WIREDGOV

Consumers could get back money they have lost as a result of their dealings with three SIPP operators which the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has declared in default.

FSCS has received approximately 150 claims for compensation against Brooklands Trustees Limited, Stadia Trustees Limited and Montpelier Pension Administration Services Limited. The claims relate to the way in which these firms established, operated and administered SIPPs through which consumers invested in non-standard investments such as storage pods, oil fields, diamonds and overseas property.

FSCS’s Chief Executive Mark Neale said: “FSCS steps in to protect consumers around the UK when authorised financial services firms fail. We are satisfied in these cases that certain claims are eligible for compensation, and expect to receive more claims of this nature in the coming months. We will be getting in touch with customers of these firms as we may be able to help.”

Since it began in 2001, FSCS has helped more than 4.5m people, paying out more than £26bn in compensation.

Media enquiries

Suzette Browne / T: 020 7375 8633

Bhavik Depala / T: 020 7375 8631

Rebecca O’Connor / T: 020 7375 8636

Email: publicrelations@fscs.org.uk

 Notes to editors

1. About FSCS

FSCS is the UK's statutory compensation scheme for customers of authorised financial services firms. It was set up by Government in 2001 and is funded by the financial services industry. FSCS protects investment business, deposits, home finance (mortgage) advice, general insurance and insurance broking. FSCS can pay for financial loss if a firm is unable, or likely to be unable, to pay claims against it. The following limits apply: up to £50,000 in compensation per person per firm for investments and home finance (for claims against firms declared in default from 1 January 2010), for general insurance advice and arranging claims 90% of the claim is protected with no upper limit. Compulsory insurance is 100% (for business conducted on or after 14 January 2005).

FSCS is an independent body, set up under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), and does not charge individual consumers for using its services.

2. Declaring a firm in default

Before FSCS can pay compensation it must be satisfied that a firm does not have sufficient assets to meet claims. It describes this as being ‘in default’. The Scheme will declare a firm in default if:

• it has received at least one claim; and
• it is satisfied that the firm is unable (or likely to be unable) to pay claims against it.

FSCS is required to do this before it can pay compensation to eligible claimants.

Declaring a firm in default allows consumers who believe they may have lost money as a result of their dealings with that firm to apply to the Scheme.

3. Authorised firms

Dealing with a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) authorised firms gives consumers access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and FSCS. Consumers can check that the firm they are dealing with is authorised by using the FCA’s Financial Services Register found here: http://www.fca.org.uk/firms/systems-reporting/register.

4. Broadcast media

An ISDN line is available if you are interested in arranging a radio interview with FSCS’ CEO. Please get in touch with our public relations team publicrelations@fscs.org.uk to arrange a suitable time and date.