Angry advisers demand FSCS justify 'opaque' decision making

Laura Miller
clock

The FSCS is facing angry calls from both IFAs and investors to make its decision-making process more transparent, after two controversial judgments involving Lifemark-backed Keydata bonds and Lehman Brothers-backed NDF products.

At present, the FSCS must determine which activities have caused investor losses and then assign compensation costs. It has no express duty to consult on how it reaches these decisions or the levy amount. In the Keydata case, law firm Regulatory Legal, acting for IFAs, called the FSCS decision to class the failed investment firm as an ‘intermediary’ for levy purposes “absurd”, during a judicial review. At the hearing at Birmingham High Court last week, it also accused the FSCS of failing to listen adequately to industry calls to re-examine its stance during a consultation. Now a se...

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

AJ Bell posts record rise in platform flows as AUA hits £108.7bn

AJ Bell posts record rise in platform flows as AUA hits £108.7bn

Net flows up 42%

Cristian Angeloni
clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read
Why advisers should adopt Gaudi's 'my client is not in a hurry' approach

Why advisers should adopt Gaudi's 'my client is not in a hurry' approach

Dan Brocklebank makes keynote speech at PA360

Isabel Baxter
clock 23 April 2026 • 2 min read
Four Asian investment lessons in the face of turmoil

Four Asian investment lessons in the face of turmoil

South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia have suffered some of the biggest falls since the start of the war

Gabriel Sacks
clock 23 April 2026 • 4 min read