A former banking executive alleges that he was discriminated against due to his race, gender, and physical disability, culminating in the loss of his job and denial of promised severance pay. The complaint was filed by Bruce Arden in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 4, 2026, naming Wells Fargo Bank N.A. as the defendant.
According to the court filing, Arden began working at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in May 2011 after bringing his team from his own mortgage business. He served as a Home Mortgage Consultant and Sales Manager until 2013, consistently meeting or exceeding business goals and receiving strong performance reviews. In 2013, Arden moved to Wells Fargo’s Private Mortgage Banking Division at its New York City headquarters. There, he continued to excel, reportedly achieving outstanding results through 2022.
The lawsuit outlines that Arden suffered significant health setbacks beginning in August 2018 when he required complete knee replacements on both legs. Complications led to further surgeries in January and April 2023, with additional procedures taking place in April and November 2025. During this period, Arden took several approved medical leaves due to pain and limited mobility resulting from severe osteolysis discovered after his initial surgery.
While still on medical leave starting June 2024, Arden received notice from Wells Fargo indicating a possible displacement event but no specific action was taken regarding his employment status at that time. In July 2024, Branch Manager Darin Fink and Market Manager Eric Gotsch informed him by phone that he would be displaced because his position was being eliminated as part of a companywide shift focusing on providing mortgage solutions in Black, Hispanic, and underserved communities. The complaint alleges that “because of his race and gender,” it was determined by Wells Fargo that Arden could not perform under this new focus: “Thus solely because of Arden’s race and gender, WF chose to displace him from his employment.”
Arden states he was told he would receive a severance package consisting of two weeks’ pay for every year worked plus a ninety-day paid non-working displacement period while still on approved paid medical leave for ongoing recovery from knee surgeries. However, according to the complaint, after being notified in December 2024 that his medical leave would expire on January 25, 2025—and that he would be eligible for severance—Wells Fargo instead classified his separation as voluntary retirement upon expiration of the leave date.
The filing asserts that “instead of providing Arden his severance as promised in writing and verbally,” Wells Fargo refused payment by labeling the separation voluntary retirement. On February 27, 2025, correspondence from Wells Fargo allegedly stated that severance was denied specifically because of Arden’s disability: “WF expressly stated it was discriminating against Arden based on his disabled status.” Despite efforts by Arden—including an email sent directly to the company’s CEO on June 2, 2025—he received no response or resolution.
The lawsuit brings four counts against Wells Fargo: discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; retaliation under Title VII; discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and violations of New York State and New York City anti-discrimination laws. The complaint states: “Defendant intentionally violated PLAINTIFF’s rights under Title VII…and is liable for punitive damages.” It also alleges retaliation for complaints about discriminatory treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, and national origin.
Arden seeks damages believed to exceed ten million dollars for each count listed in the complaint along with compensatory damages for emotional distress; past and future lost wages; reinstatement or front pay; attorneys’ fees; costs associated with bringing the action; punitive damages totaling $25 million; as well as any other relief deemed just by the court.
The case is represented by attorneys from Adwar Ivko law firm. A jury trial has been demanded by the plaintiff. The case identification number is Case 1:26-cv-01771.
Source: 126cv01771_Bruce_Arden_v_Wells_Fargo_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
