London Capital and Finance
The SFO opened an investigation into individuals associated with London Capital and Finance plc in 2019.
The conduct relates to investments offered to members of the public between 2013 and 2018. These investments were initially sold through a company called Sales Aid Finance (England) Ltd (SAFE), which changed its name to London Capital & Finance Ltd in July 2015. It was re-registered as a public limited company in November 2015 and became London Capital and Finance plc (LCF).
Case Timeline
19 Feb 2024 – Civil proceedings brought by the Joint Administrators of LCF against the company’s executives and others commenced at the High Court. The case was heard by Mr Justice Miles. The SFO is not a party to those proceedings. A judgment was handed down in November 2024.
19 Jun 2019 – An individual was arrested in Sussex and was then released pending further investigation. This person is no longer a suspect.
18 Ma 2019 – SFO announces investigation into LCF.
4 Mar 2019 – Four individuals arrested in the Kent and Sussex areas. All four individuals are released pending further investigation.
See our past press releases under “News” on the SFO’s National Archives page.
Information for investors
On 14 November 2024, a judgment was handed down by Mr Justice Miles in the civil proceedings brought by the Joint Administrators of LCF.
The SFO’s investigation and the civil action brought by the Joint Administrators are separate matters. The SFO cannot comment on the civil trial or matters associated to that litigation; any related queries, including those about compensation, should be directed to the Joint Administrators, Evelyn and Partners (formerly known as Smith & Williamson LLP). Please visit the website of the Joint Administrators here.
In February 2022, the SFO was made aware that LCF headed letters and emails have been sent to LCF Bondholders purporting to be from a director of the company. These communications refer to ‘lodging claims’ and that failing to take action will result in a loss.
The phone number quoted in the emails and letters can be found on a website which the Financial Conduct Authority warns is unauthorised, and any emails from info@londoncapitalfinanceuk.com are not authorised by the Joint Administrators of LCF. LCF believes that scammers may also be cold-calling bondholders.
Please be extremely wary of any contact that isn’t directly from the Joint Administrators. If you are unsure, please visit their website for further information.
Support for victims and witnesses
If you have been impacted by this case and need support, please see this page for information on support services available to you.