June 2028 trial set for illegal forex promotion charges
Lucy Beck pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court to charges of promoting foreign exchange contracts for difference without authorization. The Financial Conduct Authority announced that her trial is scheduled for June 12, 2028.
Not guilty plea in Crown Court
On July 30, 2026, Lucy Beck attended Southwark Crown Court for a plea hearing regarding allegations of unlawful financial promotions on social media platforms and websites.
The prosecution alleges that Beck promoted buying and selling Foreign Exchange Contracts for Difference (CFDs) without FCA authorization, in direct violation of sections 21 and 25 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
At the hearing, Beck entered a formal plea of not guilty to the charges, leading the court to schedule her trial for June 12, 2028.
The FCA has urged any retail investors or consumers who suspect they may have suffered financial losses in connection with this matter to immediately contact its consumer contact centre.
Social media finance under scrutiny
Tackling illegal online financial promotions remains a central priority within the FCA's broader five-year strategy to combat financial crime and protect retail investors.
The regulator continues to warn consumers about high-risk instruments such as Contracts for Difference offered by unauthorized entities.
To help individuals verify credentials and evaluate market risks, the FCA directs the public to its Firm Checker database and the InvestSmart educational platform before committing funds to online investment opportunities.
A long wait for accountability
A trial date two years away highlights severe delays in prosecuting online financial crime.
While the FCA rightly targets unauthorized social media promotions, delayed trials weaken immediate deterrence.
Real consumer protection requires swift preventive measures rather than long legal proceedings.