Jes Staley stayed in contact with Jeffrey Epstein behind the back of Barclays Plc’s head of communications while the bank dealt with questions about its incoming boss’ links to the late sex offender a decade ago.

Former Barclays boss Jes Staley did not mislead the UK's financial watchdog over his relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Staley's lawyers said on Monday at the start of a London court case in which the former banker seeks to restore his reputation.

The former chief executive of Barclays did not attempt to mislead the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) over the nature of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a tribunal has heard.

Jes Staley wants to overturn a decision by the UK regulator banning him from holding a senior role in the City.

Former Barclays boss Jes Staley should be banned from Britain's finance industry for misleading statements about his relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority said on Monday.

Jes Staley's lawyers say the pair were never friends but had a "close professional relationship" as he begins a legal fight against a proposed ban from working in the City.

Jes Staley, former Barclays CEO, is contesting the UK's Financial Conduct Authority's decision to ban him from the finance industry over alleged misleading statements about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The legal battle will see City figures including Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey give evidence at the hearing in London.