WMA leads the debate on the future of Wealth Management at flagship conference – 12th November 2015

Leading figures in the City took to the stage at the Wealth Management Association’s (WMA) 18th Annual Summit, to discuss “2015 and beyond” in the Wealth Management industry. The WMA is the leading industry body for the private client investment community whose members manage in excess of £670 billion of the country’s wealth.

The stellar line up of speakers included John Griffith-Jones, Chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Baroness Sharon Bowles, Non-Executive Director at the London Stock Exchange, Paul Killik, Senior Partner, Killik & Co, and British Journalist the Rt. Hon Michael Portillo.

The leading industry event in Europe was attended by more than 50 CEOs, and 400 delegates, who were treated to cutting-edge talks and debates from some of the most respected figures in wealth management (WM). Key themes of the day included the importance and rise of technology, the duty of care incumbent on all WMA member firms, the changing face of politics and Europe. These themes were summed up by the closing remarks from WMA board member Sir David Howard Bt from Charles Stanley Group.

The event was opened by Andrew Tarver talking on disruptive technologies, who compared the need to progress in the industry to Darwinism – stating that companies can no longer afford to incrementally change in an environment that is rapidly evolving.
Tarver also added that new technologies give firms the ability to help people, understand their needs, and act in a way that represents their best interests.

Meanwhile, Tracey Reddings, Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank emphasised that embracing technological advancements and making it part and parcel of everyday wealth management is key for the industry, adding that “Being a total wealth solutions provider with leading edge technology for our clients is the way to differentiate ourselves for the next 5 years”.  The industry veteran formed part of a panel of industry-leaders who discussed the changing nature of wealth management.

As the day moved on to discuss the changing political landscape Ex MEP Baroness Bowles, addressed the audience on the changing face of Europe and the issues surrounding a potential Brexit – something that has been dominating the news agenda recently.
The Rt. Hon Michael Portillo, British Journalist, Broadcaster & Former Member of Parliament, also commented on the European Union during his keynote address, stating: “The referendum on Europe is all about managing the Conservative Party. That’s the reason we are having one. Cameron’s position is that he doesn’t much like Europe but is too scared to leave.  His gamble is that the British people agree”.

Other topics discussed during the day-long event included “The MoralDNA of wealth creating cultures”” and a panel on the lessons learned from the last 25 years in the industry.

Meanwhile, John Griffith-Jones, chairman of the FCA, spoke to the audience about UK regulatory developments in the context of the changing retail financial market environment, in particular the advent of new legislation such as MiFID and PRIIPs.

Over 26 speakers provided practical thought provoking commentary at this flagship conference. Liz Field, Chief Executive of the WMA, comments: “the WMA annual summit is an important date in peoples diary to come together to discuss issues at the heart of the industry.  It has provided practical insight for all of its varied membership, reflected by the diverse line up for the day.  Thought leadership is an important function of the WMA, as it is the voice for the industry and events like this facilitate open debate and progress for the community.”

The next WMA Annual Summit will be held on 9th November 2016.