Investment Claims FAQ

Who are we?

We are Elsworth Associates trading as CP Financial Claims, a claims management firm regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority – FRN: 834626).

What do we do?

We specialise in helping clients who have suffered losses. We process claims via the Financial Service Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) . We have represented thousands of clients since 2017 and have achieved an 89% uphold rate with the FSCS (the highest in the country), in 2023.

What types of investment claims do you handle?

We specialise in helping clients with claims related to mis-sold investment products and poor financial advice. This includes investments that didn't match your risk profile or were misrepresented, including investments via pensions following incorrect advice.

How do I know if I have a valid claim?

If you feel you may have been given poor or misleading advice regarding a pension or investment product, there's a chance you might have a valid claim. We offer a free initial consultation where we assess your situation and determine whether you are able to make a successful a claim.

What if I don’t have all the paperwork?

Don’t worry! While having your paperwork can be useful, we can assist you in gathering the necessary information. We’ll work with you and the relevant institutions to obtain the required details to support and make a successful claim.

How is a claim possible through your firm?

Our team reviews your case, assesses the evidence, and determines if there is a valid claim. If we believe there’s a strong case, we proceed with filing the claim on your behalf, either through the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), the FOS (Financial Ombudsman Service).

What is the FSCS?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is a UK statutory body established in 2001 designed to protect consumers if financial services firms fail. It aims to provide consumer protection and maintain confidence in the UK's financial system by ensuring that consumers can recover some or all their money when regulated firms cannot meet their obligations. The FSCS protects customers up to £85,000 per person, per regulated firm.

What is FOS?

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is an independent UK organisation established by statute in 2000 and became active in 2001. FOS adjudicates to resolve complaints and/or disputes between consumers and financial service providers, such as banks, pension providers and investment firms. It was established to provide consumers with an impartial way to address complaints about financial products and services, including transactions, over-charging and poor customer service. The maximum FOS ‘award’ is now £430,000.

What happens if the investment I made is going through an Insolvency process / administration?

Our process will not interfere with an administration or liquidation process in any way. Based on our experience, insolvency practitioners (IPs) seldom recover significant amounts for creditors from these types of events, and when they do, it is typically only a small percentage of the original investment. However, if an IP were to offer a full 100% refund, there would be no grounds for a further claim, your case would be closed, and you would not incur any charges from us.

Will any interest promised from an investment be paid back?

Both the FSCS and FOS primarily look to place you in a financial position as if you had not made the investment in the first instance.

Can I process a claim myself?

Yes, both the FSCS and the Financial Ombudsman are free services and you can make a claim directly should you wish to format the evidence, write the claim and manage the claim through to completion.

What are your fees?

If the claim amount is £0-£25k our fee is 25% + VAT, £25k-£50k our fee is 20% + VAT, £50k+ our fee is 15% + VAT. We do, however have a fee cap for each band. For further information please contact us or view our fees & terms

How long does it take to make a successful claim?

Typically, an FSCS claim takes 9-13 months, and a FOS claim may take 12-24 months. There are many variables in actual timescales, dependent upon the detailed circumstances of your own claim and the above timeframes are only offered as a guideline.

Is there an exit fee if I change my mind?

You may cancel the agreement with CPFC without cost or notice within 14 days of the date signing our Terms of Business. After this, you have the right to terminate your agreement, however, we may impose a fee if we are nearing a resolution and you decide to cancel to evade our fee after we've put in substantial effort on the case. View our fees & terms

How do we get started with my claim?

Contact us for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation, and outline a potential claim. If you decide to go ahead, we will take care of everything from beginning to end.