On 24 November 2025, WIEFF brought senior leaders from banking, investment, pensions and financial technology together at Guildhall for The City Speaks: London’s Role in Global Finance.

Here we discussed the strengths that continue to make London a global financial centre, while looking ahead to the changes reshaping the sector. Capital markets, ESG, Islamic finance, fintech and inclusive leadership were central themes, reflecting the value of bringing different parts of the financial system into one conversation.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Munsur Ali CC of the City of London Corporation for hosting the event, and to our other speakers: Aleksandra Belykh, Managing Director and Head of FICC Emerging Markets Structuring for EMEA at Goldman Sachs; Stuart White, Board Director at Nest Pensions; Alexia Williams Schellaars, Managing Director and Head of UK and Ireland Corporate Coverage at Standard Chartered; Charlotte Crosswell OBE, Executive Chair of Raidiam; and Philip Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Finance House PLC and WIEFF founder Samina Akram for moderating the panel.

Our gathering demonstrated that London’s global role rests not only on the scale and depth of its markets, but also on its ability to convene international expertise and respond to new expectations around sustainability, technology and inclusion. WIEFF thanks the speakers, contributors and guests whose experience and questions made the evening a valuable exchange.