Why was a Ubank executive fired after the Christmas party?

The executive was terminated for allegedly staging a mock terrorist act in a photo booth at the company's Christmas party, which violated the company's Code of Conduct.

What happened in the Ubank Christmas party photo booth?

An executive and a junior colleague reportedly posed in a photo booth, with the junior colleague allegedly mimicking a terrorist and the executive appearing as a hostage.

Did the Ubank incident affect other employees?

Yes, some employees reported feeling uncomfortable, and Jewish colleagues allegedly felt uneasy and left the party due to the mock terrorist act.

Home / Business and Economy / Bank Exec Fired Over 'Mock Terror' Photo Booth Stunt

Bank Exec Fired Over 'Mock Terror' Photo Booth Stunt

2 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Executive sacked for alleged mock terrorist act in office photo booth.
Ubank CEO confirmed an executive departure due to conduct.
Colleagues felt uncomfortable, some Jewish staff left early.

Bank Exec Fired Over 'Mock Terror' Photo Booth Stunt

An executive at Ubank, a digital offshoot of National Australia Bank, has been terminated following an alleged 'mock act of terrorism' captured in a photo booth at the company's Christmas party. The incident involved the executive and a junior colleague, with claims of a simulated hostage scenario. Ubank CEO Kanishka Raja confirmed the executive's departure, stating senior leaders must model appropriate behavior and that the company investigated swiftly.

The alleged photo booth scene depicted a junior colleague possibly impersonating a terrorist while the executive was shown kneeling as a hostage. Reports indicate that the act caused discomfort among attendees, with some Jewish employees reportedly feeling uneasy and leaving the party. The company's Code of Conduct was cited as the basis for the swift disciplinary action.