The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated legal
proceedings against nine individuals implicated in an unauthorized foreign
exchange trading scheme promoted via social media channels. At a plea and trial
preparation hearing held today at Southwark Crown Court, the defendants faced
charges related to financial promotions without authorization.
Several individuals pleaded not guilty to charges of issuing
unauthorized financial promotions. One individual additionally pleaded not
guilty to providing unauthorized advice on contracts for difference (CFDs).
Another individual did not enter a plea; their plea hearing is scheduled for
September 26, 2024.
Due to scheduling constraints, trial dates have been set for
February 1, 2027, and March 15, 2027, at Southwark Crown Court, reflecting the
earliest available dates for the court to accommodate this complex case.
Individuals who believe they have incurred financial losses
related to this matter are encouraged to contact the FCA‘s consumer contact
centre for further assistance.
Gamification in Investment Apps
The
FCA has expressed concerns over trading apps’ use of digital engagement
practices (DEPs), citing potential risks of increased investor exposure to risk,
as reported by Finance Magnates.
According to findings from a recent online study, the FCA implemented an
experimental trading app platform to assess DEPs’ impact on trading behaviour.
The study, involving over 9,000 consumers, revealed that
features like push notifications and prize draws could elevate trading
frequency by 11% and prompt riskier investment decisions by 12%. Additionally,
these gamification strategies were associated with an 8% rise in trades
involving high-risk investments and a 6% increase in such investments.
Furthermore, the FCA identified that DEPs disproportionately
affected certain demographics, including individuals with lower financial
literacy, women, and younger adults aged 18-34. Under the Consumer Duty
framework, trading apps are mandated to tailor their services to ensure they
facilitate informed investment decisions that meet consumers’ needs.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated legal
proceedings against nine individuals implicated in an unauthorized foreign
exchange trading scheme promoted via social media channels. At a plea and trial
preparation hearing held today at Southwark Crown Court, the defendants faced
charges related to financial promotions without authorization.
Several individuals pleaded not guilty to charges of issuing
unauthorized financial promotions. One individual additionally pleaded not
guilty to providing unauthorized advice on contracts for difference (CFDs).
Another individual did not enter a plea; their plea hearing is scheduled for
September 26, 2024.
Due to scheduling constraints, trial dates have been set for
February 1, 2027, and March 15, 2027, at Southwark Crown Court, reflecting the
earliest available dates for the court to accommodate this complex case.
Individuals who believe they have incurred financial losses
related to this matter are encouraged to contact the FCA‘s consumer contact
centre for further assistance.
Gamification in Investment Apps
The
FCA has expressed concerns over trading apps’ use of digital engagement
practices (DEPs), citing potential risks of increased investor exposure to risk,
as reported by Finance Magnates.
According to findings from a recent online study, the FCA implemented an
experimental trading app platform to assess DEPs’ impact on trading behaviour.
The study, involving over 9,000 consumers, revealed that
features like push notifications and prize draws could elevate trading
frequency by 11% and prompt riskier investment decisions by 12%. Additionally,
these gamification strategies were associated with an 8% rise in trades
involving high-risk investments and a 6% increase in such investments.
Furthermore, the FCA identified that DEPs disproportionately
affected certain demographics, including individuals with lower financial
literacy, women, and younger adults aged 18-34. Under the Consumer Duty
framework, trading apps are mandated to tailor their services to ensure they
facilitate informed investment decisions that meet consumers’ needs.
