Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is returning to Goldman Sachs, where he began his career, now stepping into a senior advisory role, the bank announced on Tuesday.

The appointment comes a year after Sunak led the Conservative Party to its most significant electoral defeat in over a century.

Currently still serving as a Conservative MP for a northern England constituency, Sunak started his professional journey at Goldman Sachs in the early 2000s as an analyst before transitioning into hedge fund roles. His career in finance, combined with significant family wealth through his wife—daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy—made him the richest individual to occupy 10 Downing Street, often sparking criticism that he was disconnected from everyday citizens.

Since stepping down as party leader last July, Sunak has kept a low public profile, taking academic roles at both Oxford and Stanford universities earlier this year.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expressed enthusiasm about Sunak’s return: "I am excited to welcome Rishi back to Goldman Sachs. In his role, he will work with leaders across the firm to advise our clients globally on a range of important topics, sharing his unique perspectives and insights on the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape."

Sunak’s move continues a growing trend of former UK finance ministers transitioning to the private sector. George Osborne and Sajid Javid, who previously held the post, have taken roles at firms such as BlackRock, Robey Warshaw, and Centricus, respectively—highlighting the value financial institutions place on political experience and global networks. Photo by HM Treasury, Wikimedia commons.