Wells Fargo pauses diversity rules for hiring after report of sham interviews

Wells Fargo pauses diversity rules for hiring after report of sham interviews
CEO Charlie Scharf said in a memo that the bank would halt the use of diversity guidelines for hiring as it reviews the reports of fake interviews.
JUN 07, 2022
By  Bloomberg

Wells Fargo & Co., the San Francisco-based bank that’s been dealing with a series of scandals and regulatory issues, has temporarily halted the use of diversity guidelines for hiring after a report that staff held fake interviews with minority candidates to satisfy in-house rules.

The firm will “pause the use of diverse slate guidelines for several weeks” as it reviews the matter, Chief Executive Charlie Scharf said in a memo.

“We will continue to actively seek diversity in hiring, even during this pause,” Scharf wrote. “The pause is a chance for us to review our guidelines and processes and to make improvements — it does not mean that anyone at Wells Fargo should stop hiring or stop actively recruiting diverse candidates.”

The New York Times reported last month on the issue, citing current and former employees who said supervisors in the wealth management division had instructed them to interview Black and female candidates for positions that had already been promised to someone else. The paper earlier reported on the memo.

Latest News

Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals
Carson, Lido strengthen RIA networks with bicoastal deals

Carson is expanding one of its relationships in Florida while Lido Advisors adds an $870 million practice in Silicon Valley.

Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages
Goldman gets shareholder backing on $80M executive bonus packages

The approval of the pay proposal, which handsomely compensates its CEO and president, bolsters claims that big payouts are a must in the war to retain leadership.

Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams
Integrated Partners, Kestra welcome multigenerational advisor teams

Integrated Partners is adding a husband-wife tandem to its network in Missouri as Kestra onboards a father-son advisor duo from UBS.

Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases
Trump not planning to fire Powell, market tension eases

Futures indicate stocks will build on Tuesday's rally.

From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier
From stocks and economy to their own finances, consumers are getting gloomier

Cost of living still tops concerns about negative impacts on personal finances

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.