Doutor Finanças Founder Faces Harassment Allegations — Chairman Banned From Company Premises

Rui Pedro Bairrada, co-founder and chairman of Doutor Finanças, one of Portugal's best-known financial advisory companies, is facing formal disciplinary proceedings following multiple internal complaints of sexual and moral harassment, according to reporting by Observador and confirmed by the Jornal de Notícias.

Bairrada, who co-founded the credit brokerage and insurance firm in 2014 and served as its chief executive until early 2025, has been barred from entering the company's premises while the internal process runs its course. Two separate sets of formal charges — known in Portuguese labour law as notas de culpa — have been issued against him.

What is alleged

The complaints, filed through the company's internal reporting channels, describe two distinct categories of behaviour. The first involves alleged inappropriate comments in professional settings, particularly directed at female colleagues. The second concerns allegations of an aggressive management style, including shouting and intimidating language.

The alleged conduct took place while Bairrada was still serving as CEO — a position he left at the start of 2025. The precise reasons for his departure from the executive role have not been publicly clarified, though the disciplinary process was initiated after he had already stepped down from day-to-day management.

Bairrada denies all accusations

Bairrada has firmly denied the allegations. "Everything I am being accused of is untrue. I have proof and I will demonstrate it in the proper forum. I could not be more confident," he told Observador. He has formally contested both sets of charges and accused the current management of orchestrating what he called "a process of instrumentalisation" built on "false and defamatory imputations" and riddled with "serious irregularities."

Company confirms 'rigorous and independent' process

An official statement from Doutor Finanças confirmed that "a rigorous and independent process" is under way. The company noted that Bairrada has been removed from executive leadership since early last year and said the proceedings were "initiated in accordance with applicable rules, following complaints about behaviour that, if confirmed, is incompatible with the values and standards of conduct of the organisation." No timeline has been given for the conclusion of the investigation.

A high-profile Portuguese fintech

Doutor Finanças has grown from a startup into one of Portugal's most recognisable financial services brands, with more than 300 employees and offices across the country. The company has also expanded into Spain and Italy and reports annual revenues of approximately EUR 20 million. It acts as an intermediary for mortgage and personal loan applications and sells insurance products, positioning itself as a consumer-friendly alternative to dealing directly with banks.

The case adds to a growing number of workplace harassment proceedings at prominent Portuguese companies and comes at a time when corporate governance standards are under increasing scrutiny across Europe. Portugal strengthened its legal framework on workplace harassment in 2017, making it mandatory for companies with seven or more employees to establish internal codes of conduct and formal complaint mechanisms.

Sources: Observador, Jornal de Notícias (JN). Both outlets cite internal company confirmation and statements from the accused.