SiP Speaker Diaries

China Roundtable Breakfast

We’ve just rounded things up onsite with Federated Hermes. James Kynge spent 28 years at the Financial Times, serving as Beijing bureau chief and as Global China Editor in London. Currently, he’s Chatham House’s Senior Research fellow on China. Over breakfast this morning James provided research and insights from his latest book, discussing China’s rise to dominance as a global tech superpower, and whether or not this growth is sustainable in the long-term.

More in Madrid

We’ve reached the final session of the morning now – a fireside chat with Josep Borrell, the EU’s Former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Across the next 45minutes he and Lucy will discuss deglobalisation as the defining global trend, tariff disputes, supply chain vulnerabilities, the surge in defence spending, the geopolitical repositioning towards China and Latin America, and the ways in which the conflict in Ukraine has reshaped European political diplomacy for the foreseeable future.

Janus Henderson Madrid Investment Summit

We’re delighted to be back in Spain with Janus Henderson at their annual Madrid Investment Summit. Throughout the day we’ll be discussing how deglobalisation is reshaping the investment landscape, and what this means for investors. Returning to host the event is broadcast journalist and SiP favourite, Lucy Hockings.

Capital Ideas LIVE 2025

It’s been a week since Capital Ideas LIVE took place in London. Moderating the day was broadcaster and SiP favourite, Daisy McAndrew. The day’s final plenary session was particularly enjoyable, featuring a lively Q&A with Daisy and security correspondent, Frank Gardner. Frank shared his thoughts on the fundamental power shifts taking place across the international political landscape, and the far-reaching implications this has for NATO, the EU, Taiwan, Ukraine and global security as a whole.

Rethinking European Fixed Income

Rounding off our last event of the summer was today’s webinar, hosted by Amundi Investments. Entitled Rethinking European Fixed Income, this digital event discussed how to navigate risks and opportunities within this asset class, given the macro-economic landscape, central bank policy and current geopolitical volatility. Our special guest speaker was Peter Praet, a former member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank.

PE AGM: DAY 2

Still in Zurich, this morning’s external keynote address was delivered by Pascal Lamy, former Director General of the World Trade Organisation. In a speech entitled Global Trade: a Time of Uncertainty, Mr Lamy discussed the changing relationship between trade and globalisation in the wake of recent international events, and what this means for trade policy going forwards.

PE AGM: DAY 1

We were delighted to be back in Zurich working with the Schroders Capital team on their Private Equity Annual General Meeting. Over the years we’ve organised a number of high-profile speakers to join the dinner, from chess grandmasters to endurance swimmers and even plane crash survivors. This year was no exception, as we were joined by cycling legend, Sir Mark Cavendish. Widely held as the fastest man on two wheels, the Manx Missile enthralled our guests with highlights and anecdotes from throughout his incredible sporting career.

ELITE PERFORMANCE IN LISBON

SiP was delighted to be working with Tess Morris-Paterson. A chartered scientist who worked as a Head of Performance in sport, Tess now specialises in the selection and training of astronauts. Described as a “dream” onsite, Tess delivered a superb presentation with real enthusiasm, which was the perfect way to round off our two days in Lisbon.

BEN LYTTLETON

Ben Lyttleton joined us at the Northern Powerhouse Retreat this week. Using insights from football, he highlighted how strong leadership and high-performance cultures can attract, develop, and retain top talent – offering practical strategies for success in today’s competitive landscape.

SUZIE IMBER

Delighted to welcome SiP newcomer, Suzie Imber, as our after-dinner speaker for 2025. Suzie will share her insights from years of high-altitude climbing and mountaineering and, enthral our audience with tales from her astronaut training experience.

PIPPA CRERAR

Kickstarting this year’s Select Conference we have the Guardian’s Political Editor, Pippa Crerar. Her keynote speech will cover the outlook for Britain’s political climate, as well as the UK’s global footprint in the wake of recent international events.

SELECT 2025

Select 2025 has begun! Our annual event for the UK’s top advisers and investment professionals will feature presentations from leading asset managers, and insightful comment from a range of external speakers. We’re delighted to have Louise Beale, TV news presenter, at the helm to help us navigate another jam-packed agenda.

here is a snapshot of some recent client events, featuring a range of speakers sourced by SiP.