FOS favours Pathlines Pensions SIPP clients in first post-rebrand cases

SIPP operator failed to carry out due diligence, FOS finds

Jen Frost
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has told Pathlines Pensions UK to compensate a further trio of SIPP clients over pensions transfers into high-risk “esoteric” investments.

The decisions mark the first upheld rulings since Pathlines Pensions, formerly London & Colonial, rebranded late last year following a split from STM Group. The ombudsman found that Pathlines Pensions failed to carry out appropriate due diligence on investments – ranging from carbon credits, to overseas property, to self-storage units – before allowing them to be held in its SIPPs. The FOS decision referenced the Adams v Options judgment, in which an appeal court confirmed in 2021 that SIPP provider Carey Pension (now Options) was liable to repay a member who was advised by an unregul...

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 Pensions

IFAs warn gender pension gap goes beyond an investment problem

IFAs warn gender pension gap goes beyond an investment problem

‘Much of it is behavioural and structural’

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 May 2026 • 4 min read
Gender pension gap starts at 28 – research

Gender pension gap starts at 28 – research

Gap caused by salary differences and career gaps, AJ Bell finds

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 May 2026 • 3 min read
'Common sense prevails' as Pensions Schemes Bill passes with investment trusts included

'Common sense prevails' as Pensions Schemes Bill passes with investment trusts included

Following industry pressure

Michael Nelson
clock 29 April 2026 • 2 min read