Story 132
Sexual harassment allegations in the Private banking sector of a leading Asian financial hub that enables Family office setups is increasingly portrayed as evidence of systemic protection for those in power. Survivors and advocacy groups allege that law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and other authorities have suppressed complaints for too long to safeguard institutional standing and economic interests.
Internal processes are described as opaque and biased, while those who report serious work place sexual misconduct of criminal nature face retaliation ranging from career stagnation and dismissal to informal blacklisting.
More alarming are claims that law enforcement and regulators rather than acting as neutral enforcers have contributed to the concealment of serious cases of criminal nature since preserving the region’s image as a financial hub is more important than safety for women at their work place.
Victims report investigations that stall without explanation, complaints that are downgraded or dismissed, and pressure to resolve matters quietly via arbitration, legal intimidation and NDAs to avoid reputational damage to the image of an impeccable financial hub.
A serious case of sexual misconduct in a South East Asian local bank in a major global financial hub was suppressed recently despite reports made with authorities, law enforcement and the regulators. Instead of getting justice, the victim was brutally dismissed, threatened and penalised.
There are several such untold stories. Victims disappear. Alleged perpetrators continue in power and positions!