NEDs in FS Forum
Boardroom under pressure
At our October session, we were hosted by Cork Gully, specialists in restructuring, turnaround and special situations, for a practical discussion about what Boards should do when warning signs start to appear. Using a scenario to bring the issues to life, we explored how problems can develop and escalate, what NEDs should be looking out for, and how their responsibilities change as the situation unfolds.
1st October 2026
NEDs in FS Forum
Keeping up with geopolitical risk
In September we looked at the increasingly fast moving world of geopolitics and the current risk landscape for financial services businesses. Norton Rose hosted and were joined on our panel by Damien Bruckard of specialist advisory firm Geopolitical Strategy, and experienced NED Andrew McIntyre.
2nd September 2026
NEDs in FS: FCA Conversations
Sustainability in Practice
In July we were joined by the FCA’s Director of Sustainable Finance Sacha Sagan, to discuss how NEDs can take a practical, proportionate and well-informed view of sustainability. The panel, hosted by Clifford Chance, included legal expert Lily Marcel from Clifford Chance, sustainability adviser Robbie Epsom, and ESG data specialist and NED Nina Spencer.
We reconvened in September on the same topic for an online audience. You can read some of the key points here: Sustainability in practice – Key priorities for boards
14th July & 11th September 2026
NEDs in FS Foreign bank focus:
Subsidiary Boards and the Parent Dynamic
Fourth in our series with the Association of Foreign Banks, this roundtable discussion looked at balancing the needs of local stakeholders with the expectations of a Group parent.
Hosted by James Palmer and colleagues at HSF Kramer, we explored at a range of areas including governance, accountability, oversight and regulatory expectations.
8th July 2026
NEDs in FS Forum:
Senior Management in Crisis
One of the most challenging issues a Board can face is steadying the ship when serious allegations are made about senior management. In our May forum, hosted by Dentons, we worked through a worst case scenario to test our thinking. Our panel included Katharine Harle, UK Regulatory and Investigations Partner at Dentons, Claire Maloney, crisis communications specialist from Kekst, and Tracy Dunley-Owen, highly experienced Non-Executive Director. We revisited the discussion online in July and you can find reflections and a copy of the scenario here: Keeping your head when allegations hit your inbox.
12th May & 9th July 2026
NEDs in FS CoSec Breakfast
Many of our events for NEDs have highlighted issues that sit at the heart of the Company Secretary role, particularly in supporting Chairs and non-executive directors to operate effectively in a regulated environment. With Julius Baer, we hosted a dedicated breakfast for Company Secretaries of UK regulated financial services firms to share experiences, challenges and practical approaches. We were joined by around 20 CoSecs and Sam Tymms, who has been a NED and committee chair for 10 years in listed and private companies and led numerous board performance reviews for financial services houses.
4th June 2026
NEDs in FS Forum: Challenging the Board on cyber risk
At our April NEDs in FS Forum, we explored the role of the non-executive director in cyber security, featuring insights from our expert panel: Susanne Alfs, NED and Cyber Governance Ambassador, Callum Walkden from Gallagher Re, and Phil Broadbery from PKF.
We looked at the evolving threat landscape – what financial services NEDs need to know; changing regulatory expectations; available guidance, including the NCSC Board Toolkit and the Cyber Governance Code of Practice; effective monitoring – how to set proportionate, actionable KPIs; and boardroom accountability – how much cyber expertise is enough?
23rd April (London) & 5th June (online) 2026
NEDs in FS: Conversations with the FCA
AI and Consumer Outcomes
At our March NEDs in FS Forum, we explored what AI means for the future of retail financial services, and the role of non-executive directors in steering that progress. We were joined by Alex Smith, the FCA’s Head of Cross-Cutting Policy, who shared the regulator’s current thinking on AI, including in the context of the ongoing Mills Review. Our panel also included Becky Critchley, AI expert at Latham & Watkins and non-executive director Dr Alison Vincent CBE.
24th March 2026
NEDs in FS: Conversations with the FCA
Balancing growth and oversight
At our first NEDs in FS Forum in Edinburgh, we were joined by Alexander Smith, the Head of Strategic and Cross-cutting Policy Department at the Financial Conduct Authority. Hosted by Burness Paull, we were joined by a dozen NEDs based in Scotland to cover the FCA’s expectations in the context of both supervision and culture and how NEDs can balance the regulatory burden with growth.
