Key facts
- Richard Bloomfield pleaded not guilty to five counts of insider dealing.
- The FCA alleges Bloomfield used inside information from his role as a solicitor on an acquisition of Seraphine Group.
- The alleged trading occurred on five occasions between March 28, 2022, and January 10, 2023.
- Bloomfield previously worked for City firm Goodwin.
- The FCA is not investigating the law firm or Seraphine Group plc.
A City solicitor, Richard Bloomfield, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of insider dealing. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) alleges that Bloomfield, while working as a solicitor on an acquisition of Seraphine Group PLC, used inside information obtained through his role to trade in the company's securities on five separate occasions between March 28, 2022, and January 10, 2023. Bloomfield, 38, appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he entered his not guilty plea. The case has been sent to Southwark Crown Court, with his next appearance scheduled for August 5. He has been released on unconditional bail. The FCA stated that neither the law firm where Bloomfield formerly worked, Goodwin, nor Seraphine Group plc are subjects of the investigation. A spokesperson for Goodwin confirmed they are aware of the charges against their former employee and are cooperating with the FCA, emphasizing there are no allegations of wrongdoing against the firm.