The Central Bank has issued a warning about an American investment firm operating in this country.

It says Whitaker Corporate Partners does not have permission to provide advice.

It is a criminal offence for any firm to provide financial services in Ireland without authorisation.

A statement from the Central Bank says: "It is a criminal offence for an unauthorised firm/person to provide financial services in Ireland that would require an authorisation under the relevant legislation for which the Central Bank is the responsible body for enforcing. 

"Consumers should be aware that, if they deal with a firm/person who is not authorised, they are not eligible for compensation from the Investor Compensation Scheme."

Consumers who deal with a rogue business are not eligible for compensation and the Central Bank wants anyone with information to contact them directly.

Whitaker Corporate Partners describe themselves as "a multidisciplinary business consulting and investments firm represented in various countries across major economic regions."