The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has imposed a £40m ($50.3m) fine on Barclays for failing to disclose certain agreements with Qatari entities during the bank’s capital raising efforts in 2008.
The 2008 financial crisis was a critical period for banks, which were in urgent need of recapitalisation.
The latest move comes after Barclays chose not to contest the FCA’s proposed actions in the Upper Tribunal.
In 2013, the FCA issued warning notices to Barclays, but the case was put on hold due to criminal proceedings by the Serious Fraud Office.
The case resumed after the charges against Barclays were dropped and other parties were acquitted. The FCA had initially decided on a £50m ($62.8m) penalty but has now confirmed a £40m ($50.3m) fine.
The FCA has acknowledged Barclays’ decision to withdraw its appeal to the Upper Tribunal, noting the challenging circumstances of the 2008 capital raisings.
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By GlobalDataHowever, the bank stressed that it was not accepting FCA’s findings but just wants to “draw a line”.
The FCA enforcement and market oversight joint executive director Steve Smart said: “’Barclays’ misconduct was serious and meant investors did not have all the information they should have had.
“However, the events took place over 16 years ago and we recognise that Barclays is a very different organisation today, having implemented change across the business. It is important that listed firms provide investors with the information they need.”
The FCA emphasises that maintaining market integrity is one of its core objectives, and financial institutions must take their market and shareholder obligations seriously.