Ariane de Rothschild (née Langner, born November 14, 1965) is a French-German banker who became CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Group in March 2023, making her the first woman and first non-Rothschild by birth to lead a Rothschild-branded financial institution. She married Benjamin de Rothschild in 1999 and became chair of the bank's executive committee in January 2015 following disputes with other family members. Benjamin de Rothschild died on January 15, 2021.
The Epstein archive documents an extensive business and personal relationship between de Rothschild and Jeffrey Epstein spanning from 2013 to 2019. The correspondence includes 6,741 emails across 5,203 threads, making her one of Epstein's most frequent correspondents. The archive shows Epstein advising de Rothschild on major banking matters including a DOJ investigation, intra-family conflicts, potential mergers, and business strategy. In 2015, Epstein negotiated a $25 million consulting contract with the Edmond de Rothschild Group. The relationship included numerous in-person meetings in New York, Paris, and Geneva, informal personal exchanges, and coordination through assistants. Reporting on the relationship emerged in 2023, with the bank initially denying meetings before acknowledging them.
Background#
Ariane Langner was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, to a German father who worked as a senior pharmaceutical executive. She spent her youth across Latin America, Europe, and Africa. She earned a bachelor's degree in commerce in Paris and completed an MBA at Pace University in New York. She began her career as a trader in foreign exchange and metals with Société Générale in Australia and New York, then joined AIG where she developed the group's European operations from Paris.
In 1997, she took charge of the Rothschild family's non-banking activities, consolidating them under the Edmond de Rothschild Héritage brand, which includes wine estates and hotels. She married Baron Benjamin de Rothschild on January 23, 1999, and they had four daughters. In 2000, they founded the Gitana Team, a professional offshore racing team. In 2006, she joined the board of Edmond de Rothschild Holding, and in January 2015 became chair of the executive committee of Edmond de Rothschild Group, consolidating the family's banking activities under one brand.
According to multiple 2023-2026 news reports, de Rothschild had more than a dozen documented meetings with Epstein between 2013 and 2019. The bank initially denied these meetings, then stated she "met with Epstein as part of her normal duties at the bank between 2013 and 2019." In 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that in 2015 de Rothschild negotiated a $25 million consulting contract with Epstein.
Correspondence with Epstein#
The archive documents an exceptionally voluminous correspondence spanning July 6, 2011, to April 4, 2019, with de Rothschild appearing as sender in 2,559 emails and as recipient in 4,153. The relationship began in 2013 and intensified in 2014-2015 during critical periods for the bank, including a DOJ investigation into cross-border tax matters and family disputes over the Rothschild name.
Business Advisory Role
Epstein functioned as a strategic advisor on the bank's most sensitive matters. In July 2015, Epstein advised on preparations for a DOJ meeting scheduled for August 27, with de Rothschild's assistant Cynthia Tobiano coordinating with Epstein and noting that "Ariane suggested it would be you and emanuell to go to luxembourg for a review" and that "Kathy is going to africa sat and can bring documents", referring to attorney Kathy Ruemmler.
In September 2016, when Swiss federal police raided Edmond de Rothschild Bank in connection with the 1MDB scandal, Ruemmler immediately forwarded Epstein a news article about the raid. Epstein told de Rothschild in June 2015 that "there is no decsion you can make that will effect so much of a dollar differnece than he DOJ matter, it makes all other issues ie bonuses, wine, hotel pale in comparison".
In March 2014, de Rothschild discussed with Epstein strategies for removing family member David from her bank's shareholding structure, writing that "getting him out of my bk does, as it will allow me then to unlist the bk". Epstein proposed having "a third party buy davids stock in your bank" as a friendly arrangement.
In April 2017, Epstein analyzed a potential merger for the bank, writing that "though they are a around 25 times your size, their earnings are around 12 times.. so stock for stock would dilute the earnings.. complicated". In March 2019, Epstein wrote: "glad to see the going private move. lots of opportunities".
Intra-Family Mediation
Epstein served as mediator in disputes between de Rothschild and other family members. In November 2015, de Rothschild forwarded Epstein an email from Jacob Rothschild of the British branch expressing anger over branding issues, prefacing it "For the fun". Epstein arranged meetings between de Rothschild and various Rothschild family members to negotiate conflicts.
In October 2015, Epstein wrote to de Rothschild and her assistant: "I decided I should not wait any longer - had a meeting last night. to try to come to closure. talk on the phone or in person. complex".
Personal Advisory Relationship
The correspondence reveals a relationship extending beyond formal business advice. In November 2015, when de Rothschild was hospitalized, Epstein wrote: "good luck tomorw". She replied: "I m hating the idea of going back to the hospital ...and i want to go back to work. Soon". Epstein responded: "rest. you will have plenty of time and many things to do. you must be strong and healthy, tough decisions ahead. thougtful. future of biz, home, charity, girls. wines, hotel, personel. new deals".
In April 2015, during an apparent crisis, Epstein told her: "you are at a crossroas. either path is shitty. one you have a battle now. maybe win.. the other is you delay, little respect and will have the battle eventaully".
In February 2019, Epstein asked: "has my recent bad press caused you concern.? anything I can do to help?". In March 2019, he wrote: "It's been a long time! You ok?" and later: "i will spank you if you again stay away this long".
De Rothschild was included in a 2015 project where Epstein's assistant requested she write "a short, one page 'story' on 'Sharing A Meal in Jeffrey's Dining Room... with Jeffrey and his friends'" for a birthday booklet. She agreed to "prepare something".
Meeting Coordination
The emails document frequent coordination of in-person meetings. In March 2015, de Rothschild wrote: "I m really happy you re here- so much to tell you" and proposed that Kathy Ruemmler come to Paris for "Doj + int'l legal shifts + succession plans for girls".
