HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez is facing allegations from current and former employees who accuse him of bullying, intimidation and creating a workplace culture marked by fear and low morale, according to an investigation by WFSB.
Perez denies the allegations, saying his management style is direct and focused on accountability and that he has treated employees professionally and respectfully. He also disputed allegations that he has fallen asleep during meetings, telling WFSB that a medical condition can make it appear that he is sleeping.
10 Employees Speak Up
WFSB’s I-Team reported that 10 current and former employees spoke with the station over several months about Perez’s leadership of the Connecticut Department of Banking, which also supervises state-chartered credit unions. Two employees interviewed by the station asked that their identities be withheld because they feared losing their jobs.
Since 2024, eight employees have filed complaints about Perez with the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, which handles human resources for the banking department, according to records obtained by WFSB. The complaints describe conduct dating back years and involving employees in different divisions. Nearly all expressed concerns about possible retaliation for speaking out.
Threatened With Firings
Employees alleged Perez has threatened to fire workers, insulted employees in front of colleagues and berated staff in public settings. Several complaints characterized his behavior as hostile, WFSB reported.
“I’ve seen tears from the bullying behavior,” one employee told WFSB. “He has told people, be quiet or shut your mouth or I’m going to fire you.”
Several complaints also alleged Perez appeared to sleep during meetings. Employees provided WFSB with photographs that appeared to show Perez with his head slumped and eyes closed. A 2025 complaint alleged he frequently appeared disinterested or fell asleep during meetings, including meetings involving outside financial institutions.
‘I Do Not Agree’
Perez declined WFSB’s requests for an on-camera interview but responded in writing.
“I do not agree with the characterization of my leadership reflected in those allegations,” Perez said. “My management style is direct and focused on accountability.”
Perez said what employees interpreted as sleeping is related to a medical condition known to the state and for which he receives an accommodation.
The allegations also raise questions about the department’s relationships with the financial institutions it regulates, according to the report. One employee complaint said bank and credit union CEOs had commented on Perez’s professionalism and that his behavior had damaged the department’s standing within the industry, according to WFSB.
Verbal Warning
The Department of Administrative Services told WFSB that Perez received a verbal warning followed by continued coaching and counseling in response to the eight complaints. Perez, however, said he was informed of only three complaints, which he said generally concerned the tone of his voice, and that he was never told he violated policy or was disciplined.
Gov. Ned Lamont, who reappointed Perez in 2019, told WFSB he was aware of some of the concerns and said Perez had received counseling and feedback.
Lamont said there is an “ongoing review to make sure things are working well” at the Department of Banking and told employees, “we’re listening to you.”
Perez was initially appointed banking commissioner in 2015 by then-Gov. Dannel Malloy.
In his statement, Perez defended the department’s record, saying it has secured more than $138 million for Connecticut consumers through enforcement actions, restitution, reimbursements and rescission offers over the past decade. He said regulatory enforcement also has resulted in more than $163 million in penalties and sanctions.
