The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong has banned former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Leissner from the financial services sector for life in connection with the Malaysia state fund scandal 1MDB.

“The SFC considers that Leissner’s conduct demonstrates a serious lack of honesty and integrity and called into question his fitness and properness to be a licensed person,” the watchdog said.

Leissner served as the chairman for Southeast Asia at Goldman Sachs.

He was responsible for arranging three bond transactions for 1MDB on behalf of the bank in 2012 and 2013. The transactions are said to be worth $6.5bn.

At the end of last year, Leissner along with former Goldman Sachs managing director Ng Chong Hwa was charged by the US and Malaysian authorities over the 1MDB scandal.

Leissner pleaded guilty to money laundering and flouting the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

He admitted to bribing government officials in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi in order to win business for Goldman Sachs from 1MDB.

He also confessed to having laundered the proceeds.

Moreover, Leissner admitted to deliberately circumventing Goldman Sachs’ controls.

These breaches occurred between 2009 and 2014.

Leissner has been directed to pay $43.7m in penalty for the misconduct.

Goldman Sachs itself is under the scanner for its role in the 1MDB scandal.

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company halted new business dealings with Goldman Sachs over the scandal.