Sexual harassment allegations prompt senior resignation at RBS-owned Queen’s bank

Harry Keogh worked at Coutts and other divisions across RBS for about 20 years, and was last listed as a managing director for the London Private Wealth division.

A spokeswoman for Coutts confirmed that Mr Keogh, 57, stepped down with immediate effect last week and an internal notice informed staff of his departure on Monday.

Coutts declined to comment further but Mr Keogh’s departure came 11 days after The Wall Street Journal had reported claims that the senior banker and his team had been investigated over allegations of “lewd comments, heavy drinking and unwanted physical contact”, according to documents seen by the newspaper.

The investigation resulted in formal discipline by the bank against Mr Keogh.

The bank gave the banker a written warning, assigned Mr Keogh a coach, and withheld his bonus for that year.

No other colleagues were given formal discipline following the investigation.

Coutts, founded in 1692 as a goldsmith and bank.

It was acquired by RBS through its takeover of Natwest in 2000.

Since the financial crisis, RBS has slimmed down the operation, selling its international operations to Union Bancaire Privée of Switzerland but retaining the British business.