Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Financial Conduct Authority and Blackmore Bond plc

30 June 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Nigel Evans Con Glenrothes

Business Compliance

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nigel Evans raised concerns about financial conduct authority and blackmore bond plc in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Nigel Evans raised concerns about the collapse of Blackmore Bond plc and its impact on small investors.
  • The company raised 46 million from investors through mini-bonds with false promises of security and returns.
  • The Minister acknowledged the distress caused to investors and highlighted the FCA's steps to ban the promotion of high-risk mini-bonds.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nigel Evans Con Glenrothes

Mr Nigel Evans raised concerns about the collapse of Blackmore Bond plc and questioned the effectiveness of regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). He detailed how the company, incorporated in July 2016, went into administration in May 7, 2020, and later liquidation. It raised £46 million from small investors through mini-bonds with false promises of security and returns. Mr Evans criticised the FCA for its delayed intervention and lack of proactive measures despite early warnings, emphasising that regulatory failures had led to significant losses for individual investors who were misled by the company’s deceptive practices.

Other contributors (1)
  • Peter Grant Con Glenrothes

    Mr Peter Grant highlighted the collapse of Blackmore Bond plc and questioned whether regulators, including the FCA, adequately protected investors from high-risk investments sold through unregulated means.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

The Minister began by paying tribute to Ian Davis on his retirement. He then addressed the debate topic by outlining the background of Blackmore Bond plc and acknowledging the distress caused to its investors. The Minister explained that while the FCA has taken steps to intervene, including banning the promotion of high-risk mini-bonds and working with other firms to ensure compliance, it is important to recognise the different responsibilities of the regulator towards authorised versus unauthorised actors. He highlighted government efforts to bring mini-bond issuance into regulation through consultation and legislative action. The Minister also mentioned ongoing reforms within the FCA aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and effectiveness, including the use of data analytics for more proactive interventions.

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