Chinese-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank says it found no evidence it is dominated by Communist Party
- The bank said it launched an internal review after former communications chief Bob Pickard quit, citing party influence and a ‘toxic culture’
- Pickard says the review is a ‘joke’ and said had left China in a hurry with the fate of the ‘two Michaels’ in mind
The bank said on Friday it had immediately launched a review after Bob Pickard, a Canadian national, publicly quit, saying the bank is “dominated by the Communist Party” and had a “toxic culture.”
The review, which took place between June 15 to June 26 and was led by AIIB’s general counsel, Alberto Ninio, a Brazilian national.
Ninio said the review found “no evidence to support or validate” allegations.
The bank said Pickard’s allegations are “incorrect and unsubstantiated” after a “comprehensive examination of documentary materials” and over 30 interviews with those in senior positions, including the bank’s president, senior management and staff.
It said there was no evidence that “staff membership of any political party from any country” had interfered with performance and there have never been any allegations of political influence over decision-making.