FCA Removes Permissions from Semantic Business Services Ltd

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has removed permissions from Semantic Business Services Ltd. That means it is no longer permitted to carry out any regulated activities. Semantic had two regulated activities: Secondary credit broking and Agreeing to carry on a regulated activity. Any investments with Semantic may not be protected, and you could lose all your money if you invest with them.

Semantic's connections with Sentor Solutions Commercial Ltd

Semantic is connected with Sentor Solutions Commercial Ltd, which FCA recently issued a consumer warning about. Sentor appeared to have been carrying out investment activities for which it did not have permission and consumers may have invested substantial sums through Sentor.

Consumers may have been misled about the scope of Sentor's permissions and the protection afforded to their investments. Due to this connection, FCA is concerned that Semantic may also be offering investments to customers. Customers that invest with Semantic could lose all their money.

The FCA believes these firms may be part of a network of credit brokers that are offering investments to consumers which may not be protected.

Customers are strongly encouraged to check the information available on the FCA Register before making any payments in relation to investments. Customers are also advised when considering an investment to check both that they are dealing with a firm that is authorised and that the firm holds investment permissions. 

Investments with Semantic

Semantic has never been permitted by the FCA to provide regulated investment services. Any investments offered by Semantic could pose significant risks to consumers due to the potential lack of regulatory protection that would otherwise be afforded to them.

The watchdog has attempted to engage with Semantic to understand their connection to several firms it has issued warnings about in recent months, but they have not responded to it. Semantic did not disclose these connections when they applied to the FCA. The FCA believes that there is a significant risk that they may have offered, or been intending to offer, investments to customers which were not protected.

Are investments with Semantic Protected?

It is important to remember that engaging with an authorised firm does not guarantee access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or the Financial Ombudsman Service if things go wrong.

Whether you can access these services may also depend on whether you have received any regulated services (such as investment advice) in connection with your investment.

The FSCS cannot accept claims that are for poor investment performance.

You can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service or FSCS to see if your investments are protected, and whether you may have a claim if things were to go wrong.

If you are approached to make further payments in order to release an initial investment, you should seek independent advice before making a payment.