Allegations have surfaced against the late Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, one of the most prominent financiers in British banking, accusing him of serious sexual misconduct during his tenure at NM Rothschild. The claims, which date back to the 1990s, have been made by multiple women who previously worked for the institution and have now come forward in the wake of his passing in 2022.
De Rothschild, who was knighted in 1989 and served as a financial adviser to Queen Elizabeth II, was chairman of NM Rothschild for over two decades. He was widely regarded as an authoritative figure within the firm and British high society. Sources claim that his influence and position made it difficult for victims to speak out while he was alive.
According to former employees, De Rothschild allegedly used his senior role at the bank’s London headquarters to harass and assault female staff. Some sources suggest that such behaviour went unchecked for years, with reports indicating that he targeted junior employees by initially offering career opportunities before acting inappropriately. Allegations include serious sexual assault, including claims that he forcibly groped women and coerced them into non-consensual encounters.
The incidents are said to have taken place within NM Rothschild’s London offices, near the Bank of England. Witnesses and individuals with direct knowledge of the events described a workplace environment where such misconduct was reportedly tolerated, with affected employees often being dismissed or receiving financial settlements to ensure their silence.
When approached for comment, lawyers representing Rothschild & Co stated that an initial review of records had found no relevant information regarding these allegations but did not confirm whether further investigations would take place. The Rothschild family has not responded publicly to the claims.
The banking group has asserted that it maintains a strong stance against inappropriate behaviour in the workplace, stating that any complaints are dealt with “quickly and decisively.” It also emphasised that there is no place for misconduct within its corporate culture.
De Rothschild retired from NM Rothschild in 2004 after spending more than four decades in the family business. In addition to his banking career, he held roles on the boards of major media organisations and cultural institutions. He was known for his close ties to the British royal family, having co-founded a charity with Mark Shand, the brother of Queen Camilla, and frequently socialising with King Charles when he was Prince of Wales.
The allegations against De Rothschild emerge amid a broader reckoning over historical misconduct by powerful figures, with other high-profile individuals, including former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, also facing posthumous accusations of sexual abuse. These claims are expected to raise further questions about the culture within elite financial institutions and the treatment of women in high-ranking corporate environments.
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