The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has fined and banned British financier Paul Taylor over false claims made during acquisition bids for a UK bank and Reading Football Club. Taylor, chief executive of Blue Horizon Asset Management, was fined £489,000 and barred from financial services for acting dishonestly. In December 2023, he falsely claimed ownership of a €200mn bond portfolio during negotiations for a £37mn bank purchase, triggering an exclusivity period.

Similar misconduct occurred in 2024 during the Reading FC bid. After anomalies surfaced, Taylor advised Blue Horizon to admit providing false information to the FCA. The firm commissioned an internal investigation, whose findings were shared with regulators.

Blue Horizon stated the action targets individuals, not the firm. Taylor's career began as a bricklayer before rising to lead NatWest's structured finance division and working with Qatari royals on deals including Chelsea FC and J Sainsbury. Esmeralda Toni, former Blue Horizon managing director, was also fined £121,200 and banned for serious misconduct.

Both settlements included 30% fine reductions.