UK regulator FCA to investigate how it handled Epstein whistleblower who took his own life

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched an investigation into its handling of a whistleblower who had alleged ties between late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. The victim, British banker Simon Andriesz, died at the age of 57 after taking his own life. Andriesz had previously worked as a managing director at BGC Group, the financial brokerage where Lutnick served as chief executive.

He had accused the FCA of not holding BGC accountable for alleged wrongdoing and had been wrongly denied whistleblower protection. The whistleblower had raised concerns about accounting irregularities at BGC and had informed the FBI about Epstein's undeclared business ties with Epstein. He also found emails suggesting Lutnick and Epstein discussed a joint business venture.

Andriesz's death came after he accused the FCA of mishandling his whistleblower complaints and providing misleading information about his eligibility for protection. The FCA expressed condolences to his family and appointed a new board member, Lea Paterson, to review its interaction with Andriesz. Critics, including the all-party parliamentary group on investment fraud and fairer financial services, have called for a truly independent review of the FCA's handling of whistleblowers, fearing that the regulator is "marking its own homework."