Expert Witness Services: Financial Services, Gross Misconduct Dismissal
Context
A top 10 global law firm instructed Novo in a high-profile dispute involving alleged gross misconduct by a senior executive within a European financial services group. The case carried significant reputational and regulatory sensitivity, with potential implications for investor confidence and board credibility.
Sector Complexity
Financial services operate under intense regulatory oversight. Expectations around conduct, governance, and accountability are high, and often subject to interpretation. Distinguishing between misconduct and judgement under pressure is rarely straightforward, particularly at board level.
Brief
Provide independent expert opinion on market practice in executive conduct, dismissal thresholds, and the proportionality of board level decisions.
Approach
Novo assessed comparable cases, governance standards, and disciplinary frameworks across regulated markets. This included analysis of board level decision making, conduct frameworks, and precedent scenarios.
Outputs
A detailed expert report and formal written witness statement were produced, clearly setting out opinion, supporting evidence, and market benchmarks.
Outcome
Our evidence clarified the distinction between conduct failure and performance judgement. It was relied upon in settlement discussions, materially strengthening the client’s negotiating position. The matter concluded without escalation to full trial, with the client satisfied that the expert opinion added clear weight and credibility.
