Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was appointed as a senior adviser to Goldman Sachs, marking his first major professional engagement since stepping down as the leader of the Conservative Party in July 2024. The 44-year-old politician, who began his career as an analyst at the global investment bank in 2001, will now rejoin the firm in an advisory capacity while continuing to serve as the Member of Parliament for Richmond.
Goldman Sachs Chief Executive David Solomon confirmed Sunak’s appointment, stating, “I am excited to welcome Rishi back to Goldman Sachs in his new capacity as a senior adviser.” Solomon added, “In his role, he will work with leaders across the firm to advise our clients globally on a range of important topics, sharing his unique perspectives and insights on the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape.”
The appointment is seen as part of a growing trend where high-profile politicians leverage their experience and networks in the financial sector. Sunak, who also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer before becoming the UK’s youngest Prime Minister in over two centuries, brings a formidable understanding of global economics and public policy.
According to a report in The Guardian, Sunak will not be drawing a salary for his new role. Instead, he will donate his earnings from Goldman Sachs to the Richmond Project, a charitable initiative he founded to promote numeracy and educational development in his constituency.
While the move was praised by many as a logical return to his roots in finance, it also sparked a wave of online humour. Netizens took to X (formerly Twitter) to share memes and jokes, many of which referenced Sunak’s father-in-law, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who previously advocated for a 70-hour workweek for Indian professionals.
“Rishi Sunak has joined Goldman Sachs to complete the quota of 70 hours of work per week,” one user joked. Another quipped, “When your father-in-law forces you to work 70 hrs a week.”
“I hope he puts in his 70 hours per week and doesn’t disappoint his in-laws,” read another comment, poking fun at the tech billionaire’s controversial remark that reignited the work-life balance debate in India last year.
See some reactions here:
Sunak is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Narayana and Sudha Murty. The couple’s combined wealth and business ties have previously drawn public attention during Sunak’s time in office.
Goldman Sachs’ decision to bring Sunak on board aligns with the banking industry's increasing reliance on former policymakers to navigate a complex and rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. His experience during tumultuous times—including managing the UK’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and steering Brexit-era fiscal decisions—positions him as a valuable strategic asset to the bank’s global clientele.
The firm’s move mirrors similar appointments across the sector, where political acumen is viewed as a distinct advantage in anticipating regulatory shifts, economic policy changes, and international trade developments.
Sunak’s dual role as an MP and financial adviser is expected to draw further scrutiny, though his decision to forgo a salary and donate to charity may help assuage concerns regarding conflicts of interest.
As of now, no official statements have been issued by the UK Parliament regarding Sunak’s new engagement.
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