The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has updated the status of its penalty against financial influencer J. van den Brink for jointly engaging in unlicensed portfolio management with Grinta Invest. In its Aug. 31, 2026, ruling, the Rotterdam District Court reduced the original EUR 195,000 fine by EUR 52,500 to EUR 142,500, while upholding the remainder of the challenged decision. Van den Brink promoted Grinta Invest through social media and a website, recruited investors and helped them register and resolve questions. She received referral commissions including 10% of investors’ contributed capital, a factor in setting the original fine. Grinta Invest operated without the required licence and disappeared with investors’ money. Although Van den Brink did not intend that outcome, her cooperation enabled it. The reduction reflected the court’s findings that the AFM had not acted promptly and adequately against Grinta Invest and had delayed clarifying Van den Brink’s status as a joint offender. Proceedings also exceeded the reasonable time requirement under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. A further appeal was filed on Sept. 8, 2026.
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets updates finfluencer case following court reduction of fine to EUR 142,500
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets has updated the case against financial influencer J. van den Brink, whose fine for participating in Grinta Invest’s unlicensed portfolio management was reduced from EUR 195,000 to EUR 142,500. The Rotterdam District Court’s Aug. 31, 2026, ruling cited shortcomings in the AFM’s handling of the matter and excessive delays, while otherwise upholding the decision. A further appeal was filed on Sept. 8, 2026.