NBSP – Fine Assets & Local News – Wednesday, 17 December 2025

✓💳 Open banking: a year of progress Open banking in the UK has made significant strides, with over 16 million users now taking advantage of the service. Recent industry statistics indicate a remarkable 53% year-on-year increase in open banking payments, showcasing a transformative shift in the management of finances for both consumers and businesses. This…
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✓💳 Open banking: a year of progress
Open banking in the UK has made significant strides, with over 16 million users now taking advantage of the service. Recent industry statistics indicate a remarkable 53% year-on-year increase in open banking payments, showcasing a transformative shift in the management of finances for both consumers and businesses. This growth highlights the increasing adoption of innovative financial technologies that facilitate easier and more efficient transactions.
[Date: 17 December 2025]
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📈 Bespoke market risk rules could unlock growth
The FCA is actively seeking feedback on proposed tailored market risk rules aimed at non-bank trading firms. These bespoke regulations are designed to eliminate unnecessary barriers that currently hinder market participation, thereby freeing up capital and encouraging new entrants into the financial market. The existing rules, which were primarily developed for banks, may need adjustments to better support the evolving landscape of non-bank firms and promote overall economic growth.
[Date: 17 December 2025]
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💰 FCA seeks feedback on proposals for UK crypto rules
The FCA is soliciting public opinions on new proposals that will help shape the future of crypto regulations in the UK. These proposals are intended to foster an open, sustainable, and competitive crypto market that consumers can trust while balancing innovation with adequate risk awareness. The initiative aims to ensure that as the market grows, it remains safe for users and conducive for new technological advancements.
[Date: 17 December 2025]
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🧑‍⚖️ Sophie Hutcherson reappointed as non-executive director to the FCA Board
Sophie Hutcherson has been reappointed as a Non-Executive Director on the FCA Board by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury. Her new term, which will last for three years, is set to expire on 16 April 2029. Hutcherson’s continued involvement is expected to bring valuable insights and guidance to the regulatory body as it navigates the complexities of the financial sector.
[Date: 17 December 2025]
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📋 FCA simplifies insurance rules and plans further reviews of requirements
In a move to streamline operations, the FCA has announced changes aimed at simplifying its insurance rules, which should help reduce costs for insurers while ensuring that adequate protections remain in place for smaller commercial clients. The final rules will allow insurance firms greater flexibility and responsibility, including decisions about the frequency of their product reviews. This initiative is part of the FCA’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of the insurance market.
[Date: 17 December 2025]
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Looking to unlock value in fine assets, art, or luxury items? Visit New Bond Street Pawnbrokers, explore loans on luxury jewellery, or discover lending on fine jewellery.

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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