Former Barclays CEO Jes Staley denies misleading the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to his lawyers. The FCA claims that Staley downplayed their closeness and failed to disclose non-public information to Epstein while working at JPMorgan.
Staley is facing a ban from working in the UK finance industry indefinitely and a $2.3 million fine over his association with Epstein. He has maintained that he had only a “close professional relationship” with Epstein, despite occasional visits to Epstein’s private island and use of his private jet.
The FCA argues that Staley passed non-public information to Epstein while at JPMorgan and updated him on his application for the Barclays CEO job. However, Staley’s lawyers claim that these emails demonstrate he was no longer in contact with Epstein, as Epstein initiated most of the email chains with Staley’s daughter.
Staley will face cross-examination over his relationship with Epstein next week, including evidence from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Barclays Chair Nigel Higgins. The case centers on a cache of over 1,000 emails between Staley and Epstein, which show a close friendship and professional ties.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/ex-barclays-ceo-staley-appeals-uk-ban-over-epstein-statements-2025-03-03