FCA’s Staley decision a bold move. Are more needed?

The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) decision to ban the former chief executive officer of Barclays for misrepresenting his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein has seemingly reaffirmed the notion that everyone—even the boss—is accountable for their actions.

The FCA announced last month its intention to fine Staley 1.8 million pounds (then-U.S. $2.2 million) and exclude him from holding a senior management role in the financial services industry. Staley appealed the decision to a tribunal.

Certainly, it’s a bold move. While the regulator has previously disciplined bank CEOs—e.g., Mohammad Ataur Rahman Prodhan of Sonali Bank (UK) last November and Conor Foley of spread-betting firm Worldspreads in 2020—such actions have typically been as a result of professional failings rather than for personal conduct.