AML / Financial Crime regulatory updates from United Kingdom.
We track 109 AML / Financial Crime updates from United Kingdom regulators, published by FCA and BoE. The archive covers 50 warnings, 35 news items and 15 enforcement actions. Most recent update: September 2026. Coverage runs from 2022 to 2026.
Financial firms are shutting down hundreds of thousands of suspected money mule accounts, but organised criminal groups are still shifting dirty money through multiple bank accounts before cashing out. An FCA survey found firms have closed an increasing number of suspected mule accounts over the last 3 years: 238,396…
Why this matters
This is an FCA enforcement update based on a multi-firm survey of 35 institutions covering retail banks, building societies, challenger banks, payment institutions and e-money institutions.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The FCA has published a standard warning against an unauthorised entity (@Meersahabgq) operating via social media and messaging platforms. The content is administrative in nature—a clone-firm alert directing consumers to avoid an unregistered operator and explaining protections available only through authorised firms.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The update is an FCA warning against a specific unauthorised entity (@Bitoni1Audrey) operating via social media and messaging platforms, likely engaged in fraudulent trading or investment promotion. The content supports Authorisation & Licensing (firm lacks FCA permission) and AML / Financial Crime (scam warning).
Speech by Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments, at the 2026 Investor Summit. Speaker: Lucy Castledine, director, consumer investmentsEvent: Investor Summit 2026, LondonDelivered: 18 September 2026Note: This is the speech as drafted and may differ from the delivered versionReading time: 7 minutesKey…
Why this matters
This is an FCA director's speech outlining the regulator's strategic direction on retail investments. It references several live or imminent regulatory changes: the Targeted Support regime (already live in April 2026 with 9 authorised firms), simplified advice framework (consultation completed, policy statement...
Speech by Steve Smart, executive director of enforcement and market oversight, at the Law Society Economic Crime Conference 2026. IntroductionA few weeks ago, I visited the Bank of England Museum to see a new exhibition on financial crime. I had expected banknotes and gold bars – not bees.Rather than bullion, I saw a…
Why this matters
This is an informational speech by FCA leadership outlining regulatory strategy and future supervisory intentions. It provides noteworthy policy signals regarding AML supervision expansion, intelligence-led approaches, and partnership frameworks, but does not impose immediate binding obligations.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The update is an FCA warning about a specific fraudulent clone firm impersonating an authorised entity. It provides details to help consumers identify and avoid the scam, and directs them to report suspected fraud.
The FCA and partners have taken further action against illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading in London. The FCA has carried out further operations with partners to disrupt illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading across multiple London locations.Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Metropolitan Police Service…
Why this matters
The FCA announcement describes a coordinated multi-agency enforcement operation (FCA, HMRC, Metropolitan Police) against illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading, with cease-and-desist letters issued to 3 premises.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could access finance more easily after the FCA sets out practical steps to help. An FCA review found no evidence that its regulation is a major barrier for SME access to finance. Many of the challenges identified relate to wider market, information and capability…
Why this matters
This is an informational speech outlining the FCA's review findings and next steps to support SME access to finance. The content signals regulatory direction on three specific areas: proportionate regulation via Consumer Credit Act reform, open finance development with SME lending as a use case, and monitoring of...
We are investigating potential offences by Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd (EES). The reason for opening the investigation is that it appears to us that, between 1 February 2020 and 4 June 2026, EES may have committed offences under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the…
Why this matters
This is an active FCA investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd for potential Money Laundering Regulations violations spanning over 6 years. The enforcement action is substantive: the firm has been shut down, interim managers appointed, special administrators installed, and assets frozen.
We are investigating potential offences by Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd (EES). The reason for opening the investigation is that it appears to us that, between 1 February 2020 and 4 June 2026, EES may have committed offences under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the…
Why this matters
This is an FCA announcement of an active investigation into Euro Exchange Securities UK Ltd for potential Money Laundering Regulations violations spanning over six years. The firm has already been required to cease regulated activities and is under special administration.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The update is a standard FCA warning about fraudsters impersonating an authorised payment services firm (Money Compass Limited). It contains no new rules, guidance, or enforcement precedent.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of an authorised firm (Money Compass Limited) operating under the domain themoneycompass.net. The content is informational and protective in nature, advising consumers to verify firm authorisation via the FCA Firm Checker and report suspected scams.
The FCA has banned Nurul Miah, also known as Neil Mia and Neil Miah, from working in financial services. The FCA acted after the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) found that Mr Miah, who was a non-legal manager at Kingly Solicitors Limited, dishonestly caused or allowed more than £28m of client money to be taken…
Why this matters
This is a final enforcement action (Final Notice) by the FCA banning an individual from financial services. The case involves serious financial crime (theft of client money exceeding £28m) and governance failure by a senior manager.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of FXPRO UK Limited (a forex/CFD broker) impersonating an authorised firm. The content is administrative in nature—a standard scam alert—but warrants high urgency because it alerts firms and consumers to active fraud.
Christopher Woolcott has pleaded guilty to 4 counts of fraud and forgery after creating a fake takeover bid for Touchstone Exploration Inc. Mr Woolcott held shares in Touchstone Exploration Inc and stood to benefit financially from any upward movement in the share price had the fake takeover bid been announced to the…
Why this matters
This is a criminal enforcement case involving fraud and forgery related to a fake takeover bid designed to manipulate share prices. The case demonstrates FCA's commitment to tackling market abuse and financial crime as stated in their 5-year strategy.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The update is a standard FCA warning against an unauthorised firm (Secure Beacon Finances) operating without permission. It covers multiple financial services sectors and emphasises consumer protection, authorisation requirements, and fraud prevention.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts consumers to an unauthorized clone firm impersonating a genuine recognized fund. The content is administrative in nature—identifying fraudulent contact details and advising protective measures—with no binding obligations on regulated firms.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorised clone firm impersonating Zodiac Partners Ltd to defraud consumers. While the content addresses financial crime and consumer protection through fraud alerts, it is a standard administrative warning rather than a binding regulatory update, policy statement, or enforcement...
