Dame Alison Rose, the former chief executive officer of NatWest who departed amidst the Nigel Farage "debanking" controversy last year, has taken on a new role at prominent London law firm Mishcon de Reya.

The firm announced on Tuesday that Rose will join as an adviser to its equity diversity and inclusion committee. Her responsibilities will include mentoring "a small number of partners" and working closely with the committee to support the firm's diversity initiatives.

Vanessa Dewhurst, partner and chief people officer at Mishcon, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "Advisers of Alison's calibre and leadership are rare and we couldn't be happier that we will enjoy the benefit of her expertise, particularly given our commitment to delivering on our ambitious EDI targets."

Rose, who received her damehood in 2023, is one of the UK's most high-profile female business leaders, known for her focus on diversity and inclusion. She previously led a government review into female entrepreneurship, known as the "Rose review" until her name was removed following the NatWest scandal.

The former banking chief resigned from NatWest in July 2023 following a free speech controversy ignited by the closure of Farage's account at Coutts, NatWest's private banking subsidiary. Rose admitted to inaccurately briefing a BBC journalist that the decision was made purely for commercial reasons.

As a result of her departure, Rose forfeited £7.6 million in outstanding pay and bonuses she could have been due from the bank. An independent review later found that while Coutts' decision to cut ties with Farage was primarily commercial and lawful, the bank had mishandled the situation.

This appointment marks Rose's second advisory role since leaving NatWest, following her joining private equity firm Charterhouse earlier this year. It signals her efforts to rebuild her career in the City after the damaging row with Farage, who has since been elected as a member of parliament for Reform.

A spokesperson for Farage commented on the news, saying he "wished Mishcon de Reya the best of luck with their new employee".

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