Former Barclays CEO’s Epstein Ties Come to Light During Court Battle

London, England — Jes Staley, the former CEO of Barclays, has testified in court revealing details of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as he appeals a proposed ban from Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The 68-year-old banker claimed he engaged in a consensual relationship with a woman connected to Epstein’s staff during his testimony at London’s Upper Tribunal on March 11, 2025. This revelation comes as Staley is under investigation for allegedly misleading regulators regarding his ties with the convicted sex offender.

The FCA announced in 2023 that it would impose a fine of £1.8 million (approximately $2.3 million) on Staley for the alleged misconduct. The financial authority’s inquiry was intensified after Epstein’s arrest, prompting closer scrutiny of those within his circle.

During questioning by FCA lawyer Leigh-Ann Mulcahy, Staley was confronted with evidence suggesting that he had sexual relations with a woman at Epstein’s brother’s apartment. Staley confirmed the encounter, stating, “I was introduced to the woman by Jeffrey Epstein” and asserting that the interaction was consensual.

In a notable part of his testimony, Staley defended his professional relationship with Epstein, stating, “I turned him down” when Epstein asked him to be the trustee of his estate. The FCA presented over 1,000 emails exchanged between Staley and Epstein, which highlighted a friendship Staley described as “profound.” In one email, Staley referred to Epstein as “family.”

Staley’s appeal revolves around a letter sent in 2019 from Barclays Chair Nigel Higgins to the FCA. The letter included statements that Staley had “not a close relationship” with Epstein and that their last communication was “well before he joined Barclays in 2015.” Staley insists both statements are accurate.

Nonetheless, the FCA contends that Staley’s claims conflict with the significant volume of communication exchanged with Epstein. In one email from 2010, Staley remarked, “That was fun. Say hi to Snow White,” to which Epstein replied, “What character would you like next?” Staley’s response was “Beauty and the Beast.” Staley admitted during the hearing that he had no memory of these emails, raising questions about the nature of his relationship with Epstein.

Mulcahy challenged Staley’s recollection, asking, “They are not emails that are consistent with a purely personal relationship… they were personal in nature, weren’t they?” Staley reiterated, “I do not recall those emails.” Staley’s appearances in court are expected to conclude this week, with additional insights from his testimony anticipated to shed light on the regulatory scrutiny he faces.