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts consumers to an unauthorized clone firm impersonating NEST Invest Limited. The content is administrative in nature—a specific fraud alert rather than a binding rule or policy change—placing it at significance level 1.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts the public to an unauthorized clone firm impersonating Allenby Capital Limited. The content is administrative in nature (a specific fraud alert) but carries high urgency due to active scam risk.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts the public to a fraudulent clone of Aptus Capital Ltd (FRN 1035231) operating under aptcapital.live. The content is administrative in nature—identifying a specific scam and directing consumers to verification tools—rather than establishing new rules or enforcement precedent.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA has issued a warning about an unauthorised clone firm impersonating Flagstone Investment Management Limited. The content is informational and protective in nature, alerting consumers to fraud and directing them to verify firm authorisation.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies Red Matter Capital Ltd as an unauthorised firm operating without permission and potentially targeting UK consumers. While the content emphasizes consumer protection and the importance of authorisation, it is a standard warning notice about a single firm rather than a policy change,...
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts consumers to a fraudulent clone impersonating an authorised firm (Reclaim Experts Ltd). The content is administrative in nature—identifying fraudulent contact details and directing consumers to verify firm authorisation—with no binding obligations on regulated firms.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of Master Trading Limited (FRN 990287) operating under mastertrdlmt.com. The content is primarily informational and protective in nature, alerting consumers to an unauthorised firm impersonating an authorised entity.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA Warning List entry for an unauthorised firm operating via social media (X/Telegram) without FCA permission. The content is informational and protective in nature, alerting consumers to a scam operation.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA unauthorised firm warning targeting @NexatradexGold1, a social media-based entity offering trading signals without FCA permission. The content addresses authorisation breaches and consumer protection risks (no FSCS/ombudsman coverage).
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The update is an FCA warning against a specific unauthorised entity (@MrGoldman_CJ) operating via social media and Telegram, targeting UK consumers. It contains no new rules, guidance, or policy changes—only a consumer alert about an unregistered operator.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA Warning List entry for an unauthorised firm (@AiJokerFX) operating via social media and messaging platforms, likely offering forex or trading services without permission.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is an FCA Warning List entry for an unauthorised firm (SMART SELECT ONLINE TRADE) operating without permission. The content is primarily consumer-facing guidance on how to identify and avoid unauthorised firms, with emphasis on lack of FCA authorisation, absence of Ombudsman/FSCS protections, and fraud risk.
The FCA has decided to ban 3 former senior figures at Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited (Dolfin) after finding they ran a scheme that helped clients bypass UK visa rules. Former chief executive Denisz Nagy has been fined £324,800 and former finance director Sanjay Maraj £122,000 for their roles in the scheme. Both have…
AI Analysis
The FCA has prohibited three former senior figures at Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited after finding that they operated a scheme which enabled at least 99 people to obtain Tier 1 investor visas while contributing about £400,000 rather than the required £2 million investment. Denisz Nagy and Sanjay Maraj accepted fines of £324,800 and £122,000 respectively, while Roman Joukovski’s prohibition remains provisional because he has referred the Decision Notice to the Upper Tribunal. The enforcement action highlights the FCA’s willingness to treat dishonesty, concealment from regulators and immigration-related misconduct as evidence of a lack of integrity and fitness and propriety, with potential consequences extending beyond conventional financial-services conduct.
Key dates
2016-01-01
The period began during which the FCA found that the investor-visa scheme operated; the exact start date is not specified in the publication.
2019-01-01
The period ended during which the FCA found that the scheme operated; the exact end date is not specified in the publication.
2021-03-12
The FCA imposed restrictions preventing Dolfin from carrying on regulated activities, following concerns including its operation of the investor-visa funding scheme.
2021-06-01
Dolfin entered special administration; the exact date in June is not specified in the publication.
2022-02-17
The Home Office closed the Tier 1 investor visa route of entry to the UK.
2026-08-26
The FCA published the enforcement announcement concerning the bans, fines and Joukovski Decision Notice.
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams may wish to review whether any product or client arrangement could create a misleading impression that a regulatory, immigration or other statutory investment threshold has been met when the client’s own qualifying capital is materially lower.
Firms should consider testing the end-to-end governance of immigration-linked investment business, including approval of the business model, ownership and control disclosures, conflicts management, introducer due diligence, fee flows and oversight of connected or offshore entities.
Firms may wish to reassess source-of-funds and source-of-wealth controls where client investments are supported by loans, circular funding, guarantees or funds provided by affiliated entities, and document why the resulting structure is consistent with the relevant immigration and financial-services requirements.
Senior managers and boards should consider whether regulatory submissions, notifications and attestations fully disclose shadow directorships, controllers, beneficial ownership, related-party involvement and the true commercial purpose of client arrangements.
Firms should consider conducting targeted reviews of historical investor-visa or residence-by-investment clients, including communications and files supplied to regulators or other public authorities, and escalating any potentially misleading statement or omission through the appropriate remediation and notification processes.
Training and surveillance may be reviewed to ensure staff understand that conduct outside the core regulated service, including assistance with immigration-rule circumvention, can affect the firm’s and individuals’ integrity, fitness and propriety.
Where third-party immigration agents or introducers are used, firms may wish to assess their incentives, remuneration, representations to clients, due-diligence records and ongoing monitoring, particularly where fees are unusually high or linked to visa approval.
What changed
This is a final enforcement outcome for Nagy and Maraj, not a new generally applicable rule or supervisory requirement. Both were prohibited from performing any function in relation to regulated activities; Nagy’s discounted penalty was £324,800, compared with an undiscounted £464,000, and Maraj’s discounted penalty was £122,000, compared with an undiscounted £174,300. Joukovski was issued a Decision Notice proposing a prohibition order, but the proposed action has no effect pending the Upper Tribunal’s determination.
