In June 2012 the Financial Services Authority (FSA) found that many firms
had been mis-sold complex financial products – IRSAs. It estimated that around
40,000 products have been sold and that these firms were due redress. The FSA
has now examined the extent of the mis-selling in a pilot scheme and recently
announced that 90 per cent of these complex products were mis-sold, often to
the very smallest of businesses.
What is an IRSA?
An IRSA is a financial product taken out against a loan or mortgage to
help protect against rises in
interest rates. The products were sold
to all types of small firms, with the majority sold between 2006 and 2009.
What did the FSA review find?
The FSA
review found that 90 per cent of the products sold to small firms were mis-sold
- so the business was not provided with clear information about what they were
buying into and the potential risks associated with it.
What next?
The FSB has
been calling for an independent process for small firms to get redress. The FSA
has tasked the banks with reviewing each case, overseen by an independent
adjudicator. Each of the banks must now write to each of their customers that
have had a product.
The FSB
believes that some firms may benefit from advice and is working with three companies
to provide professional guidance and support to access redress for its members.
Their charges will vary and it is up to the business if they want to choose to
take advice or bring the claim directly against the bank through the FSA's
compensation scheme.
If you are a member to access redress you
can call one of the following companies with your membership number:
Slater &
Gordon 0808 175 7793
Brian Hurst,
39 Park Square Chambers 0113 245 6633
Mayo Wynne
Baxter Solicitors 01273 775533
The FSB acknowledges there are other
respected firms offering similar services and the list is intended as an
example not as a recommendation. All businesses should be aware there have been
some claims lost even though they have been supported by a solicitor so it is
extremely important to make the right choice of legal partner to support your
claim.