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Guide to FSCS investment protection 3

Deciding which investment product to choose can feel daunting. Deciding between returns, access, security and risk, it's easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. 

Even if you consider yourself to be financially savvy, it pays to make sure you know exactly what protection is available before you sign up.

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At FSCS we want you to feel confident and in control of your finances. That's why we've created a set of key questions to ask your provider when you're considering where to put your money. Use them to find out if FSCS protects the investment product you're considering so you can make an informed choice that's right for you.

See also our investment protection limits.

You might also be interested in our Pensions protection guide, and our Bank and savings protection checker.
Ask your investment product provider or your independent financial adviser these questions

If you're thinking of making an investment

  1. Is this investment product covered by FSCS?
  2. How much of my money is protected?
  3. What would happen to my money if something happened to your business?

If you're talking to your financial adviser

  1. Does FSCS protect financial advice?
  2. What happens if you give me bad advice and your firm fails?
  3. Are all the products you advise people about FSCS protected if the provider fails?
  4. How much of my money is protected?

Thinking about making an investment?

Check your provider is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
Be aware that the particular activity that the authorised firm is carrying out for you must be regulated by the PRA or the FCA for FSCS protection to apply.

Ask your firm to confirm that the activity it is carrying out for you is a regulated activity and under what circumstances you would be protected by FSCS if the firm failed.

If you need general guidance about any money matters, visit MoneyHelper. Its support and guidance are free.

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Search the FCA register

The FCA register will tell you what the firm is allowed to do, and whether it's still trading.
Check the FCA register
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Learn more about financial advisors

Find out what a financial adviser does, and how to choose one.
Visit the MoneyHelper site
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Protect yourself from scams

Protect your hard-earned money by being able to spot the signs of a scam.
Visit the FCA's site
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