Compliance impact
The action is severe for the individuals involved: two received industry-wide prohibitions and substantial personal fines, while the third faces a prohibition that remains subject to Tribunal proceedings. Although it does not create new obligations for all firms, it is a strong enforcement signal that deliberate circumvention of another authority’s rules, misleading communications, undisclosed control and weak oversight of high-risk business can support findings that individuals lack integrity and are not fit and proper, and can contribute to firm-wide restrictions or failure.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone impersonating Choice Finance Mortgages & Financial Solutions Limited. The content is administrative in nature (a specific scam alert) rather than establishing new rules or policy, placing it at significance level 1.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone impersonating DB UK Bank Limited (FRN 140848). The content is administrative in nature—a public alert about an unauthorised firm—but carries high urgency because it addresses active financial crime and consumer protection.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts consumers to fraudsters impersonating Bondsmith Savings Ltd (FRN 955601 and 1021751). The clone uses similar branding and contact details to deceive victims.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of Zenith Investment Management Ltd impersonating an authorised asset manager. The content is administrative in nature—a standard consumer alert about an unauthorised firm—but carries high urgency due to active scam activity targeting consumers.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a specific fraudulent clone firm impersonating an authorised entity (MSF Easy Solutions Limited). It provides detection details, explains consumer protection gaps when dealing with unauthorised firms, and directs users to verification tools and reporting mechanisms.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone firm impersonating an authorised entity. The content is informational and protective in nature, advising consumers on verification procedures and reporting mechanisms.
The FCA is warning consumers about the risks of investing in loan notes and mini-bonds issued by unregulated companies, after continuing to see people lose money in these high-risk investments. The recent failure of Woodville Consultants Ltd, a litigation funder that raised capital from retail investors through…
AI Analysis
The FCA has issued a consumer-investment warning following the 16 July 2026 administration of Woodville Consultants Ltd, which raised retail capital through unregulated loan notes and left investors exposed to potentially substantial losses without normal FCA, Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection. The publication is not a new rule or enforcement decision against a named distributor, but it signals intensified scrutiny of unlawful financial promotions, introducers, misleading investor-status certifications, hidden commissions and structures designed to avoid the regulatory perimeter.
Key dates
2021-01-01
The FCA’s permanent restriction on marketing speculative illiquid securities, including relevant mini-bonds and loan notes, to retail investors took effect under COBS 4.14.
2026-01-01
The UK regime regulating offers of securities to the public came into force under the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024.
2026-07-16
Robert Goodhew and Andrew Stoneman of Kroll Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Woodville Consultants Ltd.
2026-08-20
The FCA publication was updated and warned consumers and market participants about risky mini-bonds, loan notes and related financial promotions.
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams should inventory current and proposed promotions, introducer arrangements and distribution channels involving loan notes, mini-bonds, litigation funding, private credit or other potentially speculative illiquid securities.
Firms should document the classification analysis under FCA COBS 4.14, including whether the security is speculative and illiquid, whether it is excluded from the restriction, and the precise exemption relied upon for any retail communication.
Authorised firms should verify that every financial promotion is made or approved within the firm’s permission and competence, is fair, clear and not misleading under FCA Principle 7 and COBS 4, and contains sufficiently prominent explanations of capital-loss, liquidity, issuer-default and compensation-scheme risks.
Firms should not rely solely on an investor’s self-certification as a high-net-worth or sophisticated investor; compliance teams may wish to test the basis, timing, wording and evidence for each investor-status declaration against the applicable Financial Promotion Order exemptions.
Banks, payment firms and professional intermediaries should consider enhanced onboarding and transaction-monitoring controls for unusual high-yield investment flows, unexplained introducer commissions, overseas exchange references, trust structures and claims of FCA-regulated involvement that may create a misleading halo effect.
Distribution agreements should clearly identify fees, commissions, conflicts and the party responsible for the promotion, with controls to prevent unauthorised introducers from soliciting UK retail investors or passing them to unauthorised issuers.
Firms should assess whether a proposed public offer engages the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations 2024 and related FCA requirements, while treating that assessment as separate from financial-promotion, authorisation, conduct and investor-protection analysis.
Relevant firms and professional intermediaries should retain evidence of due diligence, approvals, investor categorisation, risk disclosures, payment flows and complaints handling, and consider reporting suspicious activity or unlawful promotions to the FCA.
What changed
The FCA has reiterated that speculative illiquid securities, including most mini-bonds and loan notes, have been subject to a permanent restriction on their marketing to retail investors since 1 January 2021 under FCA COBS 4.14. The restriction does not make every loan note unlawful or bring every issuer within FCA authorisation; firms must separately assess whether the instrument falls within the restricted category, whether an exemption applies, and whether the promotion is made or approved by an authorised person in accordance with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the...
Compliance impact
The immediate impact is principally supervisory and conduct-related rather than a new binding obligation: firms that communicate, approve, facilitate or fund these promotions may face FCA intervention, demands to stop unlawful promotions, enforcement referral and potential regulatory or reputational consequences. Investors may lose all invested capital and are generally unlikely to have FOS or FSCS recourse where the issuer and activity are unauthorised or unregulated; the Woodville administration demonstrates that recovery may depend on insolvency proceedings.
These high-risk investments should not usually be advertised widely to the public. We banned the marketing of speculative mini-bonds and loan notes to ordinary retail investors from 1 January 2021.We did this because these are complicated investments, not suitable for most people. The ban means these high-risk…
AI Analysis
The FCA published an enforcement-oriented consumer warning on 19 August 2026, updated 20 August 2026, highlighting continued retail marketing of unregulated loan notes and mini-bonds through exemptions and unauthorised intermediaries. It does not introduce a new rule, but reinforces that the permanent prohibition on mass-marketing speculative illiquid securities to ordinary retail investors has applied since 1 January 2021 and that investors may lack Financial Ombudsman Service and Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection.
Key dates
2020-01-01
The FCA's temporary product intervention restricting mass-marketing of speculative illiquid securities to retail investors took effect.
