The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announces that it has removed permissions from Semantic Business Services Ltd. That means the firm 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 is connected with Sentor Solutions Commercial Ltd, which the 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, the FCA is concerned that Semantic may also be offering investments to customers. Customers that invest with Semantic could lose all their money.

The regulator 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.

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.

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