Curtis Banks ?

50Twuncle

Anyone using Curtis Banks for a SIPP pension ?
Are they any good ?
(This is for my wifes pension)

SonOf

SIPPs are largely like supermarkets. They all pretty much offer the same thing. Just prices may vary and the level of service.

Curtis Banks are more for those looking at more specialist options that require the full SIPP functionality. Not those wanting to use investment funds, ITS, or ETFs (which CB will do but probably not as cost-effectively as the mainstream platfroms)

Marcon

What defines 'good' for you? Wide range of fund choices, brilliant online access, low charges, level of funds under management...? Obviously the answer would be 'all' if it could be, but sadly you need to prioritise the things which matter most to you and then see how the SIPP providers stack up. Why are you looking at Curtis Banks - what drew them to you? See whether other SIPP providers offer the same thing and more.

Albermarle

Here is a link to details about the more mainstream SIPP providers for comparison.

https://monevator.com/compare-uk-cheapest-online-brokers/

chrisschofield

They were a good company when owned by Suffolk Life. As soon as Curtis Banks took them over they hiked their fees by 50%. I called them to advise them I would be transferring out to a new provider when I got the increased fee advice. I transferred out and they still charged me 100% fee for the whole year for doing nothing. It took them seven months to complete the transfer which was one UK stock in specie. I would avoid this company at all costs.

ValR123

TERRIBLE COMPANY!
I have a SIPP with Fishers - who are brilliant! However, for reasons which I cannot fathom, Fishers have forced me to use Curtis Banks for the administration of my SIPP, including the ''management'' of my property portfolio and my pension payments. Based on my several years of experience, I can honestly say that Curtis Banks is THE most arrogant and incompetent organisation I have ever had the misfortune to deal with. They screw up EVERYTHING - leases expired, rent not collected, incorrect tax deducted from pension payments. They couldn't even manage to process a simple change of bank without interrupting my monthly pension payments! My own solicitor, who has dealt with all my legal affairs for decades, has flatly refused to have any more dealings with this cowboy outfit and has told me that if I need a solicitor for the resurrection of the expired leases, I shall have to look elsewhere.
As I said, Fishers are brilliant, but I have now told them that if they continue to force me to deal with Curtis Banks, I shall have no option but to transfer my SIPP elsewhere. Take a look at the google reviews and you will see that they are ALL one star(as you can't give zero) and on review confirms that someone else has had to resort to the same solution and switch their SIPP because their original investment managers outsourced the admin to Curtis Banks. 

black353

I agree with the ValR123 regards Curtis Banks, I have experinced and continue to experince the same  problems . They have cost me £1000s in lost rent  etc  , I am now going to take legal advice  as to my position and will be reporting them to the relevant authorities . I wish I never was advised to use them . 

TonyH0404

I am and have experienced the same issues with Curtis Banks - maybe we should all get together and act as one?

SDMMck

I agree with all the comments posted about Curtis Banks SIPP, i am having unbelievable problems with this Company. Failure to communicate with client, their portal is a joke, messages disappear from inbox, impossible to speak to anyone. They do not follow instructions given by the client, acting as if the investment was their money!! Shocking on every level. 

mrsq

Hello, We have had the most distressing service from Curtis Banks on the back of our late father's death over three years ago. Since then, we have experienced admin failures, out of office, lack of emails and no action. The transfer from our late father's SIPP to our two individual SIPP's remains incomplete. I am at my wits end. I have made a formal complaint to Curtis Banks, they apologised and offered a paltry sum of compensation. I have sent it to the ombudsman and received no response. I have contacted BBC You and Yours. I have spoken to a lawyer and I know we have a case but I just don't have the fight in me. Would anyone else like to join forces and pursue legal action? Perhaps people power might be the answer?

Vespaboy

Not all SIPPs allow for Property to be held in them . Members  tend to forget that the legal title for their property is vested in the SIPP which is a separate legal entity so whilst they may be the beneficial owner the legal paperwork needs to be done by the SIPP company.

Dealing with any Property held in a pension fund is always  far more difficult and more time consuming, the SIPP company has a lot of legal hoops to jump through hence it can take a long time and also can be very frustrating for everyone concerned. Often delays can be down to the member themselves not dealing with the relevant paperwork or dealing with the property correctly.

I am not defending Curtis Banks or any other SIPP provider but just bear in mind it is far more involved than if you just owned the property in your name so will take a lot longer to buy or sell or lease etc. I would also make sure you put everything in writing so that instructions are clear and confirmed