The financial industry continues to face systemic issues with workplace sexual harassment. From Wall Street firms to major banking institutions, employees, especially women, report enduring unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, and hostile work environments (EEOC). Discrimination or retaliation can severely disrupt a professional career and result in substantial long-term financial losses.
At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, our New York workplace sexual harassment lawyers understand the power dynamics and institutional barriers that often silence victims. We are committed to helping financial professionals hold employers accountable and seek justice under state and federal law. We have more than 50 years of experience and over $2 billion recovered for our clients. See our case results here.
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The EEOC reports that from FY2018 to FY2021, it received over 27,000 sexual harassment charges, with finance and insurance consistently among the top sectors for complaints. Nearly $300 million in monetary relief was awarded to victims during this period, illustrating both the scale and cost of misconduct.
Yet these figures likely underrepresent the true scope of abuse. Research and EEOC data suggest that fear of retaliation, career damage, or disbelief leads many victims, especially in high-stakes fields like finance, to remain silent.
Further, investigations into financial institutions have revealed entrenched “old boys’ club” cultures where inappropriate behavior is overlooked or even normalized. In one recent federal investigation, over 500 employees at the FDIC described systemic harassment and discriminatory treatment, highlighting deep-rooted problems.
Such misconduct is rarely isolated. It often involves patterns of abuse, complicity among leadership, and the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims. These dynamics contribute to a cycle of impunity that keeps abuse hidden.
Sexual misconduct in financial sector workplaces often occurs in subtle or concealed forms, creating a hostile work environment.
Examples of unlawful workplace sexual behavior include:
The financial sector, including investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, and corporate advisory companies, has historically been characterized by systemic power imbalances and male-dominated leadership, including:
For many survivors, the decision to report misconduct is hindered by fear of professional retaliation, legal threats, or being pressured to stay silent through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which are often used to protect the employer’s reputation rather than support the victim.
Even when internal company policies are inadequate, federal laws apply across the financial industry and provide enforceable rights and legal remedies for workers who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation:
This federal statute prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment, hostile work environments, and retaliation against employees who report or oppose such conduct. Covered actions include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Title VII applies to private employers, including financial institutions, with 15 or more employees.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) oversees broker-dealers and other financial professionals. It requires its member firms to establish and enforce policies that promote a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Violations of these obligations, such as failing to investigate complaints or permitting a culture of misconduct, can lead to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licensure.
Establishing liability in cases of workplace misconduct often involves more than identifying the individual perpetrator. Legal accountability may also extend to the employer, supervisors, or corporate entities that enabled, tolerated, or failed to address the misconduct through negligent oversight or inadequate response.
Liable parties may include:
The standard of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil cases, which do not involve potential incarceration, the standard of proof is the lower “a preponderance of the evidence.” This standard means that something is more likely than not.
In New York, survivors of sexual harassment or abuse at work, especially in finance, generally have up to 3 years from the last incident to take legal action. If you’re filing a discrimination or harassment complaint, that’s your main deadline.
If the abuse involved physical or sexual assault, you may have more time, depending on the type of claim. Federal claims (like those filed with the EEOC) must be made within 300 days. It’s best to act early and talk to a lawyer to see what options you have.
We offer free, confidential consultations to assess your situation and determine whether filing a civil claim is the right step forward. From the beginning, our team provides trauma-informed, individualized representation led by veteran attorney Thomas P. Giuffra. With empathy and sensitivity, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs.
In pursuing justice, we go beyond holding individuals accountable. Our firm carefully evaluates whether employers, financial institutions, or other entities may share liability under negligent hiring, supervision, or failure to address complaints. Once appropriate defendants are identified, we prepare and file the civil complaint in the proper venue. This document details the factual allegations, outlines legal theories such as harassment, assault, or negligence, and specifies the parties responsible.
From there, our advocacy continues through negotiation or, if necessary, trial. We work to recover economic damages such as lost wages and therapy costs, as well as non-economic damages including pain and suffering. When the circumstances warrant, albeit rare, we also pursue punitive damages to hold wrongdoers fully accountable. Throughout the process, we actively safeguard your confidentiality, often resolving cases anonymously to protect your reputation and future career in finance.
Above all, our mission is clear: we will hold accountable every individual or institution that knew about the abuse, ignored the warning signs, or failed to protect others. By doing so, we seek to secure justice and meaningful compensation for survivors of sexual abuse in New York.
Survivors of finance industry sex abuse deserve representation that respects both the complexity of their experience and the legal mechanisms available to pursue accountability. Our New York workplace sexual harassment lawyers are prepared to evaluate your potential claim with professionalism and compassion.
Contact Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your losses.
Will filing a lawsuit make my name public?
While lawsuits are generally public records, many survivors in sensitive cases can file under a pseudonym such as Jane or John Doe. Your attorney can also request protective measures to safeguard your identity and keep sensitive information private.
Can I settle my case without going to trial?
Most likely, but we cannot guarantee this. Most civil sexual abuse cases in the finance industry are resolved through private settlements rather than trial. This allows most survivors to avoid the stress and publicity of court while still seeking meaningful compensation and accountability.
What kinds of compensation are available?
Survivors can seek damages for therapy costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional harm caused by abuse. In some cases, punitive damages may also be pursued to hold wrongdoers fully accountable.
Will my career in finance be protected?
We understand the importance of safeguarding your reputation and professional future. Our firm actively works to protect survivor confidentiality and to resolve cases in ways that minimize disruption to your career.
Call (212) 684-1880 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our sexual abuse and assault lawyers in New York.
We fight tirelessly to deliver results and we are not afraid to go to trial.
We are leaders and educators in legal issues involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and product liability.
We have the experience to handle your case all while providing individualized attention.
