Three social media ‘finfluencers’ have made their first court appearance after being charged in connection with an FCA-led global crackdown on illegal financial promotions.
Charles Hunter, Kayan Kalipha and Luke Desmaris appeared separately at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, each facing a charge linked to social media posts promoting high-risk foreign exchange (forex) contracts for difference (CFDs).
The Financial Conduct Authority alleges the trio encouraged followers to invest in products without the required authorisation to promote them.
The charges stem from a coordinated international enforcement action announced by the FCA in June 2025, part of a wider effort targeting unauthorised “finfluencers” across multiple jurisdictions.
All three pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 8 October.
The FCA said nine regulators from countries including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Italy, the UAE and the UK took part in the global operation.
