JPMorgan scandals stack up as Lorna Hajdini case sheds light on former executive's controversy

After Hajdini was accused of harassment, attention has also turned to former JPMorgan executive Vis Raghavan's conduct

A lawsuit against a senior JPMorgan executive has renewed scrutiny of workplace culture at the bank, with past allegations involving former executive Vis Raghavan also drawing attention, according to Financial Times.

The case filed in New York accuses Lorna Hajdini of sexual abuse, coercion and racial harassment towards a junior employee.

The complaint, brought under the pseudonym “John Doe,” alleges repeated non-consensual encounters and threats linked to career progression. JPMorgan has denied the claims following an internal review.

As the case unfolds, attention has also turned to earlier concerns surrounding former JPMorgan executive Vis Raghavan, whose conduct was allegedly questioned by colleagues.

People familiar with his behaviour claimed he could be seen to “explode” in his office and allegedly referred to employees as “a waste of calories”, “ignorant” and “inadequate”.

Two individuals said he described his leadership style as “grab them by the balls”, although a spokesperson for Raghavan denied he used language referring to genitals.

In a separate incident, JPMorgan’s human resources team was reportedly alerted after Raghavan made inappropriate remarks in front of junior employees at the bank’s Canary Wharf office.

According to those familiar with the situation, he allegedly recounted a story about a woman he had known as a student, stating that “she was fat”. Multiple attendees raised concerns, while Raghavan denied making the comments when questioned by HR.

Raghavan later moved to Citigroup in 2024 following a rapid leadership transition, securing a senior investment banking role within days of leaving JPMorgan.

The allegations against Hajdini include claims that she told the complainant, “If you don’t… comply, I’m going to ruin you… never forget, I… own you” alongside further accusations of intimidation and racial remarks.

The complainant also stated, “I’m very uncomfortable… please, I’m begging you.”

Legal proceedings in the Hajdini case are ongoing, with the plaintiff remaining anonymous.