The pension industry has been rocked by improprieties, causing nightmares for many individuals.
One such scandal involves Carduus Housing 6.5% + 6.25% unsecured bonds, an investment product that promised enticing returns. Behind the glossy promises of financial security, an investment scandal has unfolded, leaving pension holders reeling from the aftermath.
Brace yourself as we discuss the truth of the Carduus Housing pension scandal, an intricate web spun by Blackstar, Beaufort Securities, and unregulated introducers.
In this article, unraveling its complexities and empowering you with vital knowledge to protect your hard-earned pension. Join us on this gripping journey as we uncover the truth and arm you with the tools to secure your financial future.
Carduus Housing 6.5% + 6.25% unsecured bonds were offered by Carduus Housing, a company operating in the affordable housing sector. The investment was introduced to investors through Blackstar Wealth Management Ltd, an investment provider.
Unfortunately, this investment turned out to be far riskier than initially portrayed.
Beaufort Securities, a prominent financial advisory firm, played a role in the Carduus Housing scandal. They were involved in advising clients to transfer their pensions into Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) schemes, facilitating investments in high-risk ventures, including Carduus Housing's unsecured bonds.
However, their actions came under scrutiny when they faced regulatory action from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
One alarming aspect of the Carduus Housing pension scandal was the involvement of unregulated introducers. These entities often facilitated the transfer of customers' pensions into SIPPs, promoting investments in various schemes, including Carduus Housing's unsecured bonds.
Notably, the unregulated introducers lacked the necessary authorization to provide advice on pension transfers or investments. Some other schemes associated with unregulated introducers included German Property Group GmbH, Harlequin Properties, and Colonial Capital Corporate Bonds.
Blackstar Wealth Management Ltd recently appointed liquidators after being ordered to compensate clients who complained about unsuitable advice regarding their pension transfers.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) are unable to provide assistance to investors due to the unregulated nature of Carduus Housing and the high-risk nature of the investment itself.
On the 14th of March, both Carduus Housing's 6.5% and 6.25% unsecured bonds were suspended from trading on the ISDX Growth Market. This suspension effectively froze the bonds due to the company's "Financial Position," raising concerns among investors.
During investigations, a committee of the board discovered significant financial discrepancies. Large sums of money, including approximately £1.429 million, were transferred from Carduus Housing to its parent company, Carduus Finance, between October 2015 and March 2016.
Additionally, an unrelated third party received £875,000. These revelations led to the resignation of several directors associated with Carduus Housing.
Ultimately, Carduus Housing was sold for a mere £1. TOTAL.
The majority stake, 75%, was acquired by Mr. Pankaj Rajani, while the remaining 25% went to Beaufort Securities, which had partially shut down its Discretionary Fund Management (DFM) services after agreeing with the FCA to cease taking new money.
Amidst the chaos of the Carduus Housing pension scandal, it becomes vital to seek assistance from reputable organisations like CP Financial Claims.
With expertise in handling mis-sold SIPPs and pension transfers, CP Financial Claims offers guidance and support to those affected by such investment disasters. By partnering with professionals who understand the intricate complexities of these claims, investors can increase their chances of reclaiming their losses.
The misconduct by Carduus Housing reminds us of the risks associated with unregulated investments and the importance of thorough due diligence before transferring pensions or investing in high-yield schemes.
As the fallout from these failures continue, CP Financial Claims remains committed to helping people affected. If this is you, please submit the form below for a free no-obligation chat.
