Former Barclays CEO Jes Staley Admits to Sexual Encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s Staff Member

The admission, revealed during a London tribunal, adds to scrutiny of Staley's ties to Epstein and his appeal against a financial services ban.

Jes Staley, former Barclays CEO, admitted in court to having a consensual sexual encounter with a member of Jeffrey Epstein's staff at an apartment owned by Epstein's brother in New York.
The admission came during Staley's appeal against a lifetime ban and £1.8 million fine imposed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for allegedly misleading regulators about his relationship with Epstein.
The FCA presented over 1,000 emails between Staley and Epstein, highlighting their close relationship, including exchanges referring to Epstein as 'family' and discussing Disney character references.
Staley denied awareness of Epstein's criminal activities and claimed his relationship with Epstein was professional, though evidence suggested personal ties persisted after Epstein's 2008 conviction.
The tribunal is also examining whether Staley misled Barclays and regulators in 2019 by downplaying his relationship with Epstein; a decision on the appeal is expected in the coming months.