Legal Framework
The platform operates within existing UK financial promotion exemptions. We do not require FCA authorisation because we do not arrange, recommend, or advise on investments.
The core argument
Common Interest Investments Ltd is a compliance technology company, not an investment scheme. We provide B2B services to CICs. The investment offers are made by CICs to their own common interest groups. The platform never touches that chain.
CII provides
Compliance templates, Trust Mark verification, investor portal, threshold monitoring.
CII charges
Fixed service fees — not success-based, not a percentage of funds raised.
CII does not
Recommend investments, arrange deals, select offers for investors, or give financial advice.
The exemptions we rely on
CICs issuing their own securities to their common interest group operate within existing exemptions under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the Financial Promotions Order 2005.
| Instrument | Exemption | Ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| Equity (CIC shares) | POATR / s.86 FSMA / Art 52 FPO | £5m rolling 12 months / ≤150 persons |
| Debt (loan notes, bonds) | POATR / s.86 / Art 52 | Same ceilings |
| Promotion (within group) | FPO Art 52 | Unlimited within common interest group |
Important: Nothing on this platform constitutes financial advice. Each issuing CIC remains solely responsible for its own offer and for compliance with all applicable laws. We recommend independent legal advice for any CIC considering a community investment offer.
Open about how it works
We publish our compliance criteria, our process, and our limitations. Trust requires transparency, not legalese.