The Financial Conduct Authority has banned Ashkan Zahedian from working in financial services following his conviction for serious violent offences which took place while he was an approved individual.

Mr Zahedian was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court in May 2020.

He pleaded guilty and was convicted of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, having attacked a security guard at a bar with a machete.

According to a report in local newspaper The Brighton Argus at the time: “Ashkan Zahedian saw red when he became embroiled in a brawl outside the Mixologist in Hove. The 29-year-old owner of the Shandiz Persian restaurant admitted going to his car and returning to the scene brandishing a machete.”

Mr Zahedian was the sole director of an authorised consumer credit firm, Vast Cars Limited, and was approved by the FCA as a senior manager. Vast Cars was registered as a used car dealership in Hove in 2013.

The FCA has decided to remove Mr Zahedian’s approval to perform the senior management function at Vast Cars Limited and impose a prohibition order, preventing him from working in financial services in the future.

Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight said: “Those authorised to provide financial services are required to meet and maintain high standards of character, fitness and properness.

“These were serious, violent criminal offences reflecting on Mr Zahedian’s character and justifying the finding that he is not a person to be working in financial services. The FCA will continue to uphold high standards of character and conduct for those working in financial services.”