March 2024: Paul Jessup disqualified after fund misappropriation

One clear story from March 2024: Paul Jessup, the former managing director of Strand Capital SA, has been disqualified from acting as a company director for nine years. The Insolvency Service found he misused money from Helvetica Investments Ltd, leaving the business with a major shortfall. If you follow corporate news in the pharma world, this case matters because it shows how weak controls and bad judgment can hurt companies and customers alike.

What happened

According to the Insolvency Service, Jessup used funds belonging to Helvetica Investments Ltd in ways he shouldn’t have. That misuse created a significant financial gap that the business couldn’t cover. The regulator’s response was a nine-year ban on serving as a company director. The headline is simple: the regulator held an individual accountable for mismanaging investor funds.

How this matters for directors and investors

If you run a company, this is a reminder that governance matters as much as product quality. For directors, it’s not enough to be experienced or well-connected. You must keep clear records, separate client or investor money from company cash, and follow reporting rules. Regulators will act when they find misuse or poor oversight.

As an investor, ask direct questions about where money is held and who can access it. Check audit trails, independent oversight, and whether managers are properly licensed or insured. If a fund or firm can’t show clean accounting, walk away. Small red flags—missing statements, slow answers, or inconsistent records—often point to bigger problems.

This case also affects trust. When a fund manager is banned, it shakes confidence in similar firms. That can slow investment and complicate funding for companies that actually follow the rules. In health and pharma, where funding supports drug development and supply chains, shaky governance can slow product launches or disrupt access to medicines.

What should you do if you run a small healthcare company or manage investor money? First, keep transparent accounting and regular audits. Second, set clear limits on who can move funds and require dual approvals for big transfers. Third, document decisions and keep minutes. These steps don’t cost much but they reduce risk dramatically.

If you’re simply following the industry, this story is a good prompt to check the firms you trust. Look for up-to-date regulatory records and director histories. A quick check can reveal past sanctions or warnings that matter to your investments or the stability of a supplier.

March 2024’s coverage on Exact-Pharma highlighted accountability and the practical steps businesses should take to protect money and reputation. Keep this case in mind when you evaluate companies, investments, or partners—good governance protects patients, investors, and the long-term health of the industry.