News Summary

Kuda Technologies, a prominent digital bank based in Africa, is facing significant scrutiny following allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful dismissal filed by its former Group Chief People Officer, Rosemary Hewat. Hewat has accused the company and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi, of sex discrimination, victimization, and unfair dismissal, bringing the issue before the U.K. Employment Tribunal. The legal filing outlines a series of incidents that suggest a hostile and discriminatory work environment, including public beratement of female employees and exclusion from critical meetings. A central element of Hewat’s complaint is an unresolved dispute over her employee stock options (ESOP), which she claims were unfairly devalued. Hewat also alleges that Kuda retaliated against her by firing her in retaliation for her complaints and further complicating her financial situation by withholding wages and benefits. This case has significant implications for Kuda, which has raised substantial venture funding and is under increasing pressure from investors to improve its governance and corporate accountability.