2020-12-10
The FCA published PS20/15, confirming permanent rules for marketing speculative illiquid securities, including speculative mini-bonds, to retail investors.
2021-01-01
The permanent FCA restrictions on mass-marketing speculative illiquid securities to ordinary retail investors came into force.
2026-08-19
The FCA published the consumer warning following continuing losses and concerns about unregulated loan notes and mini-bonds, including the collapse of Woodville Consultants Limited.
2026-08-20
The FCA page was updated; the publication continues to operate as a warning and supervisory or enforcement signal rather than a new rule.
Suggested considerations
Compliance teams may wish to inventory all loan notes, mini-bonds, debentures, preference shares, and comparable securities promoted, approved, advised on, arranged, or distributed by the firm.
Firms should consider testing each product against the FCA definition of a speculative illiquid security, including the denomination threshold of less than £100,000, the use of proceeds, transferability, listing, and the applicable exemptions.
Authorised firms should consider blocking mass-market communications, including websites, social-media advertising, broad email campaigns, affiliate content, and introducer activity, where the promotion is likely to reach ordinary retail clients.
Where an exemption is relied on, firms should consider evidencing investor eligibility, the basis for any high-net-worth or sophisticated-investor status, the timing and validity of the investor declaration, and controls preventing onward dissemination to ineligible persons.
Firms approving or communicating relevant promotions should consider verifying that required risk warnings, loss-of-capital disclosures, liquidity and default information, and third-party fee or commission disclosures are accurate, prominent, and consistent across all distribution channels.
Due diligence should consider whether claims such as asset-backed, secured, FCA-authorised security trustee, listed, or fixed return accurately describe the legal and economic position of investors.
Compliance teams may wish to review introducer agreements, commission arrangements, marketing costs, investor-money flows, and the proportion of subscriptions actually applied to the underlying investment.
Firms should consider checking that communications do not use artificial deadlines, pressure tactics, unrealistic return comparisons, or performance claims unsupported by a credible explanation of repayment capacity.
What changed
No new binding requirement or prohibition was introduced by this publication. The FCA restated that its permanent rules prohibit authorised firms from approving or communicating financial promotions for speculative illiquid securities in a manner likely to be received by retail clients, subject to defined exemptions.
Compliance impact
The immediate legal impact is limited because the publication restates existing requirements, but the supervisory and enforcement signal is material: the FCA is scrutinising authorised firms, approvers, introducers, and distribution channels that may allow prohibited retail reach or misleading credibility cues. Breaches may expose authorised firms to FCA intervention, financial-promotion remediation, supervisory investigation, and potential enforcement, while investors using unauthorised firms may lose some or all capital without access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or FSCS.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of an authorised PCP claims firm (Jigsaw Claims Ltd). The content is administrative in nature—a specific scam alert—but carries high urgency because it warns of active fraud targeting consumers.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorised clone firm (gsbcapital.pro) impersonating the authorised GSB Capital Ltd. The content is primarily informational and protective in nature, advising consumers on verification procedures and reporting mechanisms.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of Fortrade Limited (an authorised broker-dealer). The content is primarily administrative and consumer-protective in nature—alerting the public to an unauthorised firm impersonating a regulated entity.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of an authorised firm (hanfcl.com impersonating Hanley Financial Consultants Limited). The content is informational and protective in nature, advising consumers to verify firm authorisation via FCA Firm Checker and report suspected scams.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorized clone firm impersonating House Trading Financial Services Ltd to defraud consumers. The content is administrative in nature—a standard fraud alert—but carries high urgency due to active scam activity targeting UK consumers.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
The update is an FCA warning notice against a specific unauthorised firm (Neu Finances) operating without permission in the UK. It alerts consumers to avoid the firm and explains protections they lack (FSCS, FOS coverage).
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone impersonating Trinity Street Asset Management LLP (an authorised asset manager). The content is administrative in nature—a standard consumer alert about an unauthorised firm—but carries high urgency because it warns of active scams and directs consumers to verify firm...
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a fraudulent clone of CapitalRise Finance Limited (FRN 816789) operating under capitalrisefinancelimited.com. The content is primarily informational and protective in nature, alerting consumers to an unauthorised firm impersonating an authorised entity.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The update is an FCA warning about an unauthorised clone firm impersonating legitimate lending firms. It provides fraud alert details (fake contact information, website) and directs consumers to verify authorisation via FCA Firm Checker.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The update is an administrative warning about fraudulent clone firms impersonating FCA-authorised lenders (Cairn Loan Investments). It provides contact details of scammers, genuine firm information, and consumer protection guidance.
We are concerned about a number of risks among unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies (Annex 1 firms). Firms including unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies, need to be registered with us for anti-money laundering…
AI Analysis
The FCA has announced that it is increasing scrutiny of **Annex 1 firms**—including unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers, and financial leasing companies—because of perceived financial crime and consumer-risk vulnerabilities. The key compliance message is that these firms must be **registered with the FCA for AML purposes**, must show they can comply with the Money Laundering Regulations, and should expect **longer registration timelines** and more intrusive supervisory information requests.
Key dates
20 March 2026
- The FCA published the statement announcing increased scrutiny of Annex 1 firms and warning that registration applications should be expected to take longer
TBD (ongoing, from the date of publication)
- Annex 1 firms that are not registered should submit a registration application before continuing Annex 1 activity, because the FCA states such firms need to be registered for AML purposes
TBD (ongoing supervisory cycle)
- Around 900 Annex 1 firms are subject to FCA information requests to support supervisory risk assessment and intelligence gathering
Suggested considerations
Confirm whether any UK business line falls within Annex 1 scope and, if so, verify that the entity is registered with the FCA for AML purposes before continuing the activity.
Submit a registration application immediately if the firm carries on Annex 1 activity without being registered.
Reassess the firm’s AML framework at entity level, rather than relying on group-level policies or parent-company controls, and document why the controls are appropriate for the firm’s own risks and operations.
