The City Editor of the world's leading global business publication, the Financial Times, has been confirmed as keynote speaker for the ninth annual Guernsey Funds Forum.
Jonathan Ford, also formerly Chief Leader Writer of the FT and Comment Editor of international news agency Reuters, will speak at the Guernsey Finance-hosted event in London on Thursday 17 May.
Guernsey Finance Chief Executive Dominic Wheatley was pleased to welcome a thought leader with such relevance for Guernsey, given the island's role in helping London and the wider UK to prepare the industry to thrive post-Brexit.
Mr Wheatley said: "In his role, Jonathan has his finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest developments in the City. He will be 'in the know' and this puts him in a strong position to analyse, spot trends or offer guidance or predictions as to where the funds sector might go – it will be fascinating to hear from him."
The theme for this year's event, which attracted some 450 people in 2017, is 'If the world turned upside down'. Discussions will look at the problems facing the asset management industry and potential solutions as managers look to navigate risk in an uncertain world.
"In the years since the financial crisis, shocks to the capital markets and to investor returns have been political more than economic in origin – both the US political landscape and the UK's divorce proceedings with the EU have been regular sources of market volatility," Mr Wheatley said. "In this difficult environment, opinions are divided about where investors should be looking to put their money – risk-free boltholes or more risky business. So, as ever, we are ensuring that our theme is a topical, looking at today's issues and how they can impact the future."
The event includes the keynote address, a panel debate and a 'fireside chat', involving Better Capital's Jon Moulton, who has 30 years of experience successfully investing in turnarounds, and Legal & General Investment Management's Dame Helena Morrissey, DBE, who is well known in the City, particularly for her work on gender equality. She and has been named among Fortune magazine's World 50 greatest Leaders and the Financial Times' 2018 'Person of the Year' at the newspaper's Boldness in Business annual awards.
"The Forum continues to develop year on year, showcasing Guernsey's funds offering and expertise through thought leadership discussion and debate on the state of the funds industry globally," Mr Wheatley added.
Participating in the panel session are Reed & Smith Partner Leith Moghli, PwC Partner Simon Hampton, and Alex Barr of Aberdeen Standard.
The Guernsey Funds Forum takes place at Etc.Venues, Broadgate City of London, 155 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD. Click here for further information and to register.
For more information about Guernsey's finance industry please visit www.weareguernsey.com.
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