What is the FSCS investment protection limit?
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In short: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments if a regulated provider fails — covering cash held in investment accounts, but not losses from poor investment performance or market falls.
Content updated:
FSCS protects customers when an authorised investment firm fails and cannot return client money or assets. The limit is £85,000 per person per firm for investments, separate from the £120,000 deposit limit if the firm holds a different permission — though many groups use one entity for both.
Protection covers cash in a stocks-and-shares platform account, units in funds held in a nominee structure, and some insurance wrappers if the provider fails. It does not compensate for shares that fall in value, fund manager underperformance, or fraud where the firm is still solvent — those are different risks.
Assets held in a SIPP or ISA are still subject to FSCS limits on cash balances with the platform. Listed shares and gilts you own directly are not FSCS-protected, though you remain the legal owner if the broker fails. Check the FCA register and FSCS firm search to confirm your provider is covered.
Primary source: fscs.org.uk/protected/investments
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