Replace any generic or off-the-shelf procedures with policies, controls, and procedures tailored to the firm’s actual products, customers, geographies, and delivery model.
Prepare evidence of MLR compliance for FCA review, including risk assessment logic, governance arrangements, customer due diligence processes, and monitoring controls.
What changed
- The FCA is closely scrutinising applications to register as an Annex 1 firm, indicating a tougher gateway for new registrations and potentially more refusals or delay where evidence is weak.
Annex 1 firms must demonstrate compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations, rather than merely assert that controls exist.
The FCA is warning firms that registration applications will take longer, which affects launch plans, transaction timing, and group structuring decisions.
The FCA has sent an information request to around 900 Annex 1 firms to better understand their activities, business models, and risks.
The FCA says it will use this information, together with other intelligence, to identify and disrupt financial crime risks in the sector.
Compliance impact
Non-compliance creates material regulatory and financial crime risk, including exposure to FCA supervisory action, delays in registration, and potential disruption to business operations. For regulated firms that transact with Annex 1 entities, weak due diligence may also create conduct and AML control failures if counterparties are misclassified or unregistered.
On 30 July 2026, Lucy Beck attended Southwark Crown Court for a hearing in relation to unauthorised promotions on social media. Ms Beck entered a not guilty plea and the date of her trial has been set as 12 June 2028.It is alleged that Ms Beck promoted buying and selling Foreign Exchange Contracts for Difference…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against individual promoting unauthorised FX CFD trading on social media. Classified as informational news update on criminal proceedings. Relevant to all firms regarding compliance with FSMA 2000 authorisation requirements and social media promotion restrictions.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies a specific fraudulent clone firm impersonating an authorised entity. While the content addresses financial crime and consumer protection, it is a standard administrative alert rather than a binding obligation, policy statement, or enforcement precedent.
Victims of convicted fraudster John Burford are set to recover the majority of the money they invested after the FCA obtained a confiscation order against him. In September 2025 Mr Burford, 86, was sentenced to 2 years in prison for defrauding over 100 investors out of £1m.He offered trade alerts and investment…
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
This is an FCA warning about fraudsters impersonating an authorised firm (SHF Compliance Limited). The content is informational and defensive in nature—alerting consumers to a specific scam rather than imposing new obligations or enforcement action.
The FCA has decided to ban a father and son from UK financial services after the High Court found that they had engaged in fraud and misused client money.
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against insurance brokers for fraud and misuse of client money. This is informational news content regarding a completed High Court judgment and regulatory decision, not requiring immediate action from other firms.
Four people have been arrested and search warrants executed in Hackney, Beckenham and Slough as part of a FCA and police investigation into fraud and money laundering. The arrests and searcheswere carried out by the police’s Eastern Region Special Operations Unit and South East Regional Organised Crime Unit with the…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against fraud and money laundering involving arrests and searches. This is informational news content about ongoing investigation with no immediate regulatory requirement changes. Affects all financial services firms subject to AML obligations.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorised clone firm impersonating Gate Insurance Brokers Limited to defraud consumers. The content is administrative in nature (a specific fraud alert) but carries high urgency due to active scam activity and direct consumer risk.
The FCA led an international crackdown on illegal finfluencer promotions – resulting in 3 arrests and 650 social media takedown requests. It also secured a combined 11 years in prison for 2 cases of insider dealing in the first year of its 5-year strategy, according to its Annual report and accounts published today…
Why this matters
FCA annual report announcing enforcement actions against market abuse, finfluencer fraud, and insider dealing; consumer protection initiatives including Firm Checker and BNPL rules; and pro-growth measures. Content is informational/strategic rather than requiring immediate compliance action.
Richard Bloomfield has been charged by the FCA with 5 counts of insider dealing. The FCA alleges that in his role as a solicitor at a law firm, Mr Bloomfield worked on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC and used inside information obtained through his role to deal in securities of Seraphine Group PLC on 5 occasions…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against individual for insider dealing involving securities trading. Classified as informational news update regarding market abuse prosecution. Relevant to all firms given the general nature of insider dealing compliance obligations.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorised clone firm impersonating Algebris (UK) Limited, a legitimate investment manager. The content is administrative in nature—a standard fraud alert—but carries high urgency due to active scam activity targeting consumers.
The Retail Payments Infrastructure Board (RPIB), led by the Bank of England, recently published a consultation on the future retail payments infrastructure.To support the consultation, the Payment Vision Delivery Committee (PVDC) which comprises representatives of HM Treasury, the FCA, Bank of England and the PSR, has…
AI Analysis
The FCA statement confirms that the Retail Payments Infrastructure Board (RPIB), led by the Bank of England, has launched a major consultation on the **design of the future UK retail payments infrastructure**, supported by contextual material from the Payments Vision Delivery Committee (PVDC). This marks a key implementation step in the UK National Payments Vision, with significant implications for commercial models, access, consumer protection and financial crime controls across all retail payment schemes and providers.
Key dates
Autumn 2026
(TBD) - PVDC expected to publish its detailed **strategy for retail payments infrastructure**, setting key priorities for next‑generation infrastructure and aligning with the National Payments Vision
Q2 2026
(already in train) - HM Treasury consultation on retained EU payments law and FCA engagement paper (Payments Forward Plan context; relevant for alignment with infrastructure changes)
25 June 2026
- Retail Payments Infrastructure Board consultation on the design of the Future Retail Payments Infrastructure is launched
11 September 2026 Deadline
- Deadline for submission of responses to the RPIB consultation on the future retail payments infrastructure
Suggested considerations
Assess and document your firm’s current and projected use of UK retail interbank payments (including Faster Payments, account‑to‑account, and cross‑border flows) to inform your response to the RPIB consultation.
Prepare and submit a coordinated consultation response to the RPIB by 11 September 2026, covering your views on payment journeys, design choices, consumer protection needs and financial crime controls.
Review your firm’s commercial and pricing models for interbank payments to understand how potential changes to the future infrastructure’s commercial model could affect revenue, costs and access.
