People Moves
Standard Chartered's Compliance Chief Quits Over "Inappropriate" Conduct

The senior banker has expressed regret over his conduct and leaves to pursue other opportunities, the bank said.
Standard Chartered’s compliance chief, Neil Barry, has left the
UK-listed bank after a disciplinary probe discovered his
behaviour to be “inappropriate,” the firm has confirmed to this
publication.
“Neil was placed on leave on March 16th, while we investigated
speak ups related to his behaviour. As a result of the
investigation, we went through a full and fair disciplinary
process. This concluded that Neil’s managerial style, behaviour
and language towards some of his colleagues was inappropriate and
not in line with our valued behaviours, although it fell short of
warranting his dismissal,” Standard
Chartered said in an emailed statement. Barry held the title
of group head of compliance, according to his Linkedin
profile.
“Neil has expressed his regret if any of his interactions with
his colleagues caused upset or offence – that was never his
intention. He has also acknowledged that as a senior leader he
must role-model the highest standards of behaviour,” it
continued. “Neil and the bank have agreed that, in the
circumstances, he will move on and pursue other opportunities. He
will, therefore, leave the bank with immediate effect,” Standard
Chartered added. It did not elaborate on specific details about
Barry’s actions.
Tracey McDermott, head of corporate, public and regulatory
affairs, continues to lead compliance operations, the statement
added.
Share prices in the bank were actually up around 2.48 per cent at
11:00 GMT on Monday.
Issues around conduct in the workplace have come under brighter
lights in recent months. In 2016, chief executive Bill Winters
brought in a tighter code of conduct at the Asia-focused
lender.
Barry joined Standard Chartered in 2009 from Citigroup, firstly
becoming global head of legal and compliance for private banking
and wealth management in Singapore, rising to group head of
compliance under Winters in 2015.
Among other misconduct issues at private banks, Harry Keogh, the
Coutts banker who had been punished for sexual harassment claims,
resigned from the UK firm earlier, this year,
as reported 28 March.