Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been stung by the same prankster who caught out the chief executive of Barclays.
Earlier this week he responded to a series of emails purporting to be from Anthony Habgood, chairman of the court of the Bank of England.
The initial email, from anthonyhabgood@hotmail.com, made a comment about Jane Austen’s appearance on the new £10 note.
It said: “Apparently her face resembles that of someone who’s had a ‘bracing martini’. I’d prefer a large Scotch myself”.
Mr Carney replied with a reference to one of his predecessors as governor: “I will drink the martini and order another two. Apparently that was Eddie George’s daily intake…before lunch.”
The prankster then invited Mr Carney to a “Summer Nights themed soiree” where the Bank of England governor was promised “as much Martini as you can take”.
Mr Carney responded that this sounded “ideal” and said he would check his availability.
The prankster then wrote: “Excellent. I’ve hired some rather dashing bar ladies (is that PC?!),” adding Mr Carney would be able to “admire their enchanting dexterity”.
Mr Carney responded by saying this comment was “not appropriate at all” to which the prankster responded: “Well report me to Brussels then!”
Barclays was forced to tighten up its email security after Jes Staley, its chief executive, was duped by the same prankster.
Earlier this month Mr Staley responded to an email purporting to be from chairman John McFarlane.
The email had said Mr Staley owed Mr McFarlane “a large Scotch” after stepping in to defend him during a meeting with shareholders.
The Bank of England has confirmed the emails are genuine but has declined to comment further.
damian.fantato@ft.com