Map dependencies between your operational resilience framework and the existing UK retail payments infrastructure, and identify key risks and mitigants under a transition to the next‑generation infrastructure.
Engage with industry bodies, Pay.UK and relevant trade associations to align positions on access, interoperability, fraud management, and technical standards for next‑generation retail payments.
What changed
- A new governance and delivery model for UK retail payments infrastructure is being operationalised, with strategy set by the PVDC, design work led by the RPIB, and implementation by a new...
The RPIB has launched a formal consultation on the design of the future retail payments infrastructure, seeking views on payment journeys, key design choices and priorities.
The PVDC has published additional context to support stakeholders’ reading of the consultation, including expectations for the commercial model, consumer protection outcomes and financial crime...
Responsibilities across the ecosystem are being reset, with clearer roles for public authorities (HM Treasury, Bank of England, FCA, PSR), Pay.UK, and industry participants in designing and...
Next‑generation infrastructure is expected to support account‑to‑account payments at point of sale, enhanced cross‑border payments, and interoperability with new forms of digital money (including...
Compliance impact
Non‑engagement with this consultation and subsequent strategy may leave firms exposed to future infrastructure, access and fraud‑control requirements that they have not planned or invested for, with potential operational disruption, competitive disadvantage and heightened regulatory scrutiny. In the medium term, failure to adapt to the new infrastructure model could impair compliance with payment systems regulation, operational resilience expectations and Consumer Duty outcomes.
CACEIS UK, an asset servicing bank, has been censured by the FCA and will make a £31.7m voluntary payment to WealthTek clients for failing to act on information that left clients exposed to the risk of financial crime. The FCA has now secured over £57m in total for WealthTek clients in just over a year, with action…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against CACEIS UK for weak financial crime controls and failure to monitor WealthTek client accounts. Involves asset servicing/custody failures, AML/KYC deficiencies, and consumer protection breaches. Informational regulatory update on completed enforcement case with voluntary settlement.
Speech by Therese Chambers, joint executive director of enforcement and market oversight, delivered at the International Bar Association (IBA) Anti-Corruption Conference. I’ve been practising law for over 3 decades now.Starting out, I thought every case would be like the ones on US television: dramatic, with a big…
Why this matters
This is an informational speech by FCA leadership outlining enforcement strategy and financial crime prevention approaches. It covers multiple sectors through examples (life sciences fundraising, electronic money services, cryptoasset firms, motor finance) and emphasizes proactive supervision, market oversight, and...
The High Court today confirmed the appointment of special administrators for Euro Exchange Securities UK Limited (EES). EES did not seek to overturn the court’s initial decision, which saw the firm cease trading with immediate effect last week.EES agreed it is not in the company’s interests to seek to return to normal…
Why this matters
FCA announcement of court-ordered special administration for Euro Exchange Securities UK Limited due to serious financial crime risks and safeguarding failures. Informational content regarding firm closure, customer fund protection, and administration process.
The FCA has secured a confiscation order of £452,286.80 against convicted fraudster Daniel Pugh. Mr Pugh, 36, is serving a 7 years and 6 months prison sentence for defrauding investors out of £1.3m.Run from his bedroom in Devon, Pugh used Facebook adverts to target investors and promised them wholly unrealistic…
On 4 June 2026, the FCA required Euro Exchange Securities UK Limited (EES) to cease carrying out any regulated electronic money or payment services and, on the FCA’s application, interim managers were appointed by the Court over EES. Serious concerns around the way EES operated its business indicated there were…
Why this matters
FCA enforcement action against electronic money and payment services firm for serious financial crime risks, including AML framework weaknesses and governance failures. Interim managers appointed under insolvency regulations. Informational regulatory update rather than time-sensitive directive.
Football clubs have been warned not to put their fans’ cash at risk by signing sponsorship deals with financial firms that aren't allowed to operate in the UK. According to the FCA, a number of unauthorised firms, including crypto businesses and trading platforms, are using sponsorship to target unwitting football…
Why this matters
FCA warning to football clubs about unauthorised financial services firms (including crypto and trading platforms) using sponsorship deals to target consumers. Addresses regulatory compliance, consumer protection risks, and AML concerns. Informational/advisory content rather than enforcement action, hence null urgency.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning alerts consumers and firms to an unauthorised entity (capital-bltd.com/net) impersonating the authorised firm Capital-B Ltd (FRN 763815). The content is informational and protective in nature, advising use of FCA Firm Checker and reporting procedures.
Financial firms have made progress in preventing sanctions breaches – with £37bn worth of assets frozen in the UK as of last year – but gaps remain, warns the FCA. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) implement financial and trade sanctions…
Half (49%) of young drivers have bought insurance through social media or messaging apps, new research reveals. With 4 in 10 (39%) unconfident in spotting the signs of a fake policy, thousands could be paying for cover that doesn’t exist. The FCA is warning 17-to 25-year-old drivers about 'ghost broking' scams where…
Why this matters
FCA consumer warning about ghost broking scams targeting young drivers through social media. Addresses insurance fraud, unauthorized sellers, and consumer protection risks. Informational guidance rather than regulatory requirement, hence null urgency.
