FOS backs adviser in client complaint about unregulated investment

Client placed £150,000 into fund which was eventually wound down

Hope William-Smith
clock • 2 min read

An adviser who left £150,000 of a client’s money in a now-wound down fund which included a portion of unregulated investments should not have acted differently despite the client losing money, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has determined.

In a case study published today (24 October), the FOS said that client ‘Barry' had transferred £150,000 to a new fund on the recommendation of his financial adviser of 15 years. The ‘wealth generation' fund included a proportion in unregulated collective investment schemes (UCIS) and Barry had raised concerns over the fund's poor performance 12 months after the initial investment was made. The ombudsman heard Barry's adviser "repeatedly reassured" his client that he should remain in the fund and that there was "nothing to worry about". Despite this, Barry was informed several months late...

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 Investment

PA360: 'Diversified approach has room for both active and passive' - David Coombs

PA360: 'Diversified approach has room for both active and passive' - David Coombs

‘Volatility is your friend if you are a long-term investor’

Jenna Brown
clock 01 May 2025 • 2 min read
PA360: FOMO can 'significantly' alter investors' risk appetite

PA360: FOMO can 'significantly' alter investors' risk appetite

Albemarle Street Partners’ Charlie Parker on the social element of investing

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2025 • 1 min read
PA360: Investors must understand importance of 'proper diversification'

PA360: Investors must understand importance of 'proper diversification'

‘Investors don’t have to choose a single door’

Sahar Nazir
clock 01 May 2025 • 1 min read