FCA fines and bans former Towry adviser for insider dealing in Ashcourt Rowan acquisition

Traded shares during takeover negotiations

Carmen Reichman
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined financial adviser Mark Taylor £36,285 and banned him for a period of at least two years for engaging in market abuse during its takeover negotiations with Ashcourt Rowan.

The FCA found that Taylor, an experienced financial adviser who had worked at Towry for two and a half years, bought shares in Ashcourt Rowan off the back of inside information accidentally provided to him in his role at Towry. Towry made an offer to acquire wealth manager Ashcourt Rowan for £2.70 per share in February 2015, following which discussions continued into March 2015 without a deal being finalised. The FCA found on 12 March 2015, before any public announcement had been made, an internal email was sent to all Towry staff stating that the firm had increased its offer for Ashc...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

China: Beyond trade tensions and tariffs

China: Beyond trade tensions and tariffs

'So what do you think about China?'

Gabriel Sacks
clock 05 December 2025 • 4 min read
As good as... Should investors rely on gold to protect portfolios during market dips?

As good as... Should investors rely on gold to protect portfolios during market dips?

'Gold is often bought more on hope than expectation'

James Flintoft
clock 04 December 2025 • 3 min read
Darius McDermott: The uncertain future of the US dollar

Darius McDermott: The uncertain future of the US dollar

'Investors need to be aware of the potential vulnerability of the dollar'

Darius McDermott
clock 03 December 2025 • 5 min read