Doing your homework before you invest is one of the best habits any investor can have. Knowing how to check a firm, and what to do if something doesn’t feel right, puts you firmly in control. This guide explains the role of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA), the simple checks you can make, and how New Capital Link handles complaints.
What Is FSMA?
FSMA is the main piece of UK legislation governing financial services. It created the framework that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) operates within, and it sets the rules on who can carry out regulated activities and how investments can be promoted to the public. Its purpose is to protect consumers and maintain confidence in the UK’s financial markets.
Five Simple Checks Before You Invest
- Check the FCA register. The FCA Financial Services Register shows whether a firm is authorised and what it is permitted to do
- Check the FCA Warning List. The FCA publishes a list of firms it has concerns about, which is quick and free to search
- Check Companies House. Confirm the company’s registration, its directors and its filing history
- Understand who you are dealing with. Find out whether the firm is an adviser, a manager or an introducer, and who actually issues the investment
- Read the risk warnings. Make sure you understand whether the investment is regulated and whether any compensation scheme would apply
New Capital Link Ltd is registered at Companies House under company number 12948489, and we actively encourage investors to make these checks.
Understanding Your Protections
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) can consider complaints about firms and activities that fall within its jurisdiction, which mainly means FCA-regulated firms carrying out regulated activities. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) can pay compensation when an authorised firm fails. Neither scheme covers poor investment performance, and many alternative investments fall outside their scope altogether. That is why it is so important to read the risk warning for any opportunity and understand where you stand before you invest.
How to Raise a Complaint with New Capital Link
We believe every investor is entitled to courteous, fair and timely service. If something isn’t right, we want to hear about it so we can put it right.
- Email: Complaints@newcapitallink.co.uk
- Telephone: +44 203 633 6963
- Post: New Capital Link, 23 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6HE
Every complaint is investigated fairly and impartially, we will keep you updated on our progress, and we always respond in writing. Full details are set out in our complaints policy.
Investing with Confidence
A well-informed investor is a confident investor. By making a few simple checks and understanding how complaints are handled, you can explore alternative investments knowing exactly where you stand.
Important Information
This article is for general information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Alternative and early-stage investments are high risk: you could lose all the money you invest, returns are not guaranteed, and you may not be able to sell your investment quickly. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Please read our risk warning and consider taking independent financial advice before investing.
