FCA Brings Fraud Charges Against Former Merchant Bank Director

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has brought nine criminal charges against Mr. Henrik Schliemann, a former director of an FCA-regulated merchant bank, accusing him of multiple counts of fraud, forgery, and financial misconduct.

According to the FCA, Mr. Schliemann was responsible for overseeing the banks financial affairs and held significant authority over its accounts. The regulator alleges that he abused this position by transferring substantial sums from company accounts to his personal accounts. The charges include allegations that he misappropriated approximately $1.45 million and €3.1 million, and awarded himself over £1.3 million in excess dividends.

The FCA states that these actions constitute fraud by abuse of position, fraud by false representation, and forgery—offences that fall under the UKs criminal financial misconduct regulations.

Mr. Schliemann appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court, where he did not enter a plea. The case has now been referred to Southwark Crown Court, with his next hearing scheduled for 5 January 2026. He has been released on conditional bail pending further proceedings.

The case forms part of the FCA‘s broader efforts to strengthen enforcement against senior-level misconduct within regulated firms, underscoring the agency’s commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in the UKs financial services sector.