Three individuals, including a disgraced former adviser to celebrities, have been banned from working in financial services for “non-financial misconduct”, the Financial Conduct Authority announced on Thursday.
Each was convicted of a serious offence while they were an approved person.
All three had the right to refer the matter to tribunal but failed to do so within the allocated 28-day period.
Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight, said: “The FCA expects high standards of character, probity and fitness and properness from those who operate in the financial services industry and will take action to ensure these standards are maintained.”
Former adviser to celebrities was convicted of sexual assault
Frank Cochran was a director and shareholder of an authorised financial advice firm with permission to advise on pensions, mortgages and investments.
Cochran was formerly a director at Celebrity Financial Planning which counted celebrities, professional sportspeople and entrepreneurs among its clientele.
In April 2018, he was convicted of sexual assault, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and an offence contrary to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Cochran was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and required to sign the sex offenders register.
In August 2018, the financial advice firm that he set up was forced to cease all regulated business activity.
Offensive images of children
Russell David Jameson was a financial adviser at an authorised firm and was approved by the FCA to hold various significant influence and customer facing functions at the firm.
In July 2018, he was convicted of serious criminal offences involving the making, possession and distribution of indecent images of children.
Between January 2013 and August 2017, Jameson made thousands of indecent photographs of children and had thousands of such images in his possession, including films and images of the utmost severity.
Jameson was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, and included in the list of individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Voyeurism
Mark Horsey was the sole director and shareholder of an authorised financial advice firm with permission to conduct designated investment business, including advising on and arranging deals in investments, and insurance distribution.
He provided specialist advice to dentists via his firm, Dental Money Management.
In September 2018, he was convicted of voyeurism, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
He had surreptitiously observed and video recorded his tenant having a shower without their consent.
Horsey was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, required to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activity, and required to sign the sex offenders register.
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