NBSP – Fine Assets & Local News – Friday, 5 December 2025

✓🔍 The FCA’s approach to regulating cryptoassets and stablecoins In a recent speech at City & Financial Global, David Geale, the executive director of Payments and Digital Finance at the FCA, outlined the organization's strategy for regulating cryptoassets and stablecoins. Geale emphasized the importance of a balanced regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer…
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🔍 The FCA’s approach to regulating cryptoassets and stablecoins
In a recent speech at City & Financial Global, David Geale, the executive director of Payments and Digital Finance at the FCA, outlined the organization’s strategy for regulating cryptoassets and stablecoins. Geale emphasized the importance of a balanced regulatory framework that encourages innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market integrity. He noted that the FCA’s approach is guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. The speech highlighted the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving crypto landscape, including the need for comprehensive regulations to mitigate risks associated with fraud and market volatility. Geale’s remarks underscore the FCA’s commitment to shaping a regulatory environment that supports growth in the digital finance sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers and the broader financial system.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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⚖️ FCA charges two individuals with insider dealing
The FCA has initiated criminal proceedings against Bobosher Sharipov and Bekzod Avazov for insider dealing, marking a significant enforcement action in the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crime. Sharipov, who worked at Jefferies International Limited, is accused of leaking confidential information regarding a potential takeover involving GCP Student Living Plc. The charges highlight the FCA’s commitment to maintaining market integrity and holding individuals accountable for unethical practices that undermine investor confidence. The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of insider trading and the importance of regulatory vigilance in protecting the financial markets.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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🤝 FCA collaborates with industry to help shape future of UK’s crypto markets
The FCA has announced its acceptance of RegTech platform Eunice into its Regulatory Sandbox, aiming to enhance transparency in the UK’s crypto markets. Eunice is set to collaborate with financial institutions, regulators, and businesses to navigate the complexities of cryptoassets, tokenized assets, and blockchain infrastructure. This initiative reflects the FCA’s proactive approach to fostering innovation in the financial sector while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By partnering with industry leaders, the FCA seeks to develop effective solutions that promote a more transparent and trustworthy environment for crypto transactions in the UK.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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🗣️ Chair reflections: rebalancing risk
During his speech at the Investment Association Annual 2025 Conference in Scotland, FCA Chair Ashley Alder reflected on the crucial role of UK regulators in fostering economic growth and competitiveness. He highlighted the need to rebalance risk in the financial system while enhancing trust among consumers and businesses. Alder emphasized that regulators must approach their roles with a focus on facilitating innovation and maintaining stability, particularly in light of the challenges posed by technological advancements and evolving market dynamics. His insights underscore the FCA’s commitment to creating a financial environment that supports sustainable growth while protecting the interests of market participants.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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📊 Economics Research Conference 2025: rebalancing risk, deepening trust
The FCA hosted its second annual Economics Research Conference on November 25, 2025, focusing on the vital themes of rebalancing risk and deepening trust within the financial system. The event showcased various research findings and discussions aimed at promoting a more resilient and inclusive financial landscape. Participants included industry experts, academics, and policymakers who shared insights on the current challenges and opportunities facing the financial industry. The conference underscored the FCA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the financial system works effectively for all stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of trust and accountability in fostering economic growth.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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🚫 The FCA has cancelled the permissions of The Dental Insurance Partnership Ltd (FRN 565072)
Effective November 6, 2025, the FCA has cancelled the authorization of The Dental Insurance Partnership Ltd (DIP) to conduct regulated activities following enforcement action. The decision came after the firm failed to demonstrate that it met the necessary standards of being fit and proper to operate within the financial services sector. This action reflects the FCA’s commitment to ensuring that all authorized firms maintain high standards of conduct, thereby protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the financial system. The cancellation serves as a warning to other firms about the importance of compliance and adherence to regulatory expectations.
[Date: 5 December 2025]
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Looking to unlock value in fine assets, art, or luxury items? Visit New Bond Street Pawnbrokers, explore fine watches pawnbrokers, or discover pawn your watch.

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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