On 28 June 2012, former Barclays trader Daniel James Plunkett exploited the weaknesses in Barclays’ systems and controls to seek to influence that day’s 3:00 p.m. Gold Fixing and thereby profited at a customer’s expense.
As a result of Plunkett’s actions, Barclays was not obligated to make a US$3.9m payment to its customer, although it later compensated the customer in full. Plunkett’s actions boosted his own trading book by US$1.75m (excluding hedging).
The FCA has fined Plunkett £95,600 and banned him from performing any function in relation to any regulated activity.
Tracey McDermott, the FCA's director of enforcement and financial crime, said:
"A firm’s lack of controls and a trader's disregard for a customer's interests have allowed the financial services industry’s reputation to be sullied again. Plunkett has paid a heavy price for putting his own interests above the integrity of the market and Barclays’ customer. Traders who might be tempted to exploit their clients for a quick buck should be in no doubt - such behaviour will cost you your reputation and your livelihood.
"Barclays' failure to identify and manage the risks in its business was extremely disappointing. Plunkett's actions came the day after the publication of our LIBOR and EURIBOR action against Barclays. The investigation and outcomes in that case meant that the firm, and Plunkett, were clearly on notice of the potential for conflicts of interests around benchmarks.
"We expect all firms to look hard at their reference rate and benchmark operations to ensure this type of behaviour isn’t being replicated. Firms should be in no doubt that the spotlight will remain on wholesale conduct and we will hold them to account if they fail to meet our standards."
Andrew Tyrie MP, Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said:
"It is essential that the regulators do what is necessary to give us confidence that the integrity of these markets is being maintained.
"It is equally essential that the drive to improve standards with the fundamental reforms outlined by the Parliamentary Commission among others is maintained."
