Interim director appointed to lead Serious Fraud Office

Posted to News on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Share:

TAKING OVER the reins from Nick Ephgrave QPM on his retirement at the beginning of April, Graham McNulty has been appointed to lead the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the role of interim director.

McNulty, who joined the SFO as chief operating officer back in September 2024, was appointed after a process overseen by the Attorney General’s Office.

Commenting on the news, McNulty said: “It’s a tremendous privilege to lead the Serious Fraud Office. We have a year of significant milestones ahead and I know colleagues share my energy to continue delivering great results.”

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP stated: “Graham McNulty brings vast experience in law enforcement. I’m confident that he’s well placed to lead the SFO through this important period. I look forward to working with Graham and the rest of his senior leadership team. I know he will ensure the SFO continues to deliver on its vital agenda for the public and business community, building on Nick Ephgrave’s previous work.”

Claire Bassett, chair of the Board, observed: “Graham’s extensive law enforcement experience means that he’s well placed to deliver our strategy and build on recent swifter investigations and outcomes. I look forward to supporting him and the senior team in the coming months as the Serious Fraud Office navigates an exciting year.”

Case management system

Since joining the SFO, McNulty has been responsible for overseeing the implementation of its first case management system, technological innovation (including further uses of Artificial Intelligence) and preparing for a move to Canary Wharf.

He has extensive experience as a senior law enforcement leader and investigator in combating fraud and economic crime following a 31-year career in policing in the Metropolitan Police Service and at the Hampshire Constabulary.

As Deputy Assistant Commissioner, McNulty led the Met’s Serious and Organised Crime Command responsible for areas including economic crime, kidnap, homicide and drug trafficking.

Prior to this, he held the local policing portfolio, leading officers responsible for neighbourhood policing, emergency response and local investigations across London’s 32 Boroughs.

Queen’s Police Medal

From 2018 to 2023, McNulty held a number of National Police Chiefs’ Council lead roles for areas including county lines, knife crime, gangs and informants.

In 2022, McNulty was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal, which recognises highly distinguished service.

McNulty’s first day as interim director at the SFO will be on 6 April.