SFO Director Nick Ephgrave: The First 100 Days

The new SFO Director, Nick Ephgrave QPM, marks his first 100 days in post this month after succeeding Lisa Osofsky in September 2023. Ephgrave has overseen a dynamic start to his tenure with the announcement of three new investigations in quick succession. Greater challenges lie ahead for the new Director, however, with the ultimate test being whether these new and other pre-existing investigations are successfully concluded under his watch, whether by way of corporate resolution or contested trial that makes it past the halfway stage and avoids damaging disclosure failures.

Much has been made of how Ephgrave is the first non-lawyer Director, having previously served as the Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. In truth, this is likely to be of little import given that he is surrounded by, and will presumably take advice from, seasoned criminal lawyers. The Director's key functions are operational, directional and cultural, for none of which being a