Jul 01, 2023

Security of Funds

The safety and security of your money is our primary concern. We comply with the regulations and ensure your funds are appropriately safeguarded and segregated from business funds in line with the requirements, and we maintain high levels of capital.

Aston acts as Trustee with funds held under statutory trust with Banks here in Guernsey. This creates an explicit link between beneficial owner of the monies, and the Credit institution which is prudentially regulated. In the unlikely event Aston went into liquidation, funds are held off-balance sheet and the Administrator appointed would remit the funds directly back to an account in the clients name.

Regulations

Aston CM (Guernsey) Limited (ACM) is licenced by the Guernsey Financial Service Commission as a Money Service Business and to hold non-deposit repayable funds “customer money” (No. 2804676). Aston CM (Guernsey) Limited is in Guernsey (Registration No. 71484) with registered offices at Suite 1, First Floor, Windsor House, Lower Pollet, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1WF.


ACM is 100% owned by Integral FX LLP, a company incorporated in England & Wales with company number OC345063 and registered office at 73 Watling Street London EC4M 9BJ and regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority FRN: FRN:581992

Fraud Prevention

While we may hope to avoid falling victim to fraud, the prevalence of scams is rising, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant. Aston is dedicated to protecting clients from fraud, and alongside our efforts, there are practical precautions you can implement to safeguard yourself and your business.

The key lies in awareness. Below, we outline some common frauds and scams, along with steps to take to mitigate the risks.

Identity Theft

Criminals often exploit the financial system to launder illicit proceeds, attempting to open accounts in your name or gain control of your existing account. To protect yourself, consider the following precautions:

  • Regularly check your bank statements, promptly reporting any unusual activity.
  • Securely dispose of bank statements and related documents after use.
  • Exercise caution when sharing personal information; understand the purpose and security measures involved.
  • Ensure your social media profiles are set to private.

Email Scams (or "Phishing")

Phishing emails, disguised as communications from trusted organizations, such as banks or tax authorities, pose a significant threat. Be alert to the following warning signs:

  • Poor grammar or spelling errors.
  • Requests for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or account numbers.
  • Calls to re-verify details through email attachments or web links.
  • Threats to close your account if you don't respond.
  • Claims of owed refunds.

If you receive such an email:

  • Do not reply.
  • Avoid clicking on any links or opening attachments.
  • Delete the email and clear your recycle bin.
  • If uncertain, verify the email's legitimacy by visiting the organization's official website or using a known genuine telephone number.

Authorised Push Payment (APP)

Criminals may attempt to deceive you into sending them money through an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam. This typically involves payment for non-existent goods or services or funds sent to a falsely represented "safe" account. Stay vigilant for scam emails indicating last-minute changes to bank details, especially concerning significant purchases. If you suspect an APP scam involving your Aston account, contact your relationship manager.

Payment Diversion

Fraudsters often monitor email traffic to identify payment due dates, sending deceptive messages posing as legitimate firms. Be cautious:

  • Verify the sender's email address.
  • Contact the company using a known, genuine phone number before making any payments.