Current Status
The Dormant Assets Scheme has now expanded into the investment & wealth management sector
Four firms are participating in the non-fluctuating (cash) assets element of the DAS.
The fluctuating value (investments) assets element of the DAS will open in 2026.
The Dormant Assets Scheme is an industry-led voluntary initiative established in 2011 which is backed by the UK Government and regulators. To date, £1bn of dormant assets – money in financial accounts where the firm is no longer in contact with the customer – has been put to use by charities and organisations for the benefit of social and environmental causes.
The Investment sector is now able to transfer money into the Scheme following expansion.
Firms can transfer 'assets of non-fluctuating value' (ie, cash balances) from now, or 'assets of fluctuating value' (ie, invested assets) once the legal agreement is complete (expected in 2026).
Background to the Scheme
Operated by Reclaim Fund Limited (RFL), the Scheme has released £1bn to good causes across the United Kingdom, and in future will be able to do more now that it is being expanded into other financial services sectors such as ours.
Importantly, assets are only able to be transferred into the Scheme once firms have completed their first priority of tracing and reuniting owners with their assets. Even then, asset owners are able - at any time - to reclaim the amount that would have been due to them had the transfer to the Scheme not taken place. This includes any valuation growth for assets in investment funds after the transfer date.
Why firms should consider participating
The Scheme deploys money that would otherwise remain dormant and puts it to good use across the UK. Firms are able to demonstrate their social conscience and practically support a wide range of charitable and other organisations in their work. Recipient organisations report annually on how the money has been deployed; this information can be utilised by firms in their own shareholder reports. As the assets can be reclaimed in full at any time participation comes at no risk to either the asset owner or the firm. Existing options for paying dormant assets away to charity or to the originating fund are fairly limited, and in the case of direct transfer to charity contain no ability to reclaim the money at a later date, or to release the obligation to the asset owner.
Current activities & next steps
The DAS is now open for cash assets:
- The Dormant Assets Act 2022 expanded the Scheme to the Investment & Wealth Management and the Securities and Insurance sectors;
- The FCA'S PS24-10 amended handbook rules to allow investment firms to access the Scheme;
- The legal agreement governing the entry and ongoing requirements for participation in the Scheme is negotiated at sector level, co-ordinated by the IA. The transfer & agency agreement (TAA) covering assets of non-fluctuating value was agreed in May 2025.
For invested assets, the TAA is under negotiation and is expected to complete in 2026.
Actions for Firms
- Liaise with your operational teams / transfer agent if relevant, to ensure they can support the operational requirements of the Scheme;
- Ensure your dormant assets records are up to date and that your tracing and reunification efforts are being carried out to the maximum extent;
- Firms interested in participating in the Scheme should contact the IA in the first instance.
Joining the Dormant Assets Scheme
RFL Scheme Introduction for I&WM sector Apr25
DAS TAA - NonFluctuating Inv Assets - Final May25
HMG DAS Strategy - Jun25
IA Principles for Maintaining Active Client Relationships
Useful links:
Background:
IA Resources:
- Guide to Participation - interactive version or pdf version
- FAQs
- Model disclosures
- Principles for Maintaining Active Client Relationships
- IA Unclaimed Assets Portal
Terms and Conditions:
- Transfer & Agency Agreement (excluding assets of fluctuating value)
Legislation:
Regulation:
Tax:
- HMT policy paper on CGT implications
- Finance Act 2022: Schedule 6 - the tax implications
- ISA regulations allowing reclaimed money to go back into an ISA
Operations:
Allocation of funding to beneficiaries:
- HMG Dormant Assets Strategy - Jun 25
- Financial Capability delivered by Fair4All Finance
- More information on Community Wealth Funds
Contact
John Allan | Head of Innovation and Operations Unit
John can also point members to:
Jasveer Singh | Industry Champion for the I&WM Sector and member of the Dormant Assets Expansion Board
Steve Doyle | Chair of the IA Dormant Assets Scheme Implementation Forum
