FCA fines advice firm nearly £900,000 over British Steel failings

IFM ‘poorly advised’ clients to transfer out of DB pension schemes

Isabel Baxter
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined advice firm Inspirational Financial Management (IFM) £897,840 over British Steel advice and oversight failings.

The regulator said that IFM "poorly advised" people to transfer out of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes, including the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS). IFM adviser Arthur Cobill and director William Hofstetter have been banned by the FCA from advising customers on pension transfers and pension opt outs. Hofstetter has also been banned from holding any senior management function at any regulated firm. Cobill and Hofstetter agreed to pay £120,000 and £40,000, respectively, to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme to contribute to compensation for the firm's customers. Th...

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

Isabel Baxter
Author spotlight

Isabel Baxter

Chief Reporter at Professional Adviser

More on Companies

PhillipCapital eyes Walker Crips takeover with £6m bid

PhillipCapital eyes Walker Crips takeover with £6m bid

Amid significant regulatory, compliance and liquidity challenges

Isabel Baxter
clock 24 November 2025 • 3 min read
The Penny Group takes majority stake in £350m AUM advice firm

The Penny Group takes majority stake in £350m AUM advice firm

Will integrate with Harridge Financial Services over a three-year timeframe

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 November 2025 • 2 min read
Tatton AUM up almost 30% to £25.8bn during 'strong period of growth'

Tatton AUM up almost 30% to £25.8bn during 'strong period of growth'

Interim results for the six months to 30 September

Jenna Brown
clock 18 November 2025 • 2 min read