Glossary:

Safeguarding

Understand what safeguarding means in the context of UK financial services, especially how client funds are protected under regulatory obligations.

TL;DR - Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to the legal duty of firms to protect client funds by holding them separately from operational funds, often in regulated accounts with additional security.

In UK financial services, safeguarding is the practice of holding client money in secure, separate accounts to protect it in the event of firm insolvency or operational failure. It is a key requirement under regulations such as the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and Payment Services Regulations 2017.

Why Safeguarding Matters

Safeguarding provides assurance that client funds are not used for business operations and remain accessible to the rightful owner under all circumstances. It is particularly relevant to third-party managed accounts, probate services, and digital payment providers.

How Safeguarding Works

Firms must open designated safeguarding accounts, typically at a major UK bank or at the Bank of England.
These accounts are ring-fenced from the provider’s operational finances.
Regular reconciliations and audits are conducted to ensure compliance.
If the firm collapses, safeguarded funds are prioritised for return to clients.

Example

A firm like dospay safeguards estate funds at the Bank of England, meaning the money cannot be used for company debts and is fully protected.

Mini-FAQ

Is safeguarding the same as FSCS protection?
No. Safeguarding is a separate form of legal protection. FSCS applies only to certain deposits held with banks.

Do all financial services safeguard funds?
Only firms handling client money under specific regulatory permissions are required to.

Related Words and Terms

Segregation

Learn what segregation means in client money handling, and why keeping estate or client funds separate is essential under UK regulations.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Understand the FSCS and how it protects consumers in the UK if banks, insurers, or other authorised financial firms fail.

Safeguarding

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Our glossary of terms of art in the world of escrow and third-party managed payments

A

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

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B

Bank of England

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C

Client Money Rules (SRA)

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Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF)

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D

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E

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Read more about the meaning of "Escrow" and how it can add transparency, security and trust in high-value, complex or long-term transactions.

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F

FF&E

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Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

Understand the FSCS and how it protects consumers in the UK if banks, insurers, or other authorised financial firms fail.

G

Grant of Probate

Explore what a Grant of Probate is, when it's needed in the UK, how to apply, and why it's essential for lawful estate administration.

H

High-Value Dealer (HVD)

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K

KYB

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KYC

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KYT

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L

Letters of Administration

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O

Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI)

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OS&E

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P

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R

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S

Safeguarding

Understand what safeguarding means in the context of UK financial services, especially how client funds are protected under regulatory obligations.

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T

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U

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