our spare room and built ...

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

 Why ongoing advice matters when client confidence is low

Why ongoing advice matters when client confidence is low

'What clients value most from advisers is clear priorities, reassurance and practical help'

Sophie Hall
clock 19 May 2026 • 3 min read
Simplybiz academy to 'level the playing field' for smaller firms

Simplybiz academy to 'level the playing field' for smaller firms

Academy launched to help smaller firms grow organically

Sophia Panayi
clock 19 May 2026 • 4 min read
FSCS forecasts levy drop to £247m in 2026/27

FSCS forecasts levy drop to £247m in 2026/27

Compensation payments of £267m anticipated

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 May 2026 • 2 min read