Risk disclosure

Last updated: 10 October 2026

Savings bonds and investment bonds are not the same

A fixed-rate savings bond is generally a deposit account with a bank or building society for a set term. An investment bond may involve lending to a company or exposure to investments. The word “bond” does not itself mean that your money is safe or protected.

Capital and issuer risk

Investment bonds carry a risk of loss. An issuer may fail to pay interest or repay capital. You may receive less than you invest or lose the entire investment. Higher advertised returns often involve higher risks.

Access to your money

Fixed terms can restrict withdrawals. Investment bonds may be difficult or impossible to sell before maturity. Charges, penalties or market prices may reduce the amount you recover.

Inflation, interest rates and tax

Inflation can reduce the purchasing power of your returns. Bond prices can fall when interest rates rise. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Do not rely on headline interest alone; consider fees, term and risk.

FCA and FSCS protection

FCA authorisation of a firm does not automatically cover every product or activity it offers. Some bonds and introductions are unregulated. FSCS protection is subject to the type of product, the provider’s status and your eligibility. It does not cover ordinary investment performance losses. Do not assume an investment bond has deposit protection.

Check the FSCS protection checker and the FCA Financial Services Register before proceeding. Verify contact details directly on the register to help avoid clone-firm scams.

Financial promotions

No live rates, return guarantees or product-specific promotions are published on this website. Any future financial promotion requires a review of the applicable restrictions and approval requirements before publication. General warnings do not replace the specific requirements for restricted or high-risk investments.