In a surprise move for UK law enforcement, the director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Nick Ephgrave, has announced his retirement, stepping down more than two years before his initial term was due to conclude.
A Sudden Departure from the Front Line
Nick Ephgrave will leave his post at the end of March 2026, bringing forward his departure from the SFO. The former Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner was appointed in September 2023, taking over from Lisa Osofsky. His decision marks the end of a 38-year career in public service, which included senior roles with Surrey Police and the National Police Chiefs' Council.
Ephgrave was a historic appointment as the first non-lawyer to lead the agency, a point he frequently emphasised. "Unlike all my predecessors, I am not a lawyer, rather I am a law enforcer," he stated, bringing a distinct operational policing perspective to the role.
Legacy of Momentum and New Investigations
During his tenure, Ephgrave sought to accelerate the SFO's work. By early 2026, the organisation had opened 12 new investigations under his leadership. One prominent case involves an alleged multi-million-pound fraud against Thurrock Council.
He signalled his proactive approach immediately upon starting, swiftly launching an investigation into law firm Axiom Ince. This resulted in charges against five men for complex fraud linked to the firm's collapse, a process he described as "the fastest in the organisation's history." Reflecting on his time, Ephgrave said, "I am certain that the momentum we have created will continue to propel the organisation forward to bigger and better things."
Advocating for Whistleblowers and Future Steps
A notable policy championed by Ephgrave was the introduction of financial incentives for whistleblowers, mirroring systems used successfully in the United States. He argued that such a model could significantly enhance the SFO's effectiveness, citing that 86% of the $2.2bn recovered by the US Department of Justice in one period stemmed from whistleblower information.
Attorney General Richard Hermer KC paid tribute, stating: "I want to pay the warmest of personal and professional tributes to Nick Ephgrave as he retires after a long career in public service." An interim director will be appointed until a formal recruitment process for a permanent successor is completed. Ephgrave expressed his sentiments, saying, "I shall miss the job and SFO colleagues so very much, but will reflect on the progress we have made together with pride and satisfaction."
