The Financial Conduct Authority has charged a City solicitor with five counts of insider dealing.
The watchdog alleges that in his role as a solicitor at a law firm, Richard Bloomfield worked on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC and used inside information obtained through his role to deal in securities of Seraphine on five occasions between 28 March 2022 and 10 January 2023. Bloomfield formerly worked for City firm Goodwin.
Bloomfield, 38, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and gave no indication of plea. The case was sent to Southwark Crown Court and his next appearance will be on 5 August.
Bloomfield has been released on unconditional bail.
The FCA said it is not investigating the law firm or Seraphine Group plc in the case.
A Goodwin spokesperson said: We are aware of the charges against our former employee. There are no allegations of wrongdoing by the firm, and we are not a subject of the FCA’s investigation. The firm has cooperated fully with the FCA and will not be commenting further at this time given the pending criminal proceedings.'
