NBSP – Fine Assets & Local News – Monday, 15 December 2025

✓🏡 FCA sets out plans to help build mortgage market of the future The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing the mortgage market, which is expected to significantly benefit first-time buyers and self-employed individuals looking to enter the housing market. The FCA's new plans emphasize the importance of making…
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🏡 FCA sets out plans to help build mortgage market of the future
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing the mortgage market, which is expected to significantly benefit first-time buyers and self-employed individuals looking to enter the housing market. The FCA’s new plans emphasize the importance of making homeownership more accessible and sustainable, particularly for those who have traditionally faced barriers in securing mortgages.

Among the key priorities outlined by the FCA are initiatives specifically designed to assist first-time buyers in overcoming financial hurdles that often impede their ability to purchase homes. This includes potential reforms that would allow a more flexible assessment of income and creditworthiness, especially for self-employed individuals whose income may fluctuate.

Additionally, the FCA aims to support existing homeowners in unlocking their housing wealth, providing avenues for them to access funds that can enhance their quality of life as they age. This aspect of the plan highlights the need for responsible lending practices that enable homeowners to tap into their equity without jeopardizing their financial stability.

The FCA’s approach is structured around four core areas, which will be further detailed in the coming months. These reforms reflect a proactive response to the evolving needs of the housing market, aiming to create a more inclusive and responsive mortgage landscape that caters to a diverse range of consumer needs.

As these developments unfold, stakeholders across the housing spectrum, including lenders, borrowers, and policymakers, will be closely monitoring the FCA’s initiatives to ensure they align with the broader goal of fostering a robust and equitable mortgage market.

[Date: 15 December 2025]
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David Sonnenthal

Founder of the multi-award-winning pawn shop New Bond Street Pawnbrokers, located in Blenheim Street, Mayfair, Central London.

David took an unusual route into pawnbroking, moving into the industry after a successful career in show business. Between the ages of 17 and 26, he worked as a professional actor, appearing in a variety of productions on both stage and screen. In 1996 he even won the prestigious Perrier Award for acting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

His pawnbroking career in London started quite by chance after he discovered the future site of New Bond Street Pawnbrokers during an acting audition in 1999. Immediately seeing the shop s potential, he turned it into a successful pawn shop London business and went on to become one of the UKs top pawnbrokers.

David is a highly respected figure in the pawnbroking industry, winning the National Pawnbroker Associations award five times in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2008. Over the course of his 30-year career, he has gained a reputation as one of the pioneers of UK and Londons pawnbroking. He is a regular fixture in the British media, often providing expert advice on market value, and trends in pawnbroking.

Never one to lose touch with his roots, David has even managed to continue his entertainment career as the resident dealer on Channel 4 s popular Four Rooms TV series.

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Constantin Singureanu

Constantin leads our multi-award digital marketing team, with an exclusive focus on delivering the best possible digital experience for our clients, from the moment they reach our website, finding the information they need, and getting in touch, to learning interesting facts about the fascinating world of luxury via our comprehensive blog.

Mariana Vlad

Mariana has been working in the pawnbroking industry since 2014. She enthusiastically embraces her newly found interest in watches. Mariana thoroughly enjoys working with customers, building strong relationships, and over her long and distinguished career, she has distinguished herself through excellent communication skills and high personal integrity. In 2025, Mariana won the prestigious “Employee of the Year” Award from the National Pawnbroking Association (NPA).

Employee of the Year 2025 – National Pawnbroking Association Awards (NPA) 

Susana Figueiredo

Having worked in the pawnbroking industry for 20 years, Susana offers a high level of knowledge within the lending sector.  Her expertise is key to the daily business at New Bond Street Pawnbrokers where she ensures that compliance is adhered to. With a keen interest in the satisfaction and experience of our clients, Susana is a huge asset to the team and is a fundamental part of the day-to-day running of the company.

Employee of the Year 2021 – National Pawnbroking Association Awards (NPA) 

David Sonnenthal

David Sonnenthal took an unusual route into pawnbroking, moving into the industry after a successful career in show business. Between the ages of 17 and 26, he worked as a professional actor, appearing in a variety of productions on both stage and screen. In 1996 he even won the prestigious Perrier Award for acting at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

His pawnbroking career in London started quite by chance after he discovered the future site of New Bond Street Pawnbrokers during an acting audition in 1999. Immediately seeing the shop’s potential, he turned it into a successful pawn shop London business and went on to become one of the UK’s top pawnbrokers.

David is a highly respected figure in the pawnbroking industry, winning the National Pawnbroker Association’s award six times in 2025, 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2008. Over the course of his 25-year career, he has gained a reputation as one of the pioneers of UK and London’s pawnbroking. He is a regular fixture in the British media, often providing expert advice on market values.

Never one to lose touch with his roots, David has even managed to continue his entertainment career as the resident dealer on Channel 4’s popular Four Rooms TV series.

New Bond Street Pawnbrokers
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