(by M.Riley)

Stephanie Villalba, Merrill Lynch international private client group’s former banker, seeks about 7.5 million pounds from Merrill for sex discrimination and unequal pay.

The hearing can set a precedent as London’s financial sector is traditionally male-dominated, specialists say. Villalba states that she was paid less than her male co-workers and dismissed because of her sex.

The bank denies the accusations. Merrill declares that she was dismissed because of her incompetence only and not because of being a woman. "She was replaced by a woman, Kimberly Palmer, who has gone on to be a great success," said Merrill’s spokesman.