What did Ghislaine Maxwell do on February 11?

Reports say Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth during a House Oversight deposition, limiting her testimony. Her lawyer linked fuller cooperation to a possible clemency path. Lawmakers also began reviewing millions of Epstein case files, shifting focus to documents that may yield verifiable names, timelines, and corroboration that could affect reputations and brand-sensitive assets.

Why does this matter to Singapore investors today?

Fresh, credible disclosures can trigger fast ESG and reputational risk, moving prices before fundamentals change. SG portfolios with US exposure, celebrity partnerships, or brand-led revenue are most exposed. A clear playbook for screening, escalation, and position sizing helps avoid reactive trades, rumor chasing, and liquidity traps in small and mid cap holdings.

What near-term catalysts could move markets?

Three stand out: on-the-record names appearing in committee summaries, corporate statements hinting at board or sponsor changes, and legal filings that reference Ghislaine Maxwell or the House Oversight deposition. Options and CDS can reprice first, followed by cash equities. Expect dispersion within consumer, media, and financials as ESG screens adjust constituents.

How should I adjust my risk controls?

Set daily controversy checks, define triggers for engagement or divestment, and preclear hedges. Revisit counterparty clauses on morals and sponsorship exits. Document each governance step and keep client messaging factual and sourced. This structure reduces headline whiplash, supports audit trails, and helps protect SGD performance if credible disclosures name a linked entity.

Law and Government

February 11: Maxwell Pleads Fifth as Epstein Files Fuel Political Risk

ByDanny Kontos February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Ghislaine Maxwell pleaded the Fifth in a House Oversight deposition, while her lawyer tied fuller cooperation to a possible clemency deal. At the same time, lawmakers began reviewing millions of Epstein case files that could include unredacted names. For Singapore investors, the mix of legal and political risk can translate into fast reputational shocks. We outline what to watch today, how to stress test portfolios, and why disciplined ESG and governance checks matter for SGD-denominated exposure.