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

Partner Insight: Navigating the Retirement Risk Zone

Partner Insight: Navigating the Retirement Risk Zone

Smoothed returns can play a crucial role in the approach to retirement, says Samantha Pardoe, senior investment development manager at Standard Life.

Sarka Halas
clock 26 February 2025 • 3 min read
PA Working Lunches: Long-term structural change with Scottish Mortgage

PA Working Lunches: Long-term structural change with Scottish Mortgage

Join us for an informative session worth one hour of CPD

Professional Adviser
clock 25 February 2025 • 1 min read
Partner Insight: How smoothed funds can meet clients' needs

Partner Insight: How smoothed funds can meet clients' needs

Andy Brown, head of fund solutions at Standard Life, explains what led the firm to create its smoothed fund proposition.

Sarka Halas
clock 21 February 2025 • 2 min read