Savings and Loans

Ethical & Secure

Is My Money Safe?

Your money is 100% safe because Credit Unions in the UK are strictly regulated, and we are members of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Credit Union Regulation

The main Act of Parliament which governs how credit unions operate is the Credit Unions Act 1979. This sets out the objects of a credit union: -

1. The promotion of thrift among the members of the society by the accumulation of their savings
2. The creation of sources of credit for the benefit of the members of the society at a fair and reasonable rate of interest
3. The use and control of the members' savings for their mutual benefit
4. The training and education of the members in the wise use of money and in the management of their financial affairs

The Act states that credit unions must have their accounts audited annually by a qualified auditor and that they must be insured against fraud or theft.

Since July 2002 Smart Money Cymru Credit Union has been regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (registration number 213370), as are banks and building societies. The performance of each credit union is monitored by the Prudential Regulation Authority and The Financial Conduct Authority and senior staff and volunteers involved in the running of the Smart Money Cymru Credit Union must be approved by them.

If you have any concerns about how your Credit Union is operated, you are invited to discuss them with the staff or a Board or Supervisory member.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme

We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The FSCS can pay compensation to depositors if a credit union is unable to meet its financial obligations. Most depositors, including most individuals and small businesses, are covered by the scheme.

1. In respect of deposits, an eligible depositor is entitled to claim up to £85,000.
2. For joint accounts each account holder is treated as having a claim in respect of their share so, for a joint account held by two eligible depositors, the maximum amount that could be claimed would be £85,000 each (making a total of £170,000).

For further information about the scheme (including the amounts covered and eligibility to claim) please ask at your local branch, refer to the FSCS website http://www.fscs.org.uk/ or call 0800 678 1100.

Complaints

Credit union members also have the option of complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service, if they don't get satisfaction from their credit union's internal complaints procedure.