Ex-Barclays boss Jes Staley was trustee of Jeffrey Epstein’s estate until 2015, files say | Jes Staley

Ex-Barclays boss Jes Staley was trustee of Jeffrey Epstein’s estate until 2015, files say | Jes Staley

February 12, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Newly released documents are raising questions about the testimony of former Barclays CEO Jes Staley regarding his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Records indicate Staley was named as a trustee of Epstein’s estate as late as May 2015, a detail that appears to contradict statements he made in court last year.

Contradictory Testimony

Staley previously testified that he had declined Epstein’s offer to serve as a trustee. However, a copy of the Jeffrey E Epstein 2014 Trust, dated November 2014, bears Staley’s signature, naming him as one of three trustees. He also appears to have signed an amendment to the agreement in May 2015.

Did You Know? The trust document details tens of millions of dollars in bequests and loan waivers that would have taken effect upon Epstein’s death.

The emergence of these documents coincides with scrutiny from US prosecutors who reviewed allegations of rape and bodily harm against Staley. While Staley denies any wrongdoing, he has not been charged in connection with these allegations. The Guardian reported on these allegations last week.

Previous Regulatory Issues

Staley stepped down from his position as chief executive of Barclays in 2021 following an investigation by City regulators into his relationship with Epstein. He had previously spent over three decades at JP Morgan before joining Blue Mountain Capital. His appointment at Barclays was announced in October 2015.

Expert Insight: The discrepancy between Staley’s testimony and the documented evidence of his role as a trustee underscores the potential legal and reputational risks associated with undisclosed connections to individuals like Jeffrey Epstein.

Staley maintained in court that his relationship with Epstein was “close professional” but not a friendship, and that he was unaware of Epstein’s “monstrous activities.” He was also appointed as an executor in earlier versions of Epstein’s will, alongside former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, though he was not an executor in the final will.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jes Staley’s role in the Epstein trust?

Documents show Jes Staley’s signature on the Jeffrey E Epstein 2014 Trust, naming him as one of three trustees, and on an amendment to the agreement dated May 2015.

What did Staley say about being a trustee?

Staley testified that he had declined Epstein’s offer to be a trustee, stating he refused the position and that declining it indicated he was not a close personal friend.

What are the potential consequences of this new information?

The documents raise questions about the accuracy of Staley’s previous testimony during his attempt to overturn a lifetime ban imposed by the City regulator over his ties to Epstein. It is possible this could lead to further scrutiny or legal challenges.

Given the renewed attention to Staley’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, what does this mean for the future of leadership accountability in the financial sector?