Klaus Schwab Accused of Influencing Global Rankings and Misusing Funds

Klaus Schwab, the founder and former head of the World Economic Forum (WEF), is facing serious allegations of manipulating global economic rankings and submitting questionable financial claims, according to findings from an ongoing probe.

A report from a Swiss investigation—conducted by the Zurich-based law firm Homburger—reveals that Schwab may have interfered with the WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report by adjusting country placements based on political considerations. The allegations emerged following his sudden resignation in April 2025 amidst growing scrutiny over financial misconduct.

Among the most notable claims is a 2017 email in which Schwab reportedly directed the delay of that year’s Competitiveness Report to avoid diplomatic friction with India, after the country received a low ranking. In the same email exchange, he allegedly discouraged improving the United Kingdom’s ranking, suggesting it could embolden pro-Brexit narratives.

Despite his efforts, the 2017 report was eventually published, showing both India and the UK dropping by one spot—landing at 40th and 8th, respectively.

Further allegations point to a 2022 incident where Schwab allegedly shared an unreleased draft of the competitiveness rankings with a foreign official from a country that had fallen in the standings. That year’s report was later withdrawn, with the organization attributing the decision to uncertainties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The investigation also uncovered approximately 900,000 Swiss francs (roughly $1.12 million) in expense claims submitted by Schwab and his wife, many of which reportedly had no clear connection to WEF operations.

Neither Schwab nor the World Economic Forum has issued a detailed public response. Schwab, however, has denied the allegations and lodged a criminal complaint against the accusations that led to his resignation.

His departure ends over five decades of leadership at the helm of the WEF, an organization he founded in 1971. However, questions about transparency, ethics, and undue political influence now cast a shadow over his long-standing legacy.