Portuguese-based firm to appeal FOS decision for UK client SIPP transfer advice

Unregulated investments

clock • 3 min read

A Portuguese advice firm has been asked to compensate a UK investor who embarked on a high-risk investment strategy for her pension based on unsuitable advice, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has found.

The client, referred to as Mrs C, claimed an adviser from Portugal-based Abana Unipessoal's UK subsidary persuaded her to switch her personal pension into a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) in 2014. She was persuaded to switch her fund with Scottish Life to a SIPP with UK pension transfer specialist Avalon Investment Services, which was placed into administration in January earlier this year. Mrs C transferred £30,000 into the SIPP and the money was invested in two unregulated funds: Brighton SPC - Kijani Commodity Fund and the Swiss Asset Micro Assist Inc Fund, through ePortfoli...

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

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Alongside £1m in grants supporting charities

Professional Adviser
clock 13 February 2026 • 1 min read
Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Brits unlikely to see IFAs despite Budget impact

Just 19% were likely to seek advice, Continuum finds

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Treasury consults on AR regime adding further FCA and FOS permissions

Amid concerns about consumer harm and weaknesses in oversight

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read