Global Counsel Enters Administration Amid Epstein Link Fallout
Published 20 February 2026
Highlights
- Global Counsel, co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has entered administration following client withdrawals linked to Mandelson's ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
- The firm, employing around 120 staff, faces significant redundancies as administrators review assets and liabilities.
- Mandelson resigned from the board in 2024, but remained a shareholder until recently; co-founder Wegg-Prosser stepped down as CEO in February.
- Documents revealed Mandelson sought Epstein's advice in 2010, and Wegg-Prosser met Epstein while he was under house arrest.
- Interpath, the appointed administrator, is focusing on supporting affected employees and managing the firm's shutdown.
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Rewritten Article
Global Counsel Enters Administration Amid Epstein Link Fallout
Global Counsel, a prominent lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has been forced into administration after a series of client withdrawals linked to Mandelson's connections with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The firm, which has offices in major cities including Berlin, Brussels, and Singapore, announced the cessation of its trading activities on Friday, leaving approximately 120 employees facing redundancy.
Impact of Client Withdrawals
The collapse of Global Counsel follows revelations of Mandelson's ties with Epstein, which led to a rapid and significant loss of clients. Will Wright, the UK chief executive of Interpath, the appointed administrator, stated that the sudden client exodus had a "monumental impact" on the business. Interpath is now tasked with reviewing the company's assets and liabilities to determine the best course of action.
Leadership Changes and Historical Context
Peter Mandelson, who co-founded the firm in 2010 with Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, resigned from the board in 2024 but retained his shareholder status until earlier this month. Wegg-Prosser stepped down as CEO in February. The firm's future was cast into doubt following the release of documents from the Epstein files, which highlighted Mandelson's pursuit of Epstein's advice in 2010 and a meeting between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein during the latter's house arrest.
Employee and Business Implications
The administration process is expected to result in significant redundancies, with Interpath focusing on supporting the affected staff. Steve Absolom, managing director at Interpath, emphasized the firm's commitment to assisting the talented team who built the business. However, Nick Stockley, a partner at law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, noted the challenges any new business linked to Global Counsel might face in overcoming the "Mandelson stigma."
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Scenario Analysis
The administration of Global Counsel marks a significant moment in the consultancy industry, highlighting the potential repercussions of personal associations on business operations. As the administrators work through the firm's financials, the focus will likely remain on managing the fallout for employees and creditors. The situation also raises broader questions about the due diligence processes within consultancy firms and the potential need for stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the story unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how the industry adapts to these challenges and what measures are implemented to safeguard against reputational risks.
Global Counsel, a prominent lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has been forced into administration after a series of client withdrawals linked to Mandelson's connections with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The firm, which has offices in major cities including Berlin, Brussels, and Singapore, announced the cessation of its trading activities on Friday, leaving approximately 120 employees facing redundancy.
Impact of Client Withdrawals
The collapse of Global Counsel follows revelations of Mandelson's ties with Epstein, which led to a rapid and significant loss of clients. Will Wright, the UK chief executive of Interpath, the appointed administrator, stated that the sudden client exodus had a "monumental impact" on the business. Interpath is now tasked with reviewing the company's assets and liabilities to determine the best course of action.
Leadership Changes and Historical Context
Peter Mandelson, who co-founded the firm in 2010 with Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, resigned from the board in 2024 but retained his shareholder status until earlier this month. Wegg-Prosser stepped down as CEO in February. The firm's future was cast into doubt following the release of documents from the Epstein files, which highlighted Mandelson's pursuit of Epstein's advice in 2010 and a meeting between Wegg-Prosser and Epstein during the latter's house arrest.
Employee and Business Implications
The administration process is expected to result in significant redundancies, with Interpath focusing on supporting the affected staff. Steve Absolom, managing director at Interpath, emphasized the firm's commitment to assisting the talented team who built the business. However, Nick Stockley, a partner at law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, noted the challenges any new business linked to Global Counsel might face in overcoming the "Mandelson stigma."
What this might mean
The administration of Global Counsel marks a significant moment in the consultancy industry, highlighting the potential repercussions of personal associations on business operations. As the administrators work through the firm's financials, the focus will likely remain on managing the fallout for employees and creditors. The situation also raises broader questions about the due diligence processes within consultancy firms and the potential need for stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As the story unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how the industry adapts to these challenges and what measures are implemented to safeguard against reputational risks.
