On 25 April 2023 the directors of Gaudi Regulated Services Limited appointed Sean Bucknall and Andrew Watling of Quantuma Advisory Limited as joint administrators. The administrators are qualified insolvency practitioners.
Gaudi Regulated Services Limited (Gaudi), is a self-invested personal pension (SIPP) operator authorised and regulated by the FCA. We set out the steps Gaudi clients should take and advice on how to protect against scams.
What has happened to my Gaudi pension?
On 25 April 2023, Gaudi sold its pension business to Platform One Limited (Platform One). Platform One is an FCA authorised SIPP operator and will take over administration of Gaudi’s SIPPs. This means consumers who hold a SIPP administered by Gaudi can continue to contribute, withdraw, and make investment decisions as before.
Platform One will communicate next steps to consumers holding a SIPP administered by Gaudi, but if you have an urgent question, you can contact Platform One using the contact details below.
Platform One’s contact details:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone number: 0345 366 5445
Being alert to scams
All customers should remain alert to the possibility of fraud. If you were a client of Gaudi and are cold called by someone claiming to be from Gaudi, Quantuma, or any other company claiming to be involved in the Gaudi administration, end the call and contact the administrators:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone number: 01202 970 430
See more on how to protect yourself from the most common types of scams[1]. The ScamSmart[2] pages on our website also provide advice on how to avoid investment and pension scams.
What happens to Gaudi now it is in administration?
Although Gaudi is in administration, it remains an FCA authorised firm and is still subject to our rules. However, Gaudi no longer administers any personal pension schemes. If you have an existing complaint against Gaudi, we explain what happens next below.
I have a SIPP or pension that Gaudi operates for another company – what happens to me?
Gaudi’s business model is to operate pension schemes for other firms (sometimes known as a ‘white-label’ model). These business partners are not affected by Gaudi’s administration and because Gaudi’s pension business has been sold to Platform One the services they offer will stay the same.
The sale of Gaudi’s business to Platform One does not change your relationship with Gaudi’s business partners and you will be able to continue using your SIPP as before.
Why has Gaudi entered administration?
Gaudi was subject to several upheld final decisions from the Financial Ombudsman Service regarding some of the investments it allowed within its SIPPs. Gaudi’s board of directors recognised the financial liabilities associated with these decisions and other potential Financial Ombudsman decisions. Having obtained the advice of insolvency practitioners and concluded that the firm is insolvent, the board decided to place the company in administration.
What should I do if I want to claim compensation?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is now open to claims against Gaudi and will be investigating whether there are any claims that meet their qualifying conditions for compensation.
FSCS is the compensation scheme for clients of UK authorised financial services firms and protects consumers when those firms are not able to meet protected claims against them. The FSCS has eligibility criteria in respect of the activities and the people who are covered.
If you have a claim with the FSCS against a different authorised firm (i.e. a financial adviser or business partner) relating to an investment within Gaudi SIPP, the FSCS will continue to process that claim.
If you are a client of Gaudi, you should visit the dedicated FSCS webpage[3]. They will update this page as its investigations progress.
There is more general information about the FSCS[4] on its website or you can call 0800 678 1100 to speak to them directly.
What should I do if I want to complain or have an existing complaint against Gaudi?
Gaudi’s administrators will be writing to you and will explain next steps. If you wish to make a claim to FSCS please check the dedicated FSCS webpage[3] regarding Gaudi.
If you have already referred a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman, you do not need to take any action. As the firm is in administration the Financial Ombudsman will contact you in due course regarding the next steps and potentially moving your complaint to the FSCS.
Do I need to use a third party to make a claim?
You do not need to use a Claims Management Company (CMC) to make a claim against the firm through the FSCS. CMCs may approach clients of Gaudi offering help to bring claims against it. Be cautious if you are approached by one of these companies.
For most consumers, there is no benefit to using a third party to make a claim. Any clients of Gaudi who believe they have a complaint against the firm should contact the FSCS in the first instance. You should note that you can approach the FSCS for free, if you wish them to consider and review your case and any claim that you believe you have against Gaudi.