The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has opened an investigation into how it handled whistleblower Simon Andriesz, a British banker who raised alleged links between Jeffrey Epstein and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, after he died last month.
Key facts
- The FCA has launched an investigation into its handling of a whistleblower.
- British banker Simon Andriesz died late last month aged 57, having taken his own life.
- Andriesz highlighted alleged ties between Jeffrey Epstein and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick.
- He was a member of the campaign group Transparency Task Force, which confirmed his death.
A top UK regulator has launched an investigation into how it handled a whistleblower who had highlighted alleged ties between the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the US commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, according to the Guardian.
The whistleblower, British banker Simon Andriesz, took his own life. He died late last month aged 57, the Guardian reported.
Andriesz helped to expose the alleged ties between Epstein and Lutnick, according to the Guardian’s account of his work.
His death was confirmed over the weekend by the campaign group Transparency Task Force, of which he was a member.
The Financial Conduct Authority’s investigation centres on how it handled Andriesz as a whistleblower, the Guardian reported.
Why it matters
How financial regulators treat whistleblowers is central to public trust in the system that is meant to expose wrongdoing. An investigation into the FCA's handling of a whistleblower who later died raises questions about the support and protections available to those who come forward.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Simon Andriesz?
He was a British banker and a member of the campaign group Transparency Task Force who helped to expose alleged ties between Jeffrey Epstein and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. He died late last month aged 57, having taken his own life, according to the Guardian.
What is the FCA investigating?
According to the Guardian, the Financial Conduct Authority has launched an investigation into how it handled Andriesz as a whistleblower.
How was his death confirmed?
The campaign group Transparency Task Force, of which Andriesz was a member, confirmed his death over the weekend, the Guardian reported.