In the complex world of financial management, Discretionary Fund Managers (DFMs) play a crucial role in helping individuals and institutions manage their investments. One such DFM, Strand Capital, unfortunately made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The rise and fall of Strand Capital, its mis-selling practices, and the consequences faced by its customers are all things we explore in this article.
If you've ever dealt with Strand Capital or were mis-sold SIPP funds by their representatives, read on to learn about potential compensation options and the aftermath of this failed DFM.
Strand Capital was a discretionary fund management firm that operated from 1999 until its demise in 2017. Based in London, the company targeted hundreds of people across the UK, persuading them to invest in risky and unregulated funds through Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Unfortunately, these investments proved unsuitable for many individuals, resulting in significant financial losses.
It's important to know what a DFM is before we continue. A Discretionary Fund Manager (DFM) is a professional entity or individual responsible for managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients. DFMs are often employed by financial institutions, wealth management firms, or private banks. Their primary role is to make investment decisions and execute transactions within the client's portfolio based on a pre-defined investment strategy or mandate.
DFMs have extensive knowledge of financial markets, investment instruments, and risk management techniques. They analyse market trends, assess risk profiles, and aim to generate favourable returns for their clients. By leveraging their expertise, DFMs take the burden of day-to-day investment decisions off the clients' shoulders, providing them with the convenience of professional investment management.
In May 2017, Strand Capital entered special administration, leaving approximately 3,000 customers uncertain about the fate of their investments. While the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) managed to compensate around 2,000 clients, the cost of this reimbursement amounted to £6.3 million. The remaining affected customers faced financial ruin, desperately seeking answers and support.
The mis-selling of SIPP pension products by Strand Capital had far-reaching implications. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-authorised advisers may have recommended customers to invest with Strand or transfer existing pensions and investments to a SIPP offered by the company. If you fall into this category and the adviser is still trading, it is crucial to lodge a complaint against them.
Strand Capital's collapse was not a sudden event but rather the culmination of mounting financial difficulties. In 2016, the company reported pre-tax losses of £235,297, a significant increase compared to the £22,392 deficit recorded in the previous year. The firm's financial statements revealed that its controlling party, Optima Worldwide, had decided to sever ties with Strand Capital. These financial struggles ultimately led to the demise of the company.
Strand Capital had ties with Gallium Fund Solutions, a Kent-based DFM. It is worth noting that Gallium Fund Solutions has been associated with high-risk British steel schemes, adding to the complexities surrounding Strand Capital's operations.
The collapse of Strand Capital left a trail of devastation, with more than 3,000 individuals facing financial ruin due to the company's failure to adhere to FCA rules. Despite regulations mandating the separation of client money from a firm's funds, Strand Capital neglected this crucial safeguard, exacerbating the losses suffered by its customers. The FSCS has received 126 claims against the company and is currently assessing them for potential mis-sold SIPP compensation.
The collapse of Strand Capital had a profound impact on the investors who had placed their trust and hard-earned money in the company. Many of these individuals were normal, hard-working Brits who were looking to secure their financial futures through investments. Unfortunately, they were misled by Strand Capital's representatives into investing in high-risk and unregulated funds that were unsuitable for their financial situations.
As a result, these investors faced significant financial losses and were left in a state of uncertainty when the company went into administration. The funds they had entrusted to Strand Capital were now in jeopardy, and they were unsure if they would ever recover their investments. This not only caused financial distress but also emotional turmoil as dreams of a secure retirement or financial stability were shattered.
If you are interested in discussing the process and claiming back compensation, please fill out the contact form below for a free no-obligation discussion with our team.
