RGL Woodford Group Litigation Claim vs Hargreaves could reach £1 billion

The RGL Woodford Group Litigation against Hargreaves Lansdown so far comprises some 7,000 claimants with more being added every day. RGL has informed us that the average claimant had approximately £20,000 invested and that the average claim value (including the opportunity loss) is also in the region of £20,000.

133,000 Hargreaves clients had £1billion+ invested in Woodford Equity Income Fund (WEIF) at the point of suspension on 19th June 2019, so the potential value of the group claim is substantially larger than the current £140 million and could reach £1billion+.

The average Hargreaves customer in 2019 had c.£75,000 invested on the Hargreaves platform, suggesting that some 10% of affected clients’ portfolios may have been invested in WEIF.

The main concern is how to inform and mobilise the remaining 126,000 potential claimants. The action has been widely covered in the media, but take-up remains low despite the no-win-no-fee nature of the action.

The sums involved are significant, and the missing 126,000 Hargreaves Lansdown Woodford investors could miss out on recoveries averaging up to £7,000, assuming the case is won.

ShareSoc’s endorsement will help reach more potential claimants and should provide additional comfort to those considering joining the RGL Woodford Group Litigation.  But it’s clear that the relevant information hasn’t yet reached many of the affected investors.

What is really needed is for Hargreaves Lansdown to write to all relevant customers to inform them of the RGL Woodford Group action. It’s the right thing for HL’s clients to be fully informed, and it would be a good start in demonstrating a desire on HL’s part to rebuild its tainted reputation.

Would it also help HL achieve the requirements of the FCA Consumer Duty?[1]

Footnote:
[1] The FCA Consumer Duty has 4 objectives:

  • Fair value: Consumers pay a price for products and services that represents fair value and poor value products and services are removed from markets leading to fewer upheld complaints about poor value and unexpected fees or charges.
  • Suitable products and services: Consumers are sold and receive products and services that have been designed to meet their needs, characteristics and objectives leading to a reduction in the number of upheld complaints about products and services not working as expected.
  • Suitable treatment: Consumers receive good customer service leading to a reduction in upheld complaints about switching, cancellation and service levels and customers having higher levels of satisfaction with the service they receive.
  • Confidence: Consumers increase their confidence in financial services markets and are equipped with the right information to make effective, timely and properly informed decisions about their products and services.

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