FCA CHARGES LAWYER WITH INSIDER DEALING OVER SERAPHINE GROUP ACQUISITION

The Financial Conduct Authority has charged Richard Bloomfield, a solicitor, with five counts of insider dealing. The FCA alleges that Bloomfield worked on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC and used confidential information obtained through that role to trade in the company's securities on five occasions between 28 March 2022 and 10 January 2023. Bloomfield appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court and gave no indication of plea. The case was sent to Southwark Crown Court.

Insider dealing is an offence under section 52 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993. The FCA said Bloomfield, a solicitor at a law firm, gained access to inside information through his work on the acquisition. He then used that information to deal in Seraphine Group PLC securities across the specified period. Bloomfield has been released on unconditional bail pending further proceedings.

The FCA confirmed it is not investigating the law firm or Seraphine Group PLC itself in connection with this case. Bloomfield's next court appearance is scheduled for 5 August 2026. The case will be heard at Southwark Crown Court, where the charges will be formally addressed.