In November 2015, they coordinated Epstein's Geneva visit, with de Rothschild picking him up at the jet terminal for a same-day meeting. In February 2015, Epstein's assistant arranged a meeting at Epstein's Paris apartment on Sunday, March 1, with de Rothschild agreeing to "fly to paris sunday mrng".
Scheduling was sometimes complicated by de Rothschild's unavailability. She frequently apologized for being unreachable: "Sorry sorry. I had cut my phone until yesterday", "Sorry my phone had been confiscated by B and the girls", "I had my phone turned off and spend 3 days cooking, sleeping, gardening and checking the sailboat".
Business Introductions and Ventures
Epstein facilitated meetings between de Rothschild and his network. In September 2013, he proposed meetings with Ehud Barak and Joshua Cooper Ramo, describing Ramo as "kissinger right hand". In July 2015, Epstein wrote that he "set a meeting with HBJ people for you and I in New york on the 21st".
In July 2015, Epstein explored whether a "joint venture, his KBL lux with the edmond rothschild bank switz" would interest a Qatari contact, offering to host the parties "at the rothschild residence the bank" in Paris or "next week in geneve at the castle".
The Karyna Connection
The correspondence references "Karyna" (Karyna Shuliak) repeatedly. In February 2019, Epstein thanked de Rothschild "for organizing karyna tour". In December 2018, Epstein wrote: "Id love Karina to see the work you've done. She can arrive majeve 17-19", referring to what appears to be the Edmond de Rothschild perfume or cosmetics operations. Arrangements were made through de Rothschild's assistant Fanny Pasquier for Karyna's accommodations.
Final Communications
The last documented email from Epstein to de Rothschild was on April 4, 2019: "today? feeling better?". Epstein was arrested on July 6, 2019, and died in federal custody on August 10, 2019.
Connections#
De Rothschild's co-correspondents in the archive reveal the business infrastructure supporting her relationship with Epstein. Olivier Colom appears in 100 shared emails and frequently participated in meeting arrangements. Cynthia Tobiano, who appears in 80 shared emails, served as her executive assistant and coordinated with Epstein on sensitive banking matters.
Kathy Ruemmler, former White House Counsel who appears in 40 shared emails, was introduced by Epstein as legal counsel on the DOJ matter and other issues. The archive shows Ruemmler and de Rothschild coordinating directly on bank matters, with Epstein facilitating the relationship.
Lesley Groff, Epstein's longtime assistant, appears in 34 shared emails coordinating meetings and logistics. Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister, appears in 5 shared emails, with de Rothschild writing in June 2018: "Saw your friend Ehud in Israel".
Tom Pritzker and Eva Dubin also appear in the correspondence, suggesting de Rothschild's integration into Epstein's broader network of high-net-worth individuals and business figures.
Document References#
Beyond email correspondence, de Rothschild appears in operational documents in the archive. In June 2017, Epstein instructed his staff to add "Linda Pinto and Ariane Rothschild for Paris" to his contact list for different properties, with addresses in both Paris and Chambésy, Geneva provided.
Multiple DOJ-released documents from 2015-2018 contain references to de Rothschild in connection with banking matters, DOJ settlements, and strategic planning discussions. The documents reflect Epstein's active involvement in the bank's most sensitive legal and strategic matters during the period when de Rothschild was consolidating control of the family banking empire.
In December 2018, correspondence between Epstein's and de Rothschild's assistants coordinated hotel arrangements for Karyna's visit, with Epstein's office confirming "Jeffrey will pay for everything! Room, food, etc!!".
Visits to Epstein Properties#
Manhattan Townhouse
The archive documents at least two planned or completed visits to Epstein's New York townhouse:
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September 29, 2017 - Epstein's schedule noted "Reminder: Ariane de Rothschild in NY Sept 29" with a meeting "TBD Ariane De Rothschild" scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017.
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October 25, 2017 - De Rothschild was scheduled to join Epstein, David Mitchell, and Karyna for a tour of 854 Fifth Avenue. However, complications arose when de Rothschild could not provide advance photo identification required by building security. The correspondence shows frantic exchanges as the building representative insisted on advance ID and ultimately indicated "Only 3 persons whose IDs were provided will be allowed in the building". The issue was eventually resolved with Mitchell confirming receipt of "Ariane de Rothschild's Passport!".
Paris Apartment
At least one documented meeting at Epstein's Paris apartment:
- February 28 or March 1, 2015 - Epstein's assistant arranged a meeting at "Jeffrey's Paris apartment on sunday" at 2pm, with de Rothschild confirming she would "fly to paris sunday mrng".
Additionally, in June 2017, de Rothschild was added to Epstein's Paris property contact list, suggesting regular access or coordination at that location.
Geneva/Switzerland Visits
Multiple visits coordinated in Switzerland, though the specific property is not always clear:
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November 10, 2015 - De Rothschild picked up Epstein at the jet terminal in Geneva for a same-day visit (arriving noon, departing 7pm). This appears to have been for a meeting at a Rothschild property rather than an Epstein residence.
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Multiple references throughout 2013-2019 to meetings in Geneva when de Rothschild was based there, though these appear to have been at bank offices or Rothschild properties rather than an Epstein residence.
Little St. James Island
In November 2014, de Rothschild requested "architect plans of the guest houses" for Epstein's island, writing: "Would there please be any architect plans of the guest houses, so I can work on it better?". The email subject line was "Island." The context suggests possible interior design consultation, though no documentation of an actual visit to Little St. James appears in the archive.
Other Properties
No visits to Epstein's Palm Beach residence, New Mexico ranch, or other properties are documented in the available archive materials.