Investing
Handing over your savings to someone else is a big decision, and you want to know your money is in safe hands and that you can get it back when you need it.
Investing companies
43 companies
About Investing
Investing in the United Kingdom covers the buying and holding of assets such as shares, funds, bonds and pensions in the hope that they grow over time. Services range from online platforms where people manage their own portfolios to advisers who build and monitor investments on a client's behalf. Many firms reach customers directly through websites and apps, while others work through independent financial advisers and workplace pension schemes.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates investment firms in the United Kingdom and sets the rules on how they must treat customers, disclose charges and handle client money. Firms that wish to operate must be authorised by the regulator, and many are also members of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which can pay compensation if a firm fails.
Trade bodies such as the Investment Association represent fund managers and asset managers, and they publish industry standards and guidance on investment practice. The Pensions Regulator oversees workplace pension schemes, which form a large part of how ordinary people invest in the United Kingdom.
Questions about Investing
Is my money protected if my investment firm goes bust?
If an FCA-authorised investment firm fails, you may be eligible for compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). For investments such as shares, funds and bonds held with a firm, protection is currently up to £85,000 per person per firm, and the FSCS website sets out the current limit and which products are covered.
How do I check a firm is authorised to give investment advice in the UK?
uk, which lists its authorisation status and any permissions it holds. Check that the name, address and firm reference number match the details the firm gives you, because cloned firms sometimes imitate genuine ones.
What should I compare when choosing an investment platform?
Compare the annual platform fee, dealing charges, fund charges and any custody fees, since these combined determine what you pay over time. Check which investments you can hold, whether the platform offers an ISA or SIPP wrapper, and how easily you can transfer your holdings out if you leave.
What is the difference between an advisor and a discretionary fund manager?
An advisor recommends investments that you decide whether to buy, and must assess your circumstances under the FCA's suitability rules before advising you. A discretionary fund manager makes buying and selling decisions on your behalf within an agreed risk profile, and you should receive a written agreement setting out the terms before any money is invested.
Do I have to sign a contract before investing through a company?
Most firms require a client agreement before they can manage or deal for you, and you should read it in full before signing. Check the agreement for how fees are charged, how you can end the arrangement and what happens to your assets if you close the account.
How do I cancel my investment account or ISA?
Send written notice to the firm asking to close the account and transfer or sell your holdings, and keep a copy of the request and the date it was sent. An ISA can be transferred to another provider without losing its tax-free status, and the receiving provider will handle the move, so you do not need to withdraw the money first.
Is there a cooling-off period after I open an investment product?
Many retail investment products carry a cancellation right, and the firm must tell you in writing whether one applies and how long it lasts. If you are cancelling within the period, notify the firm in writing and the money paid will be refunded, less any market loss on the investment, under the FCA's rules.
What can I do if I am unhappy with how my investments were handled?
Raise the complaint with the firm in writing first, asking it to explain what went wrong and what it will do to put things right. If the firm does not resolve it within eight weeks, or you are unhappy with its final response, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which handles complaints about FCA-regulated firms free of charge.
What are my consumer rights when using an investment firm?
The Consumer Duty requires firms regulated by the FCA to act to deliver good outcomes for retail customers, including clear communications and fair value. Firms must also treat you fairly under the FCA's Principles for Businesses and give you information about costs, risks and charges before you invest.
Which regulators oversee investment companies in the UK?
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the conduct of investment firms and authorises them to operate, while the Prudential Regulation Authority supervises the largest banks and insurers. The Financial Ombudsman Service handles disputes and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme pays compensation when a firm fails, so these bodies are the first points of contact in a problem.
Can I trust reviews of investment companies I find online?
Look for reviews that describe a specific experience, such as how a withdrawal or a complaint was handled, rather than general praise or criticism. Be wary of a cluster of very similar reviews posted within a short time, and check whether the reviewer has reviewed other companies, since this can indicate fake or incentivised feedback.
What should I watch for in reviews about investment firms?
Pay attention to repeated mentions of fees that were not expected, delays in moving money, and difficulty reaching someone by phone. Read how the firm responded to negative reviews, because a written reply that addresses the specific problem tells you more than a generic apology.