Asked by: Peter Grant (Scottish National Party - Glenrothes)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Financial Conduct Authority’s response to concerns raised in 2017 on the sales practices being used by Blackmore Bond plc and its representatives.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Government is aware of the failure of Blackmore Bond plc and the latest report submitted by the Joint Administrators in December. Blackmore Bond plc issued non-transferable debt securities (sometimes known as mini-bonds). It is not a regulated activity for firms to issue their own non-transferable debt securities. However, in the UK, responsibility for regulating the promotion and marketing of mini-bonds lies with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
On 1 January 2021 the FCA made permanent rules banning the promotion of high risk ‘speculative illiquid securities’ (including some mini-bonds) to ordinary retail consumers. These rules were introduced in response to the failure of London Capital & Finance and concerns about the suitability of speculative illiquid securities for retail investors. This ban prevents future companies like Blackmore Bond plc marketing their products to retail investors. The Treasury is currently undertaking a review into the regulatory framework for mini-bonds and will launch a consultation later this year on the regulation of non-transferable debt securities.
In view of the FCA’s role as an independent non-governmental body it would not be appropriate for Government to comment on the FCA’s handling of Blackmore Bond plc. Investors who have concerns about the FCA’s handling of the failure of Blackmore Bond plc can make a complaint using the FCA Complaints Scheme.
Asked by: Peter Grant (Scottish National Party - Glenrothes)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of protection for investors since the collapse of Blackmore Bond plc.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Government is aware of the failure of Blackmore Bond plc and the latest report submitted by the Joint Administrators in December. Blackmore Bond plc issued non-transferable debt securities (sometimes known as mini-bonds). It is not a regulated activity for firms to issue their own non-transferable debt securities. However, in the UK, responsibility for regulating the promotion and marketing of mini-bonds lies with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
On 1 January 2021 the FCA made permanent rules banning the promotion of high risk ‘speculative illiquid securities’ (including some mini-bonds) to ordinary retail consumers. These rules were introduced in response to the failure of London Capital & Finance and concerns about the suitability of speculative illiquid securities for retail investors. This ban prevents future companies like Blackmore Bond plc marketing their products to retail investors. The Treasury is currently undertaking a review into the regulatory framework for mini-bonds and will launch a consultation later this year on the regulation of non-transferable debt securities.
In view of the FCA’s role as an independent non-governmental body it would not be appropriate for Government to comment on the FCA’s handling of Blackmore Bond plc. Investors who have concerns about the FCA’s handling of the failure of Blackmore Bond plc can make a complaint using the FCA Complaints Scheme.