The FCA has commenced a criminal prosecution against a man over unauthorised investment schemes.

Th regulator is prosecuting Mark Barry Starling of Farnham, Surrey, for three offences relating to unauthorised investment schemes alleged to have been operated between 1 August 2008 and 25 April last year.

Mr Starling, 57, is alleged to have operated schemes that purported to carry out financial futures trading for the benefit of investors.

He stands accused of committing offences including operating, or purporting to operate, a collective investment scheme without authorisation or exemption, contrary to sections 19 and 23 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

Mr Starling is also alleged to have committed two counts of fraud, contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Mr Starling’s first court appearance was at City of London Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.

The case was passed to Southwark Crown Court with the first preliminary hearing scheduled for 18 September.

The FCA was unable to provide any further comment or information.

The case continues.