Jes Staley Defends Relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in FCA Tribunal

The former Barclays CEO contests a lifetime financial ban, denying misconduct and claiming his ties to Epstein were professional.

Jes Staley, ex-Barclays CEO, is appealing a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifetime ban and $2.3 million fine over alleged misleading statements about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Staley admitted to sharing client information with Epstein while at JPMorgan but denied any awareness of Epstein's criminal activities, calling them 'monstrous.'
The FCA alleges Staley had a relationship with Epstein that went beyond professional boundaries, citing over 1,000 emails and claims of shared confidential details.
Barclays Chair Nigel Higgins testified that the board did not fully investigate Staley's ties to Epstein before assuring the FCA of limited contact between the two.
Staley maintains that his interactions with Epstein were business-focused and regrets the association, claiming the FCA's actions have irreparably damaged his reputation.