Financial Markets Authority chief executive Samantha Barrass quits

Samantha Barrass, the chief executive of the Financial Markets Authority, has resigned from her position with immediate effect. The reason for her departure is to attend to family matters back in the UK. Barrass had previously been suspended from her role and had sought to overturn the suspension. The Financial Markets Authority's board commissioned an independent investigation into matters concerning Barrass, led by Paul Wicks KC, in addition to a separate conduct and culture review.

FMA chair James Miller confirmed that the suspension had now been lifted. In a statement, Barrass acknowledged that her five years with the organization had been challenging, praising her executive leadership team and colleagues for their efforts in improving the organization's performance. She expressed pride in the team but declined to comment further on the allegations she faced during the investigation process, stating that it was up to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to determine the outcome. A farewell event will be held to recognize Barrass's contributions.