FT calls in lawyers over 'highly controversial' Wirecard story

The Financial Times has asked London-based law firm RPC to review a series of articles on Wirecard. 

The German payments venture is suing the newspaper for flagging up alleged irregularities in its accounts. Press Gazette reports Wirecard claims that FT journalists have colluded with short-sellers. The FT says such allegations are “aimed at stifling further reporting”. It adds that the company, which last week revealed a prototype for Germany's first intelligent mirror through which people can also pay, has “declined to use any of the normal channels” to complain about its coverage since January.

FT Editor Lionel Barber said in a statement: “Given the seriousness of the allegations, I have decided to invite an external review into our reporting of this highly controversial story. As a trusted news source, the FT’s reputation rests on its gold standard journalism, its integrity and a scrupulous approach to accuracy.”

A Wirecard spokesperson said: “We assume that this review will fairly and objectively address all legal allegations against the coverage and we would welcome a resolution of the current situation.”

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