Andrew John Field

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Sole practitioner Andrew John Field referred three vulnerable clients (a brain-injured client, and estates/attorneyships including a 101-year-old) to a tied financial adviser (ST) rather than independent intermediaries for life insurance investment bonds. He had taken a £25,000 loan from ST proximate to the investments, which generated significant commissions, thereby compromising his independence, and did not disclose this to clients. He also omitted the loan from ST and a loan from his parents from his IVA statement of affairs submitted to Medway County Court, to make the IVA viable and evade bankruptcy. The Tribunal found all three allegations proved beyond reasonable doubt and made an express finding of dishonesty under the Twinsectra test on allegation 1.3. The Respondent did not attend. He was struck off the Roll and ordered to pay £16,000 costs (held to fall outside his bankruptcy).

Duties found breached:

• No taking unfair advantage
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• No conflict between current clients

Aggravating factors:

• Dishonesty found in relation to the IVA omissions
• Deliberate omission of loans to make IVA viable and evade bankruptcy
• Experienced solicitor admitted in 1991 aware of the SRA guidance
• Failure to disclose personal financial relationship/loan to clients

Mitigating factors:

• No previous disciplinary matters