Future of Europe: Strengthening Europe's Financial Sector

Luxembourg for Finance is participating in the second event of the FT Live series on “Future of Europe: Strengthening Europe’s Financial Sector” on 21 September 2021 from 08:0 to 11:30 BST (09:00 to 12:30 CEST).

The EU’s finance systems have come under considerable pressure since the beginning of 2020, not least having to contend with the stresses and strains of the global pandemic. But as the EU – and the wider European region – emerges into a post-Covid landscape, now is an opportunity for it to re-set. The emphasis is on a growth strategy where deeper and more integrated capital markets can spur investment and growth and promote a more diversified financial system, unlocking capital across the EU.

At the same time, the European Commission wants to deepen the EU single market for retail financial services and payments and make it work better for consumers and investors. And as economies look to build back better, it is taking steps to boost the role of asset management and the wider financial sector in achieving a greener and more sustainable economy.

The pandemic has accelerated new ways of doing things and helped to boost the adoption of digital finance. There has been a substantial investment in new technologies and the pace of innovation is exponential. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing and big data analytics are being deployed throughout the financial sector, transforming the asset management industry, providing greater access to financial services, offering wider choice and helping to bring down national barriers and spur competition.

What is the role of Europe’s financial system in building back better? What is the future of the European financial system? How can we unlock capital across the EU? Will we see closer alignment or greater national autonomy? How do we take stock of the EU asset management sector in the post-Covid world? How has Brexit affected Europe’s financial markets? And which location will win the battle to be Europe’s financial centre following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU?

The Financial Times is bringing together political leaders, CEOs of Europe’s top financial institutions, heads of stock exchanges and other policy leaders to discover their views on the future of the European financial system and to assess the appetite for greater integration and collaboration in the post-Covid world. During this, the second in the FT’s Future of Europe Series, they will also explore how innovation is bringing down barriers between countries and find out what is needed for a robust and strengthened financial sector.

Nicolas Mackel, CEO of Luxembourg for Finance, will join the panel discussion on “Capitalising on opportunities in Europe’s financial markets” at 08:40 BST (9:40 CEST).

For more information and free registration, please visit the event website at Future of Europe.