US President Donald Trump has named Warren Stephens, a prominent investment banker and major Republican donor, as his choice for the next US ambassador to the UK.
In a statement shared on social media, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, describing Stephens as a lifelong patriot. “Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time,” Trump said.
“I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the USA to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Stephens serves as chairman, president, and CEO of Stephens Inc., a private financial services firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas. His business acumen and philanthropic efforts have made him a notable figure in conservative circles.
While Stephens has been a consistent donor to Republican causes, his support for Trump has been less linear. Initially, he backed efforts to block Trump’s 2016 candidacy but later supported his 2020 campaign.
According to Federal Election Commission filings, Stephens contributed at least $2 million to Make America Great Again Inc., a pro-Trump Super PAC, in 2024.
Trump lauded Stephens for his leadership at Stephens Inc., calling it a “wonderful financial services firm,” and highlighted his contributions to his community as a philanthropist.
However, Stephens’s business history has not been without controversy. A 2017 investigation by The Guardian, based on the Paradise Papers, revealed that Stephens held a 40% stake in Integrity Advance, a payday loan company accused of predatory lending.
In 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) alleged that Integrity Advance misled borrowers by obscuring loan costs and enforcing repayment through pre-authorised electronic transfers.
Stephens’s appointment comes at a crucial time for US-UK relations, with both nations seeking to strengthen their partnership on global issues. If confirmed, he will succeed the current ambassador and take on the role of representing US interests in one of its closest allies.
