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Regulatory Watch News

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  Former SFC staff member charged following joint investigation with ICAC

  Securities and Futures Commission

  August 17, 2026

  The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) notes that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has today charged a former SFC manager with obtaining access to a computer with a view to dishonest gain. The charges follow a joint investigation between the SFC and the ICAC. The employment of the staff member concerned was terminated immediately after her arrest, and the SFC has fully cooperated with the ICAC throughout the investigation.

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  SEC Charges Boiler Room Operator and Three Entities with Defrauding Retail Investors in $74 Million Pre-IPO Investment Scam

  SEC

  August 15, 2026

  Washington D.C., Aug. 14, 2026 —

  The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged New York resident Andrew Spaventa and three entities he owned and controlled with fraud and other violations in connection with unregistered securities offerings of private funds that purportedly provided retail investors an opportunity to invest in shares of “pre-IPO” private companies while charging hidden fees.

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  CEO banned for false and misleading statements made in attempt to buy bank and football club

  Financial Conduct Authority

  August 14, 2026

  Paul Taylor, former CEO of Blue Horizon Asset Management (BHAM) has been fined £489,000 and banned from working in financial services by the FCA.

  The former managing director of the firm, Esmeralda Toni, has also been fined £121,200 for serious misconduct and banned by the FCA. During his time at BHAM, Mr Taylor made misleading statements and falsified information during 2 separate attempted acquisitions. While attempting to acquire a UK bank, Mr Taylor falsified, or arranged to be falsified, documents claiming to be the owner of a bond portfolio worth approximately €200m. Ms Toni knowingly assisted Mr Taylor by making misleading statements to the bank and by helping falsify the documents. Mr Taylor knew, and Ms Toni understood that it was likely, that these statements and documents would be relied upon by the FCA and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) as part of their assessment for the proposed acquisition.