Why frontier AI matters for firmsArtificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly. Frontier AI models represent a step-change in capability, with significant implications for cyber security and operational resilience.The cyber capabilities of current frontier AI models are already exceeding what a skilled…
Speech by Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive at the FCA's financial crime conference. A new threat landscapeFinancial crime is changing – fast.It’s more technologically enabled. More organised than ever before. And moving at speed.Which is why the fight against financial crime sits at the heart of our 5-year…
The FCA has announced 2 permanent appointments to its executive team, strengthening leadership at a pivotal time for UK and global financial markets. Simon Walls appointed executive director, marketsSimon Walls has been appointed permanent executive director, markets. Having taken on this role on a temporary basis…
Speech by Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive, at the Investment Association's Private Markets Summit 2026. Headlines are always a tough read when funds run into difficulty.And lately, the language has been stark.Some have even asked if private credit has a canary in the coal mine.That’ll make you sit up a bit…
Kingscrown Finance Limited (Kingscrown) has stopped onboarding new customers or undertaking new business with existing customers – including extending existing credit. Kingscrown, which was incorporated in 2014, provides lending for business and investment purposes, including property investment, buy-to-let and house…
A convicted money launderer has been sentenced to an additional 499 daysin prison for failing to fully pay the money owed under a Confiscation Order. In 2021,RichardFaithfull,now36,wassentenced to5 years and 10 monthsin prisonfor laundering £2.5 million, following a prosecution brought by the Financial Conduct…
On 6 May 2026, Kanda Products and Services Ltd (Kanda) entered liquidation. Philip Harris and Neville Side of FRP Advisory Trading Limited have been appointed as Joint Liquidators. Kanda is authorised by the FCA as a credit broker. It operated a network of around 700 introducer appointed representatives, mainly…
Speech by Sarah Pritchard, FCA deputy chief executive, at the BSA Annual Conference, Edinburgh. As a history lover, it’s thrilling to be in a city like Edinburgh – called a ‘hot-bed of genius’ during the Scottish Enlightenment.What defined the Enlightenment spirit was the refusal to settle, and a determination to make…
Help us develop a proportionate reporting regime for ESG ratings. Register your interest by 13 May 2026. We're inviting ESG rating providers to join a pilot to inform future regulatory reporting once the regime is live.Our aim is to avoid unnecessary reporting burden for firms over time.The pilot aims to help us…
The FCA has led international action to stop illegal finfluencers putting consumers' money at risk. Seventeen regulators worldwide took part in the 'week of action' which included enforcement activity, consumer awareness campaigns, and educational programmes for finfluencers who want to act responsibly. Activity…
Sapia has agreed to make a voluntary payment of £19,637,950 to WealthTek clients and the FCA has censured the firm. Sapia began working with WealthTek in 2013 and later appointed it as one of its appointed representatives. This resulted in Sapia holding and being responsible for protecting client money resulting from…
The FCA is looking for expressions of interest from market participants to join our advisory committee. The committee was established in 2022, and we are renewing the membership in line with our terms of reference.The purpose of the committee is to support our work in wholesale secondary markets for equities…
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA unauthorised firm warning listing Pro X Markets / ProXMarkets as operating without permission. The content identifies contact details, websites, and explains consumer protections (FSCS, FOS) that do not apply.
Firms willbenefitfromreduced costs andgreater flexibility, andfind it easier tocomply with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR),following reformsset outon 22 April by theFCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The changes, which come as the first phase of a multi-stage package of reform from the…
The FCA has carried out its first operation with partners to disrupt illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading across multiple London locations. Working with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), the FCA targeted 8 premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading…
Speaking at UK FinTech Week, Jessica Rusu, chief data, information and intelligence officer at the FCA, has confirmed the second group of firms selected to join AI Live Testing. Eight new firms, including Barclays, Experian, Lloyds Banking Group (Scottish Widows), and UBS, have been chosen by the FCA to live test AI…
This regulatory update from the Bank of England covers decisions made by the Banknote Imagery Advisory Group regarding the theme and sub-theme for the next series of UK banknotes. This is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and asset managers who handle and process banknotes.
This regulatory update from the Bank of England relates to the imagery and design of banknotes, which is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and asset managers that handle cash and banknotes.
Crypto will be regulated in the UK from October 2027. The FCA is finalising the wider cryptoasset regime, with rules to be published this summer. Parliament has now confirmed which cryptoasset activities will fall within the scope of regulation. Building on that, the FCA is consulting on new guidance to help firms…
On 21 November 2025, we imposed restrictions on Bazar Money Transfer Limited (BMTL), preventing it from providing regulated payment services. BMTL is registered with the FCA to provide money remittance services to retail and corporate customers.As BMTL was no longer meeting the conditions for registration as a small…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA imposes restrictions on a money transfer firm, Bazar Money Transfer Limited (BMTL), preventing it from providing regulated payment services. This is due to BMTL no longer meeting the conditions for registration as a small payment institution.
We are reminding regulated firms they need to undertake proper checks when dealing with unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies – also known as 'Annex 1' firms. There are around 1,200 of these firms registered with us for solely anti-money laundering purposes. Our…
AI Analysis
The FCA statement reminds regulated firms to perform robust due diligence on 'Annex 1' firms—unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers, and financial leasing companies registered solely for AML purposes—due to their limited oversight and heightened financial crime risks. This matters because Annex 1 firms (approx. 1,200) are not subject to FCA's full rulebook, conduct rules, or protections like the Financial Ombudsman Service, exposing regulated firms to contagion risks if they fail to manage interactions properly. Non-compliance could lead to regulatory scrutiny, enforcement, or reputational damage amid FCA's ongoing AML focus.
Key dates
2024
FCA letter to CEOs of Annex 1 firms raising AML concerns.; - **Late 2025 - FCA follow-up engagement with 300 Annex 1 firms.**
Suggested considerations
Verify Annex 1 registration status directly from the firm and via independent checks (e.g., FCA Register).
Understand the Annex 1 firm's business model, products, and risks, aligning with MLRs and 2025 NRA.
Manage identified risks, such as AML deficiencies or consumer encouragement into limited company structures for unregulated lending.
Document due diligence to demonstrate compliance, integrating into broader financial crime frameworks (e.g., BWRA/CRA per FCA findings).
What changed
No new rules or legislative changes are introduced; this is a supervisory reminder reinforcing existing obligations under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (MLRs). It emphasizes enhanced due diligence on Annex 1 firms, referencing the 2025 National Risk Assessment (NRA) for risk management. The FCA highlights proactive engagement, including a 2024 letter to CEOs and follow-up with 300 firms in late 2025, signaling intensified supervision without altering the registration-only regime under the Financial Services and Markets Act.
