The Central Bank issued a warning today naming two firms in the State that areoperating as unauthorised investment firms.
The warning notice names Smith and Henderson Associates, Ltd (China and Spain) and Bull and Bear Capital Management (BVI) Limited (Spain and Switzerland).
The firms have been offering various investment business services to members of the public.
It is a criminal offence for an investment firm to operate within the State unless it has authorisation from the Central Bank. Clients of unauthorised firms are not eligible for compensation under the Investor Compensation Scheme.
Any person wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms may telephone the bank at lo-call 1890-200-469.
The line is also available for queries relating to whether or not an investment firm is authorised by the Central Bank.
Since obtaining the legal powers to publicly warn about unauthorised firms in August 1998, the Bank has issued 36 warnings naming 74 firms.