NBSP – Fine Assets & Local News – Thursday, 11 December 2025

✓🔍 Regulators Forum publishes Regulatory Initiatives Grid to support innovation and stability The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released the latest edition of the Regulatory Initiatives Grid, which outlines the regulatory landscape for financial services over the next two years. This grid provides a comprehensive overview of current and planned initiatives from nine regulatory organizations,…
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🔍 Regulators Forum publishes Regulatory Initiatives Grid to support innovation and stability
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released the latest edition of the Regulatory Initiatives Grid, which outlines the regulatory landscape for financial services over the next two years. This grid provides a comprehensive overview of current and planned initiatives from nine regulatory organizations, allowing firms to prepare for upcoming changes. By clarifying what regulatory adjustments may be on the horizon, the grid aims to foster innovation while maintaining stability in the financial sector. This initiative is crucial for firms navigating regulatory requirements and adapting to evolving market conditions.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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🚗 Motor insurance pricing and local area ethnicity
Citizens Advice has reported that individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds are, on average, paying £307 more for motor insurance compared to their peers. In response to these findings, the FCA has committed to investigating the claims made by Citizens Advice. The examination will delve deeper into whether specific customer groups are disproportionately affected by higher insurance costs, aiming to ensure fair pricing practices within the industry. This analysis is part of the FCA’s ongoing efforts to promote equality and transparency in the financial services sector.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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💳 Stablecoin payments a priority for 2026 as FCA outlines growth achievements
The FCA has unveiled its strategic goals for 2026, emphasizing the importance of UK-issued stablecoins to facilitate quicker and more efficient payments. The regulatory body plans to support firms in experimenting with stablecoin issuance through its regulatory sandbox, which will create a safe testing environment for innovation. This initiative reflects the FCA’s commitment to enhancing payment systems and fostering financial technology advancements in the UK, positioning stablecoins as a key component of the future financial landscape.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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🛡️ FCA launches Firm Checker to fight financial crime
In light of a concerning increase in investment and pension-related scams—affecting approximately 800,000 individuals— the FCA has introduced a new tool called Firm Checker. This resource enables consumers to verify the authenticity of firms and avoid potential scams. The initiative is part of the FCA’s broader strategy to combat financial crime and protect consumers from fraudulent activities in the financial services sector, enhancing overall trust and safety for investors.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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⚖️ FCA charges Henrik Schliemann with fraud and forgery
The FCA has initiated criminal charges against Henrik Schliemann, a former director of a regulated merchant bank, for nine offenses, including fraud by abuse of position, fraud by false representation, and forgery. Schliemann was responsible for overseeing financial operations and had significant control over the company’s accounts. These charges highlight the FCA’s rigorous enforcement actions aimed at maintaining integrity within the financial sector and holding accountable those who violate regulations.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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📉 ESE Capital Limited FRN 469499 – Firm enters liquidation
ESE Capital Limited has entered Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation as of 1 December 2025. Adam Price and Lane Bednash from CMB Partners UK Limited have been appointed as Joint Liquidators to oversee the liquidation process. This decision marks a significant development for the firm, which was authorized by the FCA, indicating challenges in its operations that led to this financial outcome. The liquidation process will follow standard procedures to address the firm’s financial obligations.
[Date: 11 December 2025]
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Looking to unlock value in fine assets, art, or luxury items? Visit New Bond Street Pawnbrokers, explore pawn your watch, or discover loans on watches.

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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