Category: Financial Mis-selling

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‘FCA Swaps Review’ Update: Comment on Bank IRHP Review Delays with Statistics from the FCA

The FCA Swaps Review has faced significant delays since beginning in April 2013, frustrating many affected businesses. Latest FCA data reveals that only 50% of sophistication assessments are complete, 3.9% of cases have reached interviews, and 2.6% have had payments suspended. Delays risk customers losing legal rights due to the six-year limitation period. Concerns exist over banks bypassing the sophistication stage while fairness issues arise over banks self-assessing their mis-selling.

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‘FCA Review’ of Interest Rate Hedging (IRHP) Sales: Written Statement or ‘Fact Find’ Interview?

The FCA/FSA Hedging Review is conducted by the banks, not the regulator, and involves recorded interviews or fact-find meetings with customers. These interviews can be one-sided, with the bank’s lawyers asking questions designed to limit compensation. Customers often have limited rights to access bank records or challenge questions. A written statement, prepared with legal guidance, can be a safer way to present the sales experience without the risks of interviews.

The Court of Appeal ruled unanimously in RBS v Highland Financial Partners EWCA Civ 328 that RBS procured a previous judgment by fraud, deliberately withholding key documents and misleading their client, lawyers, and the court. The case involved a “sham auction” of loans to create a notional £1.44 billion profit. The judgment raises serious concerns about RBS’s corporate culture and litigation conduct. Contact Lexlaw for expert legal support on complex banking disputes and mis-selling claims.

RBS v Highland Financial Partners: Culture of denial at RBS?

The Court of Appeal ruled unanimously that RBS procured a previous judgment by fraud, deliberately withholding key documents and misleading their client, lawyers, and the court. The case involved a “sham auction” of loans to create a notional £1.44 billion profit. The judgment raises serious concerns about RBS’s corporate culture and litigation conduct.

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The Times: Banks’ secretly settling swaps mis-selling cases

The Times Newspaper reports that banks are secretly settling swaps mis-selling cases with small businesses, often on the eve of court proceedings. These settlements are kept confidential, and the banks often make public statements denying wrongdoing. The number of claims is increasing as businesses become aware of the issue. Businesses argue that the swaps were too complex and that banks failed to explain the risks involved.

The FSA’s definition of sophistication for swaps mis-selling reviews is complex and has caused confusion due to inconsistent communications. The original test deems a business sophisticated if it meets two of three criteria: turnover above £6.5m, balance sheet over £3.26m, or more than 50 employees. A new £10 million test modifies this for certain businesses, affecting their inclusion in the review. Clarification is expected from the FSA. Lexlaw offers expert advice to help businesses understand and navigate these rules. Contact Lexlaw for assistance with swaps claims.

What is Sophistication in the FSA Swaps Mis-selling Scheme?

The FSA’s definition of sophistication for swaps mis-selling reviews is complex and has caused confusion. The original test deems a business sophisticated if it meets two of three criteria: turnover above £6.5m, balance sheet over £3.26m, or more than 50 employees. A new £10 million test modifies this excluding them from the FSA review.

Here's an image depicting the FSA's pilot review findings for swaps mis-selling. It shows a scene with financial professionals looking concerned over documents, charts highlighting high mis-selling rates, and subtle visual cues indicating inadequate explanations, undisclosed costs, and over-hedging. The overall tone conveys seriousness and the implications of regulatory failure.

FSA Findings on Banks’ Pilot Swaps Mis-selling Review

The FSA’s pilot review of swaps mis-selling reveals over 90% of sales did not meet regulatory standards, highlighting inadequate risk explanation, undisclosed break costs, and over-hedging. Banks prioritised commissions over clients’ interests. The proposed review process raises concerns about reviewer independence and incomplete redress. Lexlaw advises court action before limitation periods expire.

Warren Buffett famously referred to derivatives as “financial weapons of mass destruction.” Lexlaw highlights the risks associated with derivatives and the importance of legal support for those affected by derivative mis-selling. If you have concerns about derivatives sold to you, contact Lexlaw for expert advice and assistance on protecting your interests.

Warren Buffett On Derivatives

Warren Buffett famously referred to derivatives as “financial weapons of mass destruction.” Lexlaw highlights the risks associated with derivatives and the importance of legal support for those affected by derivative mis-selling. If you have concerns about derivatives sold to you, contact Lexlaw for expert advice and assistance on protecting your interests.

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Financial Ombudsman Service Decision Not a Bar to Further Court Action

A Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision does not prevent claimants from pursuing further court action for additional compensation beyond the FOS award. In Clark v In Focus, the High Court ruled that the Ombudsman’s ruling is not legally binding and does not merge causes of action. This is important for bank swaps mis-selling victims who accepted FOS awards but seek further claims. Contact Lexlaw for expert advice on continuing litigation beyond FOS resolutions.

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Legal Comment on Green & Rowley v RBS [2012] EWHC 3661 (Swaps Mis-selling Judgment)

This judgment shows the complexity and fact-sensitive nature of swap mis-selling claims. The claimants were found to be experienced businessmen dealing with a straightforward swap, unlike many cases where claimants are less sophisticated and products are more complex. Key points include the importance of early document disclosure and careful handling of limitation periods. Specialist legal advice is essential to assess and manage swap mis-selling claims effectively. Contact Lexlaw for expert guidance and representation.

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BBA Announcement on Major Banks’ Swaps Payment Suspension Policy

Major banks may suspend swap payments for financially distressed businesses while an independent review is conducted. Suspension is considered case-by-case and does not imply wrongdoing by the bank. Banks reserve their rights regarding suspended payments. Contact Lexlaw for expert help if you need support against UK Banks.