FCA fines spread betting duo £117,000 for market abuse

Firm's financial position misstated

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned and fined two former Worldspreads (WSL) employees £117,000 for engaging in market abuse.

The regulator fined former chief financial officer Niall O'Kelly £11,900, and former financial controller Lukhvir Thind £105,000 and banned them from performing any function related to a regulated activity. Between 2007 and 2012, the duo misled investors about the financial state of the spread betting business, which ultimately led to its collapse in 2012, the FCA said. WSL's holding company Worldspreads Group (WSG) floated on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in August 2007. O'Kelly was closely involved in drafting and approving the admission documenta...

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 Regulation

FCA dismisses British Steel complaints after lengthy investigation

FCA dismisses British Steel complaints after lengthy investigation

Regulator acknowledges decision will be ‘disappointing’ for complainants

Jenna Brown
clock 22 April 2024 • 2 min read
Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

Agile IT needed as rapid regulation change becomes the norm

'Gone are the lengthy consultation and rule-setting cycles that often took several years'

Paul Muir
clock 15 April 2024 • 6 min read
Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Leveling up the playing field when it comes to picking skilled persons

Given the prerequisite for accuracy, a rigorous selection process is essential

Richard Farr
clock 15 April 2024 • 4 min read