The Central Bank has issued a warning about an investment firm that it says is operating in the State without permission.

The bank said that Izard Quin Division Holding Limited (Switzerland) has been offering investment services to members of the public but has not received its authorisation.

It is a criminal offence for an investment firm to operate in Ireland unless it has an authorisation from the Central Bank.

“Consumers should be aware that, if they deal with an investment firm which is not authorised, they are not eligible for compensation from the Investor Compensation Scheme,” the Central Bank said.

Anyone wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms is asked to call (01) 2244000.

The Central Bank said that the names of 205 unauthorised firms have been published since it obtained the legal powers to do so in August 1998.