Financial Disclaimer

Last updated: December 27, 2024

Important Investment Warnings

This page contains crucial information about the risks associated with financial investments and the limitations of our comparison service. Please read this disclaimer carefully before making any financial decisions based on information found on our website.

General Investment Risk Warning

The value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.

All forms of investment carry risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. Before making any investment decisions, you should:

Understand the risks involved with each type of investment
Consider whether you can afford to lose the money you are investing
Seek independent financial advice if you are unsure about the suitability of any investment
Only invest money that you can afford to lose

Spread Betting and CFD Risk Warnings

Spread betting and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are complex financial instruments that come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Key Risk Statistics:

Typically 70-80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and spread bets
Leverage can amplify both gains and losses significantly
You can lose more than your initial investment with some products

Before trading spread bets or CFDs, you should:

Understand how these products work and the risks involved
Consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money
Be aware that these products may not be suitable for all investors
Ensure you have sufficient knowledge and experience with financial markets

Forex Trading Risks

Foreign exchange (forex) trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Key risks include:

Market Volatility: Currency values can fluctuate rapidly and unpredictably
Leverage Risk: Small market movements can result in significant gains or losses
Economic Risk: Political and economic events can dramatically impact currency values
Liquidity Risk: Some currency pairs may have limited liquidity during certain periods

Cryptocurrency Investment Warnings

Cryptocurrency investments are highly speculative and carry significant risks:

Extreme Volatility: Cryptocurrency values can fluctuate dramatically in short periods
Regulatory Risk: Changing regulations may impact the value and legality of cryptocurrencies
Technology Risk: Technical failures or security breaches can result in total loss
Limited Protection: Cryptocurrencies are generally not covered by financial compensation schemes
Market Risk: The cryptocurrency market is largely unregulated and manipulation can occur

Information Limitations and Accuracy

No Personal Financial Advice

The information provided on UK Broker Comparison is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice. We do not:

Provide recommendations tailored to your specific financial circumstances
Offer investment advice or suggestions about specific securities
Take into account your individual risk tolerance or investment objectives
Consider your tax situation or estate planning needs

Information Currency and Accuracy

While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information:

Broker Terms May Change: Service providers can modify their terms, fees, and offerings without notice
Market Conditions Vary: Information may become outdated due to changing market conditions
Human Error: Despite our best efforts, errors in information may occur
Third-Party Sources: Some information is obtained from third-party sources and may not be independently verified

Users should always verify information directly with service providers before making decisions.

Regulatory and Tax Considerations

Financial Services Regulation

All investments and financial services in the UK are subject to regulation by:

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Regulates conduct of financial firms
Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA): Regulates prudential standards
Bank of England: Oversees monetary policy and financial stability

Only deal with FCA-authorized firms, which you can verify on the FCA register at fca.org.uk.

Tax Implications

Investment returns may be subject to taxation:

Capital Gains Tax: May apply to investment gains above annual allowances
Income Tax: May apply to dividends and interest received
Inheritance Tax: May apply to investment assets in your estate
ISA and SIPP Benefits: Tax-efficient wrappers can provide significant advantages

Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Consider seeking professional tax advice.

Compensation and Protection Schemes

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

The FSCS provides protection for consumers if authorized financial services firms fail:

Investment Business: Up to £85,000 per person per firm
Banking: Up to £85,000 per person per bank
Insurance: Varies by product type

Important Limitations

FSCS protection:

Only applies to authorized firms
Does not cover poor investment performance
May not cover all types of investments or institutions
Has specific time limits for claims

For full details, visit fscs.org.uk.

Third-Party Relationships and Conflicts of Interest

Affiliate Relationships

UK Broker Comparison may receive compensation from financial service providers through:

Affiliate commissions when users register for services
Advertising revenue from broker partnerships
Referral fees for customer acquisitions

Editorial Independence

Despite commercial relationships:

Compensation does not influence our editorial content
Reviews and ratings are based on objective criteria
We clearly disclose all commercial relationships
Users are always our primary consideration

Professional Advice Recommendation

Given the complexity of financial markets and individual circumstances, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice from:

Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs): For comprehensive financial planning
Chartered Financial Planners: For complex financial situations
Tax Advisors: For tax-efficient investment strategies
Legal Professionals: For estate planning and complex structures

Age and Eligibility Requirements

Financial investments and trading accounts typically require:

Minimum Age: 18 years or older in the UK
Capacity: Mental capacity to understand investment risks
Residency: UK residency for many products and protections
Income Requirements: Some products have minimum income thresholds

Market Hours and Availability

Financial markets operate during specific hours:

UK Stock Market: Generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Forex Markets: 24 hours, Sunday evening to Friday evening
US Markets: Generally 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM UK time

Market closures may affect:

Order execution and pricing
Availability of customer support
Access to account management functions

Technology and Security Considerations

Online trading and investing involve technology risks:

Internet Connectivity: Service disruptions may prevent access to accounts
Platform Stability: Trading platforms may experience outages or technical issues
Cybersecurity: Online accounts may be targets for fraudulent activity
Device Security: Use secure devices and networks for financial transactions

Complaint Resolution

If you have concerns about financial services:

Contact the Firm: Raise complaints directly with the service provider first
Financial Ombudsman Service: Free service for unresolved complaints (financial-ombudsman.org.uk)
Regulatory Authorities: Report serious concerns to the FCA or other relevant regulators

Contact Information

For questions about this disclaimer or our services:

Email: [email protected]
Website: broker-comparison.uk

Acknowledgment

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accept the risks and limitations outlined in this disclaimer. You understand that investing involves risk and that you are responsible for your own investment decisions.

Remember: If you are in any doubt about the suitability of any investment or financial service, you should seek professional financial advice.