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mis-selling.co.uk

What is investment bond mis-selling?

Investment bond mis-selling occurs when an adviser recommends a bond unsuitable for the client's age, risk profile, or need for capital access. The FOS upholds 44% of investment advice complaints. Claims can be brought through FOS (up to £455,000) or FSCS (up to £85,000). Source: FOS Annual Report 2024/25.

Investment Bonds

Investment Bond Mis-selling Claims

Investment bonds carry significant charges and tax traps. If yours was unsuitable, you may be owed compensation.

Check My Claim — FreeDo I Qualify?
£85,000
Maximum FSCS compensation per claim
6 years
Typical limitation window
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Do I Have a Claim?

Signs Your Investment Bond Was Mis-sold

You may have a strong case if any of the following apply:

  • You were sold a with-profits, structured or offshore bond
  • You are a cautious or moderate-risk investor
  • Exit penalties were not explained
  • Charges substantially eroded your returns
  • You were advised to bond rather than ISA where ISA was better
  • The adviser earned a 5%+ commission on the sale
  • Performance has been poor versus comparable funds
  • You were retired or near retirement when advised

What Happened

Investment bonds — particularly with-profits and offshore varieties — were heavily mis-sold throughout the 2000s and 2010s because they paid advisers some of the highest commissions in the industry, regardless of whether they suited the client.

Why You May Be Owed Compensation

FCA suitability rules require advisers to consider alternative wrappers (ISAs, GIAs, pensions) before recommending bonds. Where they did not, or where charges and exit penalties were not disclosed, the sale is mis-sold.

How to Claim

1. Free Claim Check

Tell us about your investment in 60 seconds. We confirm if you have a claim.

2. We Investigate

We gather the evidence, file with the FOS, FSCS or adviser. No paperwork for you.

3. You Get Paid

Compensation paid directly. No Win, No Fee — we only charge if you win.

Investment Bonds – Frequently Asked Questions

My bond is still going up — do I have a claim?
Possibly. The test is whether you would have done better in a suitable alternative, not whether the bond made any return.
What about with-profits bonds?
Many with-profits bonds were mis-sold to cautious investors who did not understand market value reductions.
Offshore bonds — are they all mis-sold?
No, but they are frequently mis-sold to UK residents who would have been better off with onshore tax wrappers.
How is compensation calculated?
By comparing actual performance to a suitable benchmark portfolio over the same period.
Can I claim if the adviser is dead/retired?
Yes, against the firm and its successor or insurer.
What if I no longer hold the bond?
You can still claim within the limitation period — past losses are recoverable.
Further reading. Read our in-depth Investment Bond Mis-selling Guide 2026. See also our full guides on time limits for mis-selling claims, how compensation is calculated, and what evidence helps your claim. Not sure which route applies? Compare the FSCS and the Financial Ombudsman, estimate your compensation, or read how No Win No Fee works.

Explore the Knowledge Hub

This claim sits inside the following knowledge centres — see every related topic, regulator source and in-depth guide.

Investments Knowledge Centre

Not sure whether you are still in time? Check if you can still claim — the 6-year limit is not always the end of it.

Related Claim Types

SIPP Mis-selling

Self-Invested Personal Pensions invested in unsuitable, high-risk assets.

Find out more

DB Pension Transfers

Advised to give up a guaranteed final salary pension for a riskier alternative.

Find out more

Mini-Bonds & ISAs

High-interest 'bonds' marketed as ISAs that turned out to be unregulated and high-risk.

Find out more

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