Masters of Finance

Tracy Vegro OBE reflects on her first year as being Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). The CISI is the leading professional body for securities, investment, wealth and financial planning professionals. Tracy discusses raising the profile of CISI in new jurisdictions and the opportunity to create an international membership network. Tracy also focuses on the need for digital means of learning and the innovation for developing and delivering qualifications, raising individual standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour globally to enhance public trust and confidence in financial services.

James Ashton, prolific financial journalist of over 20 years, former City Editor and Executive Editor at the Evening Standard and independent titles, City Editor at the Sunday Times and current Chief Executive of the Quoted Companies Alliance, the members’ organisation that champions small and mid-sized companies whose shares are publicly traded, discusses the concerns of liquidity for small and mid-sized companies and what can be done to combat those concerns, the need for change in shareholder communication by the retail platforms as well as the current challenges faced by public companies on reporting. 

Nemone Wynn-Evans, an Executive and Non-Executive Director within the financial services and energy sector, discusses the progression of women in Executive and Non-Executive roles and the changes to the role of Non-Executive Directors on Boards. Over the last decade there has been a shift towards companies adopting a diversified board room in terms of age and gender. Nemone also reflects on the importance of networking to be a successful portfolio Non-Executive Director. 

Michael Walter reflects on his success to date in the luxury brands sector. He led the sales and marketing teams that were awarded the Queen’s Award to industry on five occasions, two for Dunhill Plc and 3 for Aquascutum Plc. As merchandise director, and ultimately president of North American operations at Dunhill plc, Michael lived in the USA for 12 years leading the team that transformed Dunhill from a smokers’ requisites business to an iconic luxury goods brand where he later became the worldwide marketing Director.

Andy Silvester, editor of the City A.M, London’s most-read financial and business newspaper, discusses his views on the challenges faced by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and what is required from both the city and the government to improve the UK capital markets to re-establish London as the destination for businesses. 

David Buik, legendary city commentator and ex-broker reflects on his early life and looks back on his career working in Britain’s financial industry. Also in this episode, David shares his thoughts on the Aquis Stock Exchange and discusses his MONEY podcast. 

Peter Lai, CEO of Majestic Corporation Plc, an emerging leader in precious metals and non-ferrous metals recycling and a Company listed on the AQSE Growth Market. Peter discusses the Company’s future growth plans, opportunities in the market and how the metal recycling industry has changed in recent years. 

Mads Dal, CEO of The Better Home Company London, a Company in the home repair and improvements sector, helping clients all over London with a wide range of home services from property repairs and maintenance, to property refurbishment and home extensions. The Better Home Company London is disrupting the property repairs and improvements sector, delighting customers with an unparalleled quality of work and service, all the while reducing the stress and hassle from dealing with separate contractors.

AIMA is the global representative of the alternative investment industry and its fund manager members collectively manage more than US$2.5 trillion in hedge fund and private credit assets. AIMA’s CEO Jack Inglis addresses some of the common misconceptions of hedge funds and looks back on the performance in the Year 2022. 

Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE discusses the Electronic Trade Documents Bill that's been described as the first foundational step towards digitisation and interoperability, and the Fintech opportunities available in the UK to empower businesses and offer new solutions.