FSA bans adviser for not paying fees

Richard Blackwood, trading as Meridian Loan Consultants in Grays, Essex, was banned from practicing for failing to pay fees and levies of £1,078.35 owed to the FSA despite repeated requests. The FSA sent a notice to Blackwood on 30 June which told him to refer the matter to the Financial Services and Markets Tribunal within 28 days. However, he failed to do this leading the regulator to conclude that he was not conducting his business soundly and prudently and in compliance with proper standards.