Anna Daroy, former Director General of the Institute of Directors, has been disqualified from acting as a company director for 11 years. The ban follows serious misconduct involving the misuse of Covid Bounce Back Loan funds – an increasingly common trigger for Director Disqualification investigations.
What led to the Director Disqualification?
In May 2020, Ms Daroy applied for and received two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans from separate banks for her consultancy firm, Globepoint Associates Ltd. The scheme permitted only one loan per business. The duplicated funds were not repaid, and the company later entered liquidation in March 2023 with both loans still outstanding, triggering an Insolvency Service investigation.
What did the Insolvency Service say?
Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented:
“Anna Daroy abused the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by obtaining two loans when businesses were entitled to just one… As someone with such extensive experience in senior business leadership roles, Daroy should have known better than to break the rules.”
Her Director Disqualification began on 10 September 2025 and will run until 2036. During this time, she cannot be involved in the promotion, formation or management of any company without court permission.
What does this mean for other directors?
This case highlights how Bounce Back Loan misuse continues to result in Director Disqualification. The Insolvency Service remains active in investigating directors who may have breached the scheme rules. Disqualification is a real risk – even for experienced professionals in senior roles, as this case shows.
Comment from Neil Davies, Director at Neil Davies & Partners Solicitors
“This case reinforces a key point – no one is exempt from an Insolvency Service Investigation and possible director disqualification proceedings, regardless of their profession or public profile. Whether a company director is a business leader, a sports star, media personality, in industry or professional services, they are held to the same legal obligations as anyone else. Misuse and/or abuse of Bounce Back Loans can lead to serious consequences, including director disqualification, reputational damage, and even financial penalties.”
“Directors who receive correspondence from the Insolvency Service should seek advice immediately. At NDP, we help clients respond strategically, challenge proposed undertakings and protect their reputations. Early intervention is key. Take a look at some of our director disqualification testimonials.”
How can NDP’s Director Disqualification specialists help?
If you are facing investigation or have concerns about past Bounce Back Loan applications, our Director Disqualification specialists at NDP are here to help. We provide clear, strategic advice to directors under scrutiny, whether you’re responding to an initial enquiry, negotiating an undertaking, or preparing for court.
Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation discussion. We understand the pressure directors face and know how to defend your position effectively.
