Former Barclays CEO Jes Staley Fights UK Financial Ban Over Epstein Links

Staley is challenging the Financial Conduct Authority's decision to ban him from senior financial roles, citing alleged unfairness in the investigation process.

Jes Staley, former CEO of Barclays, has launched a legal appeal against the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) lifetime ban and £1.8 million fine over alleged misleading statements about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The FCA claims Staley 'recklessly approved' a 2019 letter to the regulator that inaccurately downplayed his relationship with Epstein and misrepresented the timeline of their last contact.
Central to the case are over 1,200 emails between Staley and Epstein, with the FCA arguing they show a closer relationship than Staley has admitted, including references to Epstein as a 'profound' friend.
Staley contends the FCA's investigation was prejudiced and asserts that his communications with Epstein were primarily professional and initiated by Epstein after their last direct contact.
High-profile witnesses, including Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Barclays Chair Nigel Higgins, are expected to testify during the three-week hearing, which will scrutinize Staley's professional conduct and personal connections.