Compliance impact
Urgency: High – This amplifies existing AML due diligence requirements amid FCA's 2025-30 financial crime strategy, with evidence of supervisory action (2024 letter, 2025 follow-ups). Failure risks enforcement, as Annex 1 interactions could facilitate financial crime or consumer harm without FOS protections; firms should audit exposures immediately to align with BWRA/CRA expectations and avoid findings like those in FCA's risk assessment review.
We have opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS). MFS is an Annex 1 business, which is solely registered with and supervised by us for its compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.Annex 1…
AI Analysis
The FCA has opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS) following the firm's entry into administration on 25 February 2026, amid allegations of serious financial irregularities, fraud, and double-pledging of collateral. This investigation is significant because it represents regulatory scrutiny of an Annex 1 business—a firm with limited FCA oversight—whose collapse exposed structural weaknesses in private credit markets and raised questions about due diligence practices across the financial sector.
Key dates
25 February 2026
- MFS entered administration
20 March 2026
- FCA enforcement investigation opened (current date context)
No specific deadline provided Deadline
for investigation completion or enforcement action
Suggested considerations
*For MFS and its Administrators:
Cooperate fully with the FCA enforcement investigation
Preserve all documentation related to AML/CTF compliance, customer due diligence, and transaction monitoring
Provide access to bank accounts, transaction records, and compliance files to investigators
Respond to FCA information requests within specified timeframes
What changed
The FCA's enforcement investigation does not introduce new regulatory requirements but rather represents the regulator's response to alleged breaches of existing obligations.
Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017: MFS's primary regulatory obligation as an Annex 1 registered firm.
KasimGaripoglu has been banned from working in UK financial services. The FCA found he is not fit and proper because of his lack of honesty and integrity. Mr Garipoglu is the owner of a firm that provided online trading of foreign exchange and contracts.Between April 2012 and December 2022, including when Mr Garipoglu…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA bans an individual, Kasim Garipoglu, from working in UK financial services due to lack of honesty and integrity. It covers misconduct related to anti-money laundering controls, providing false information to regulators, and other serious compliance failures.
The latest report from the Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) finds there is still room for improvement. The anti-money laundering supervisors of professional services firms are more effective than at any time since 2018. However, OPBAS remains concerned that their enforcement lacks…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA's Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) is relevant for banks, wealth managers, and all firms in the financial services industry.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA clone-firm warning listing an unauthorised entity operating under multiple domain names. The content is informational and protective in nature, warning consumers to avoid the firm and directing them to use FCA Firm Checker for verification.
The FCA has fined Dipesh Kerai and Bhavesh Hirani for insider dealing in shares of Bidstack Group Plc. Mr Kerai has been fined £52,731, and Mr Hirani has been fined £56,000.In December 2021, Mr Hirani was the interim Chief Financial Officer at Bidstack, a company that placed advertising inside video games. This meant…
The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA’s decision that Rangecourt SA (formerly Banque Havilland), Edmund Rowland, the former London CEO and Vladimir Bolelyy, a former Bank employee, acted without integrity. The Tribunal agreed with the FCA that significant fines should be imposed, deciding that fines of £4m, £352,000…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the FCA involves misconduct by a bank (Banque Havilland) and its employees in attempting to manipulate the Qatari currency and economy, which has implications for financial crime, prudential requirements, and market abuse.
We’re working closely with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), UK law enforcement, and our regulatory partners to tackle the abuse of cryptoassets and associated money‑laundering activities. Read the full blog on the OFSI’s website.
The FCA has fined Russel Gerrity £309,843 for using inside information to net himself £128,765. As a consultant, Mr Gerrity had access to information about whether oil and gas had been discovered during the drilling of wells. Between October 2018 and January 2022, he took advantage of this and used inside information…
The FCA has secured a confiscation order of £265,523.96 against Andrew Currie. Mr Currie was convicted in 2023 and sentenced to 2 years 6 months imprisonment for defrauding investors through the collapsed peer-to-peer lending platform Collateral (UK) Ltd.He diverted funds from Collateral investors and used them for…
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Bank of England covers the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee meeting, which is relevant to banking, capital markets, and payments firms.
This speech by the Bank of England covers topics relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms, including AML/financial crime, prudential requirements, and operational resilience. The content appears to be informational rather than an urgent regulatory update.
The Bank of England chairs the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee. The FXJSC is made up of market participants, infrastructure providers and the UK financial regulators.
Why this matters
This regulatory update relates to the London Foreign Exchange Joint Standing Committee (FXJSC) Legal Sub-Committee, which involves market participants, infrastructure providers, and UK financial regulators.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning targets a specific fraudulent clone impersonating Societe Generale to deceive consumers. While administratively routine (clone warnings are standard FCA practice), the urgency is elevated because it alerts consumers to an active scam with specific contact details and requires immediate protective...
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies fraudulent clone websites impersonating Societe Generale to conduct financial scams. The content is administrative in nature—a standard consumer alert about unauthorised firms—but carries high urgency due to active fraud risk.
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA Warning List entry identifying an unauthorised firm operating without permission. The content is primarily informational and protective in nature, alerting consumers to avoid the entity and explaining consequences of dealing with unauthorised firms (no FSCS/ombudsman coverage).
UnauthorizedThis firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not…
Why this matters
This is a standard FCA unauthorised firm warning listing IC Markets Global as operating without permission. The content explicitly addresses authorisation status, consumer protection implications (no FSCS/ombudsman access), and scam prevention.
CloneFraudsters copy the details of firms we authorise to try and convince people that their firm is genuine. Find out why you shouldn’t deal with this clone firm. Almost all firms and individuals must be authorised or registered by us to carry out or promote financial services in the UK. This firm is not authorised…
Why this matters
The FCA warning identifies an unauthorised clone firm (Coverfast/TempDrive) impersonating legitimate insurance firms (Wakam and Montgomery Kent Insurance Brokers). The content is administrative in nature—a public alert to protect consumers from fraud—with no binding rules or policy changes.