Former Barclays CEO Jes Staley slept with Epstein assistant, court hears

Former Barclays Boss Jes Staley Reveals Relationship with Epstein’s Staff Member

During the third day of his court testimony as he appeals a proposed financial services ban, former Barclays boss Jes Staley admitted to having a sexual encounter with a member of serial pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s staff.

In 2023, Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority announced its decision to ban Staley and impose a £1.8 million fine for allegedly providing misleading information about his association with Epstein. Staley is currently presenting his case at London’s Upper Tribunal.

Staley, who claimed to be unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities, was questioned by the FCA’s lawyer regarding his statements in a lawsuit filed against him by his former employer JPMorgan.

JPMorgan, where Staley previously served as head of the private bank with Epstein as a client, faced legal action for allegedly overlooking Epstein’s sex trafficking activities. The bank subsequently sued Staley, leading to a settlement.

During the US litigation, Staley acknowledged engaging in sexual activity with a woman at Epstein’s brother’s apartment in New York, whom he was introduced to by Epstein and who was part of his staff.

Staley also mentioned that Epstein had asked him to be the trustee of his estate, a request that Staley declined.

The crux of Staley’s appeal lies in a 2019 letter sent by Barclays’ Chair Nigel Higgins to the FCA, which the regulator deemed as containing misleading information about Staley’s relationship with Epstein.

The FCA highlighted a series of emails between Staley and Epstein, where Staley referred to their friendship as “profound” and Epstein as “family.” Staley claimed to have no recollection of some of these emails.

Staley’s testimony is expected to conclude on Friday as he continues to defend himself against the allegations brought forth by the FCA.