An employment tribunal in the United Kingdom has dismissed all claims of discrimination and unfair dismissal filed against Nigerian fintech company Kuda by its former Chief People Officer, Rosemary Hewat.
Hewat had sued the company in February 2025, alleging gender discrimination, unfair treatment, and wrongful termination stemming from events between 2023 and 2024. Her claims included accusations of public humiliation, a hostile work environment, and unequal stock option allocations.
However, in a judgment delivered between October 13 and 21, 2025, the Tribunal ruled that none of the allegations were substantiated after reviewing evidence and testimonies from both parties.
Key allegations dismissed
One of Hewat’s central claims that senior leadership made disparaging comments about her background during a company retreat was rejected. The Tribunal said the remarks she referenced were routine managerial feedback related to accommodation arrangements, not hostile or discriminatory.
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She also alleged she was instructed to “make a colleague like her,” arguing it was inappropriate and targeted. The Tribunal ruled the instruction was part of broader conflict-resolution guidance applied across the team and not directed at her personally.
Stock option dispute resolved
Hewat claimed she had been misled regarding the valuation of her stock options and that she was promised a strike price equivalent to a male colleague’s Series A valuation. The Tribunal found no evidence to support this. Official documentation, it concluded, correctly reflected a Series B strike price, and there was no proof she was offered otherwise.
Concerns about gender-based preferential treatment were also dismissed. The Tribunal said that adjustments made to the male colleague’s stock options were linked to his pivotal role in fundraising, not his gender.
Dismissal found to be lawful
On the issue of unfair dismissal, the Tribunal determined that Hewat’s exit from the company was the result of a legitimate organisational restructuring. Kuda had demonstrated that cost-cutting measures and role consolidation not retaliation led to the elimination of her position.
Confidentiality claim also rejected
Hewat had further alleged that information about her departure had been leaked by Kuda. The Tribunal ruled that the most likely source of the leak was Hewat herself, based on available evidence.
This is a developing story.
