MPs call for investigation after Lutnick-Epstein whistleblower dies

Simon Andriesz, a former senior trader at BGC Partners, died by suicide in Thailand on 23 September after spending months exposing alleged links between Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein and accusing his former firm of misconduct. He provided evidence to the Financial Conduct Authority, the FBI and other watchdogs that challenged Lutnick’s public accounts of his association with Epstein, including claims Lutnick sought to “buy a prince” by proposing a business tie-up with Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, and allegations that commission funds set aside for brokers’ bonuses were misappropriated. Andriesz had told MPs and campaigners he felt “thoroughly let down” and said regulatory responses left him exposed to retaliation; his family said there was no suggestion of foul play.

A cross‑party group of MPs led by John McDonnell says his death raises “deeply troubling questions” about how the FCA handles whistleblowers and has called for an independent review paid for by the regulator. The FCA previously concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove retaliation while noting it had taken supervisory action, but has now asked new non‑executive director Lea Paterson to review how it interacted with Andriesz. MPs warn that failure to protect and properly investigate whistleblowers will damage the integrity of the financial regulatory system.