SRA sends Kieran Ferguson to the SDT over allegations linked to a disputed bike theft claim
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has referred solicitor Kieran Ferguson to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal following allegations concerning an attempted insurance claim for a stolen bike. The SRA announced the prosecution decision on 16 July 2025, and the notice was published on 27 November 2025. The allegations remain unproven and will be determined by the independent tribunal.
At the time of the events under investigation and at the date of publication, Mr Ferguson was a solicitor at Ashurst LLP. The firm is based at 1 Duval Square in the London Fruit and Wool Exchange. According to the SRA, the case centres on claims Mr Ferguson submitted to an insurer relating to the theft of a bike. The regulator alleges that the insurance policy did not cover the loss at the time of the reported theft.
The SRA further alleges that Mr Ferguson made statements in support of the insurance claim that were untrue or misleading. These allegations form the basis of the referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal has certified that there is a case to answer, which permits the proceedings to go forward, but no conclusions have yet been reached. Mr Ferguson will have the opportunity to respond to the evidence and present his case.
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The SRA emphasised that its decision reflects only the threshold for referral and does not amount to a finding of misconduct. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal operates independently and will consider all relevant material, including any documents or submissions provided by the solicitor. A hearing date will be set in due course.
Matters of financial honesty and the accuracy of information provided to third parties feature prominently in regulatory assessments of solicitor conduct. In its public notices, the SRA routinely underlines the importance placed on integrity and transparency within the profession. Allegations involving misleading information or improper claims are therefore treated as serious. However, the regulator also stresses that referrals are not disciplinary outcomes in themselves and that the tribunal process is essential to ensuring fairness.
Ashurst LLP has not been found to have breached any rules in relation to this matter. The allegations relate solely to Mr Ferguson’s conduct and the firm is listed only because it was his employer at the relevant time. The SRA publication does not suggest that any client work carried out by the firm is affected.
The tribunal will consider whether any of the alleged conduct, if proven, would breach the SRA Principles and Code of Conduct. Possible outcomes range from dismissal of the allegations to sanctions that may include fines, restrictions on practice or removal from the roll for the most serious findings. The tribunal’s judgment will be published once issued.
Until the hearing concludes, the allegations remain unproven and no adverse findings have been made. The disciplinary process will continue under the standard tribunal timetable.