Finance minister, FSA board chairperson visit staff to boost moral following Dr Fanny’s passing |16 March 2021

The Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, accompanied by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) board chairperson SS Patrick Payet, yesterday morning visited staff of the authority at Bois de Rose and Providence to give them moral support and encouragement following the untimely death of their chief executive, Dr Steve Fanny, on Friday.

Firstly, Minister Hassan met with members of the board of FSA, who all expressed their shock following the news of Dr Fanny’s death.

The delegation also met with the senior management of FSA, where they expressed their support and condolences to the staff.

They visited staff who were working on the FSA premises, both at Bois de Rose and Providence.

Minister Hassan expressed his personal condolences and that of the government during this “difficult moment” and said “every necessary support will be given to members of staff”.

While the board members agreed that the police investigation into the “untimely death” of Dr Fanny is a police matter, they have stressed on the importance of providing “moral support and counselling to members of staff”.

“Dr Fanny was well-liked by his staff, because he really did put a lot of emphasis on staff welfare and wellbeing, so we know how his untimely death must be a shock for the staff,” said SS Payet.

Minister Hassan said at the FSA “there is a very good structure in place to keep moving forward, especially since many staff members have gone through the very capable hands of Dr Fanny”.

Because of the good structure in place at the FSA, the board, has “reassured members of staff and the industry as a whole that it is important that there is continuity and that the reforms being undertaken within the industry will continue”.

“The FSA deals with a lot of international and local partners and they too need to be reassured that continuity has to be the norm, in spite of this difficult situation,” said SS Payet.

Speaking to the press later yesterday afternoon, SS Payet said since Friday the FSA has taken the necessary measures to provide the necessary support to its staff and that all throughout the weekend they have been talking to them and boosting their moral.

SS Payet said yesterday during the visit together with the minister they discussed other support that government can provide through the Ministry of Family Affairs; if they need psychological support for instance.

He has assured the employees of the FSA that the support of the government and the board of directors with senior management of the agency will be continuous at this difficult time of need.

SS Payet said for the time being to ensure business continuity, the deputy chief executive, Zenab Daman, is assuming the position of CEO to ensure the smooth running of the FSA.

“At a time when the financial services sector is helping to boost our economy as another pillar now that tourism is facing the downturn, we do not want the tragic event to have a sudden negative impact on the sector as we all know the great influence Dr Fanny had on the financial sector.

“This is why it is necessary to boost the moral of employees and give them all the necessary support they need to ensure business continuity so that internationally clients see continuity in business,” SS Payet highlighted.

SS Payet described staff moral as very low and this is why it was important that they meet with them especially those who worked close to Dr Fanny at Bois de Rose where he had his office.

SS Payet said he was so close to his employees and their welfare was his priority and it is not surprising therefore that the employees are in so much shock.

Dr Steve Fanny was appointed chief executive of the FSA in December 2017.

The accompanying photographs show Minister Hassan and his delegation during their meetings with board members as well as management and staff of FSA yesterday.

Press release from the Ministry of Finance/M-A.L