What exactly happened with Ghislaine Maxwell on February 10?

She appeared for a House Oversight deposition, invoked the Fifth Amendment, and signalled she would testify if granted clemency. Lawmakers reported minimal substantive answers. The standoff sustained media attention and pushed follow‑up actions into late February, raising headline and governance risk for entities that might appear in related disclosures.

Why could the Epstein files release affect markets in Singapore?

Millions of files increase the chance that new names, emails, or transactions surface. If any have links to listed firms, sponsors, or service providers, reputational pressure can force governance reviews or exits. That can impact valuations, credit spreads, or liquidity, especially for ESG‑sensitive holdings in SG portfolios.

How should SG investors manage reputational exposure now?

Build a watchlist, tighten entry criteria, and cap positions in names with higher controversy risk. Refresh KYC and PEP screening on key counterparties. Pre‑draft engagement questions on investigations and disclosures. Set alerts for committee notices and depositions so you avoid trading into headlines without time to verify.

Could policy or regulatory changes follow this episode?

Yes, if disclosures highlight due‑diligence gaps, committees may recommend stronger reporting or conduct rules. Firms could face tougher verification standards from boards, auditors, or exchanges. Singapore investors should expect more questions on investigations processes, whistleblower protections, and timely market disclosures during earnings and stewardship meetings.

Law and Government

Ghislaine Maxwell February 10 Deposition Standoff Raises Epstein Files Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 10, 2026

Ghislaine Maxwell is back in focus after a February 10 House Oversight deposition standoff. She invoked the Fifth Amendment and signalled she would testify only with clemency. At the same time, lawmakers gained access to millions of newly released Epstein investigation files. For Singapore investors, this mix raises headline, reputational, and compliance risks. Late‑February depositions could surface new names or emails, shifting exposure screens fast. We outline scenario paths, triggers to watch, and practical steps to protect SGD‑denominated portfolios.