The financial advice firm Cambrian Associates Limited has entered administration, with joint administrators Dean Watson and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor appointed on 11 June 2025.

Cambrian, authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 158976, had advised on mortgage contracts and investment products, including defined benefit pension transfers. The appointment of administrators follows financial difficulties that prompted the transfer of its regulated business.

Watson and Stanley, licensed by the Insolvency Practitioners Association and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales respectively, confirmed the sale of Cambrian’s regulated business and client assets to HCI Financial Services Limited, which is also authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 197342). The transaction took effect on the same day as the administration.

In a statement, the administrators noted that Cambrian remains subject to FCA rules and oversight during the administration process. The regulator is working closely with the joint administrators to ensure a smooth transition for clients.

Clients are expected to be contacted shortly by HCI, which will set out what the acquisition means for them. The administrators have indicated that the sale of Cambrian’s regulated operations should ensure continuity of service and that the administration should not affect clients.

However, clients with both regulated and unregulated products have been encouraged to seek information from either HCI or the joint administrators should they have concerns.

HCI will also take responsibility for handling complaints relating to Cambrian’s regulated activity for a period of 36 months from the date of the acquisition. Clients wishing to raise issues relating to Cambrian’s past conduct are advised to direct their complaints to HCI in the first instance.