NBSP – Fine Assets & Local News – Thursday, 4 December 2025

✓🔴 FCA charges Henrik Schliemann with fraud and forgery The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has officially charged Henrik Schliemann with nine criminal offences, which include fraud by abuse of position, fraud by false representation, and forgery. Schliemann previously served as a director of a merchant bank that was regulated by the FCA and had significant…
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🔴 FCA charges Henrik Schliemann with fraud and forgery
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has officially charged Henrik Schliemann with nine criminal offences, which include fraud by abuse of position, fraud by false representation, and forgery. Schliemann previously served as a director of a merchant bank that was regulated by the FCA and had significant authority over financial matters and company accounts. The charges are serious and underscore the FCA’s commitment to maintaining integrity within the financial sector. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of regulatory bodies to address fraudulent activities and protect consumers from financial misconduct.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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🟡 ESE Capital Limited FRN 469499 – Firm enters liquidation
ESE Capital Limited has entered Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation as of December 1, 2025. The firm has appointed Adam Price and Lane Bednash from CMB Partners UK Limited as Joint Liquidators to manage the liquidation process. ESE Capital Limited was authorized by the FCA but faced financial difficulties leading to this decision. The liquidation process will allow creditors to recover funds in accordance with the legal framework governing insolvency. This development reflects the challenges some firms face in the current economic climate and the regulatory landscape.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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🟢 Establishing a bond consolidated tape provider
A significant development has occurred regarding the bond consolidated tape contract, as the FCA has reached an agreement to lift the freeze on its award. This decision follows a High Court order and allows for the signing of a contract with Etrading Software (ETS). The establishment of a bond consolidated tape provider is essential for enhancing transparency and efficiency in the bond market, enabling better data access for market participants. This initiative is part of the FCA’s broader strategy to improve market infrastructure and ensure robust regulatory frameworks.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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🔵 FCA simplifies complaints reporting process
In a move to enhance operational efficiency and consumer protection, the FCA has announced plans to simplify the complaints reporting process for firms. The regulatory body will replace five existing complaints returns with a single consolidated return, aiming to improve data quality and streamline the reporting mechanism. This initiative is expected to strengthen consumer protection across the sector by simplifying how complaints are tracked and resolved, ensuring that issues raised by consumers are addressed more effectively.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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🟣 FCA helps firms to test AI safely
The FCA is launching an innovative initiative to assist firms in the financial sector to safely test artificial intelligence applications. The AI Live Testing program is the first of its kind in the UK financial markets, designed to provide firms with a controlled environment to explore the benefits and risks associated with AI technologies. Participating firms will receive tailored support to help them navigate the complexities of implementing AI solutions, ultimately fostering innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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🔴 Cyber security incident, Wednesday 3 December update
On December 3, 2025, a significant cyber security incident was reported, prompting updates and response measures from local authorities. The specifics of the incident have not been disclosed, but it is clear that there is an ongoing effort to address the situation and mitigate any potential impacts on sensitive data and systems. Authorities are likely coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a robust response to protect against future incidents, reflecting the growing concern over cyber security in today’s digital landscape.
[Date: 4 December 2025]
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Looking to unlock value in fine assets, art, or luxury items? Visit New Bond Street Pawnbrokers, explore pawnshop for luxury watches, or discover fine watches pawnbrokers.

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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