Watchdog fines Barclays $55 million over crisis-era fundraising

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Financial Conduct Authority said it will fine Barclays 50 million pounds ($55.74 million) for its failure to disclose arrangements made with Qatari entities during its 2008 crisis-era fundraising.

The British bank sought to raise funds from a number of investors during the crisis, but failed to disclose 'advisory agreement' fees to Qatari investors involved in the deals, the FCA said.

Barclays has referred the decision to the watchdog's upper tribunal, which will determine whether to uphold the fine. The bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

($1 = 0.8970 pounds)

(Reporting by Lawrence White; Editing by Jan Harvey)