Equity for Growth: FCA censure and the FSCS claim route
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The Proofmark · Our methodology
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority publicly censured Equity for Growth (Securities) Limited on 30 July 2026. The firm had approved misleading adverts for mini-bonds. It does not mean that every investor will receive a refund.
There is a separate route for claims. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme declared the firm in default on 15 July 2026. Its current firm page says valid claims are assessed individually.
What did Equity for Growth do wrong?
The FCA found that the promotions did not properly disclose high commissions. They also failed to explain that these fees would come out of investors' money. That left people without key facts when deciding whether to invest.
A mini-bond is a way of lending money to a business. The promised return is only part of the picture.
Fees can reduce the sum available for the business to use, while repayment still depends on its ability to pay.
The FCA did not impose a fine because EFG was insolvent. A fine would have left less money for those the firm owed. The public censure records the firm's failings; it is not a payment to investors.
When did the firm fail?
- 25 March 2026: the High Court ordered EFG to be wound up following an FCA petition.
- 15 July 2026: FSCS declared EFG in default.
- 30 July 2026: the FCA announced its public censure over the promotions.
The company was therefore already being wound up before the censure. The court process and the regulator's finding are separate events.
Could I have a claim?
Check the official FSCS page for Equity for Growth, reference 475953. It lists the firm, the investments being checked and how to claim.
A loss alone does not mean you have a valid claim.
If an earlier Financial Ombudsman case was closed while the petition was pending, FSCS says you still need to make a claim to it. Your existing evidence may be transferred with permission.
Do not assume the old complaint automatically became a new claim.
This is a UK process for this firm. It is not a general promise of protection for every mini-bond or every company with a similar name.
What should affected investors prepare?
Find your investment agreement, payment records and the name of the firm that advised or introduced you. Keep the brochure or advert you relied on. Add any complaint reference and replies you received.
Write a short timeline: when you invested, what you were told about fees, and what happened when you asked for help. Keep amounts in their original currency. This makes the records easier to explain.
If the names in your documents differ, do not guess that the firms are the same. Our licence-check guide explains how to compare legal names and register details.
Do I need to pay someone to claim?
FSCS accepts direct claims for free. It says it will not ask for money to make a claim or release compensation. Check unexpected calls and messages through its official contact details before sharing information.
An offer of a guaranteed payout for an upfront fee is a warning sign. Our recovery scam explanation covers this risk.
Would you like help making sense of your paperwork?
Discuss my situation to request a free phone consultation. We can help you organise the facts and understand which questions to ask the official claims team.
Have the investment name and any complaint reference ready. We do not decide FSCS claims or guarantee compensation.
Sources
Where to get help in your country
Choose your country to see where to check a company, report a scam and get help.
Choose your country to see local contacts. If it is not listed, you can ask our team for help.
🇬🇧 The United Kingdom
🔎 Check the firm
FCA Firm Checker — Search the firm name, its website, or the reference number it gave you.
🚨 Report it
Report Fraud (City of London Police) — Report online or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
↩ Ask for your money back
Financial Ombudsman Service — Complain to the firm first, then bring it here. Free, and it can order the firm to pay.
Every address above was opened and checked by us on 30 September 2026. Tell us if one has moved.
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