Trials have been scheduled after the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) charged nine individuals in relation to an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme promoted on social media.

On 11 July 2024 at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court, Holly Thompson, Biggs Chris, Jamie Clayton, Lauren Goodger, Rebecca Gormley, Yazmin Oukhellou and Scott Timlin each pleaded not guilty to 1 count of issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions.

Emmanuel Nwanze pleaded not guilty to providing advice on buying and selling contracts for difference (CFDs) while unauthorised to do so and 1 count of unauthorised communications of financial promotions.

Eva Zapico did not enter a plea at this time. A further plea hearing for her case was fixed for 26 September 2024.

Due to court availability, trial dates were fixed for 1 February 2027 and 15 March 2027 at Southwark Crown Court. These dates were the earliest the Court could accommodate this case.

Anyone who believes they have suffered loss in relation to this matter should call our consumer contact centre on 0800 111 6768 (freephone).

Breaching the General Prohibition is an offence under Sections 19 and 23 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 punishable upon conviction by a fine and/or up to 2 years’ imprisonment.

Communicating unauthorised financial promotions is an offence under Sections 21 and 25 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 punishable upon conviction by a fine and/or up to 2 years’ imprisonment.