FCA statement on BSPS Redress

FCA statement on British Steel Pension Scheme Redress

The FCA's Board has asked for a consultation to be prepared on a redress scheme, under s404 of the Financial Services and Markets Act, for former members of the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) who transferred their pension.

Subject to final approval of the consultation documents by its Board, the FCA expects to consult by the end of March 2022 having gathered further evidence and following engagement with stakeholders.

A redress scheme would be limited to BSPS transfer advice. BSPS is a highly exceptional case with the FCA's analysis indicating significantly more unsuitable advice (47%) than observed in reviews of higher-risk firms in non-BSPS cases (17%).

In a letter sent today, the FCA has set out its expectation that firms in the scope of a potential redress scheme should retain assets and should not try to avoid their responsibilities.

The FCA has warned it will take such action as it deems necessary if a firm attempts to avoid redress liabilities. 

Former BSPS members should continue to check whether they received unsuitable advice and find out how to complain at fca.org.uk/bsps.

Firms should continue to progress any existing FCA required Past Business Reviews and engage in any ongoing enforcement investigations or supervisory work connected to the British Steel Pension Scheme.

Notes to editors

1.   The FCA has also set out expectations of firms who gave advice to BSPS members between 1 March 2017 to 31 March 2018 a Dear CEO letter issued today.

2.   Until a restructuring in 2018, many members were advised to transfer their assets from the BSPS's defined benefit scheme into a personal pension.

3.   The FCA has run a range of activity to support former BSPS members, including writing to 7,700 former BSPS members, and with regulatory partners, holding face to face events for former members in South Wales and Scunthorpe.