RBS launches investigation into claims senior job was handed to employee’s friend

A man appointed team leader on the troubled Amethyst project is said to not have the required qualifications or experience for the role.

The Amethyst project was set up to carry out complex investment reviews of ISAs, funds, bonds, pensions and tax planning products.

The appointment now under the spotlight is said to have sparked fury among colleagues.

One worker on the project, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “You would have at least Level 4 Financial Planning Diploma Certificate to be a team leader, if not level 6.

“The fact is he didn’t even know what an OEIC (open-ended investment company) was when he started the project.

“You could not expect to be a team leader without having this knowledge. There were times when his team wanted to challenge decisions but he had no knowledge and couldn’t.”

“You could not expect to be a team leader without having this knowledge” a source within the bank said.

“There were times when his team wanted to challenge decisions but he had no knowledge and couldn’t.”

It is also alleged that the man was paid nearly double what those with qualifications were earning and, the whistle-blower alleges, more experienced and qualified staff were removed from the project while he maintained his position.

RBS chief executive Ross McEwan was made aware of the situation in July.

The bank said in a statement: “RBS takes whistle-blowing very seriously.

“The bank was made aware of a series of allegations in July and is investigating them thoroughly.

“No conclusions have been reached at this stage but the appropriate action will be taken in the event that any of the allegations are substantiated.”