By Simone Lobo
THE UK’s FCA has fined and banned Paul Taylor, the former CEO of UK based Blue Horizon Asset Management, for falsifying information while pursuing a takeover of Reading football club.
The FCA also banned and fined, Esmeralda Toni, former managing director of the firm, £121,200 for serious misconduct.
Additionally, it fined Taylor, who was CEO of the firm between 2022 and 2025, £489,000 ($660,883).
Taylor was found to have made misleading statements and falsified documents, while Toni knowingly helped Taylor falsify documents while attempting to acquire an undisclosed UK bank as well as the Reading Football Club.
Taylor falsified documents claiming to be the owner of a bond portfolio worth approximately €200 million on both occasions.
During the FCA investigation, Toni denied providing misleading statements and the creation of false documents.
Blue Horizon was one of the prospective bidders for Reading Football Club, which was ultimately bought by U.S.-based sports investment firm Redwood Holdings.
Blue Horizon Asset Management did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment; Taylor and Toni could not be reached for comment.
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