Anglo-German Dialogue – November 2025
The Anglo-German Financial Services Dialogue (AGFSD) convened on 12 November 2025, bringing together senior representatives from the UK and German financial and related professional services industries. Discussions focused on the evolving geopolitical environment, long-term competitiveness and the role of financial services in supporting economic resilience and growth.
The first session examined the changing defence and security landscape in Europe and the increasing importance of private capital in supporting innovation, resilience and strategic priorities. Participants explored the role of financial and related professional services in facilitating investment, addressing barriers to financing and supporting collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Dialogue also considered pension reform and long-term investment, drawing lessons from international approaches to mobilising capital and encourage greater retail participation in capital markets. Discussions highlighted the importance of financial literacy, effective governance and long-term investment frameworks in supporting economic growth and resilience.
Participants further exchanged views on regulatory developments affecting cross-border financial services activity, including the implementation of new EU banking rules and the importance of regulatory clarity and consistency. The meeting concluded with reflections on the wider UK-German relationship and opportunities for continued collaboration on shared priorities.
Anglo-German Dialogue – October 2024
The Anglo-German Financial Services Dialogue (AGFSD) convened on Wednesday, 2 October 2024 in Frankfurt.
The agenda included discussions on our industry's vital role in financing the transition to net zero and climate-related disclosure regimes with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Key topics covered were political developments in the UK-German relationship, the growing German fintech market, and developments in the UK and German pension markets.
The group heard from various experts, including Sam Prestidge from ISSB on sustainability standards, Stefan Hofrichter from Allianz Global Investors on the evolving UK-EU relationship, and Julian Kamp from KPMG on the German fintech market. Dr. Norbert Kuhn from Deutsches Aktieninstitut e.V. discussed the challenges and reforms in the German pension system.
We welcomed Oliver Behrens, Chairman at DWS, as our new Co-Chair, who also recently assumed the presidency of Frankfurt Main Finance. TheCityUK and dialogue members conveyed special thanks to our outgoing Co-Chair, Gerhard Wiesheu, CEO of B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. AG, for his dedicated leadership since 2021.
Members also heard from Dr. Alexandra Hachmeister from Deutsche Bundesbank on their work in progressing the Digital Euro.
Anglo-German update – April 2025
The Anglo-German Financial Services Dialogue (AGFSD) convened on Monday, 28 April 2025, at Barclays in London.
The agenda included discussions on the future of the EU-UK relationship, recent developments in competitiveness and growth agendas, and the potential for collaboration across the EU, UK, and Switzerland. Key topics covered were the challenges and opportunities in the UK and German pension and capital markets, the role of the financial services industry in ensuring economic security, and the impact of global developments on market competitiveness.
The group heard from various experts, including Sander Schol from Hanbury Strategy on the EU-UK "reset," Rebecca Park from Global Counsel on growing the European capital market under challenging geopolitical conditions, and Sharon Lewis from Hogan Lovells on the digitalisation of capital markets. Ruairi O'Connell OBE, Director of International at the Financial Conduct Authority, spoke about collaboration with key partners like Germany to achieve shared goals.
Scott Devine from TheCityUK led a discussion on ongoing European work, including industry input to the EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum and the upcoming EU-UK Leaders’ Summit. The meeting concluded with discussions on future areas of focus, such as the implementation of policy, investor confidence and regulatory streamlining.