26th February 2026
NEDs in FS Forum:
Remuneration and the NED
At our February forum, hosted by HSF Kramer, we explored the current challenges in remuneration. We discussed the increasingly complex remuneration rules, considered remuneration as a tool for driving culture – particularly in relation to non-financial misconduct – and explored the ongoing tension between attraction, retention, fairness and regulatory scrutiny. Mark Ife from HSF Kramer was joined on the panel by Paul Norris, remuneration expert at MM&K, and Diane Seymour-Williams, seasoned NED and Remco Chair.
24th February 2026
NEDs in FS Dinner
Inaugural Manchester dinner
In January our friends at Addleshaw Goddard hosted our first NEDs in FS event in Manchester. The evening was attended by around 8 Non-Executive Directors in the Manchester area for a wide ranging discussion and opportunity to build new connections.
29th January 2026
NEDs in FS Forum:
Non-financial misconduct 2026
With the FCA having issued final guidance on its new rules on non-financial misconduct, we were joined by experts Tim Lewis and Tim Gilbert from Travers Smith to bring us up to speed on the regulatory background and what’s changing, and also the key considerations when it comes to employment law. We were also delighted to welcome Baroness Helena Morrisey whose extensive career in financial services, as well as recent work with The Diversity Project, brought fascinating insights to the session.
21 January 2026
NEDs in FS Festive Drinks
We were delighted to be hosted once again by Farrer & Co for our festive drinks. Around 50 Non-Executive Directors joined us at their historic offices in Lincolns Inn for an enjoyable celebration.
3 December 2025
NEDs in FS Forum:
Private Equity on Board
At this forum, hosted by Addleshaw Goddard, we looked at the specific challenges and opportunities of sitting on the Board of a private equity-backed firm. Our panel, including Keith Jones, Chair at Pemberton Asset Management and Jeremy Marsden, NED at a number of PE-backed firms, covered: balancing short and long term objectives and different stakeholders, the impact of the exit plan, the impact of leverage, composition of governance structures, remuneration, regulation and more.
18 November 2025
NEDs in FS Foreign bank focus: Evidencing effective oversight
Third in our series with the Association of Foreign Banks, this roundtable discussion looked at how to evidence effective oversight through management information.
Hosted by Clive Cunningham and colleagues at HSF Kramer, we looked at a range of areas including strategic alignment, risk management, data quality and relevance, communication and clarity, and decision-making.
13 November 2025
NEDs in FS Dinner
Inaugural Edinburgh dinner
2nd November 2025
In October our friends at Burness Paull hosted our first NEDs in FS event in Edinburgh. The evening was attended by around 10 Non-Executive Directors in the Edinburgh area for a wide ranging discussion and opportunity to build new connections.
NEDs in FS forum
Bridging the divide: Navigating Boardroom differences
5-8pm, 9th October 2025
Disagreements on company boards can linger, impacting effectiveness and cohesion. At this event we looked at fostering constructive dialogue, rebuilding trust, and how to lead boards toward more unified and effective governance. Our panel included Ewan Malcolm, an award winning mediator and director of The Relationships Service, Jacky Griffith, who leads on people and culture at Grant Thornton and experienced NED Harriet Hunnable.
NEDs in FS forum
In conversation with the FCA
5-8pm, 16th September 2025
At our first autumn forum, hosted by Mishcon de Reya, we were joined by Alex Smith, the Head of Strategic and Cross-cutting Policy at the Financial Conduct Authority and Karina McTeague, part of our NED community.
The discussion was open and wide ranging including the FCA’s expectations of NEDs in the context of both supervision and culture and how NEDs can balance the regulatory burden with growth.
NEDs in FS forum
Putting neurodiversity on the Board agenda
5-8pm, 10th July 2025
In July our discussion forum, hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson, looked at neurodiversity and what firms – and their non-exec directors – need to be thinking about. Our panel included Charlotte Bloomfield from WBD, neurodiversity expert and Occupational Psychologist, Leonore Lord Patterson, and non-executive director Caroline Terry. We explored the impact of neurodiversity both in the workforce and the boardroom, the challenges of managing neurodiverse individuals and teams, and how, if properly supported, they can be a force for strength with unique skills and diversity of thought.
NEDs in FS forum
Demystifying digital assets
5-8pm, 25th June 2025
The shift in US policy towards proactive support for crypto-currency has put the world of digital assets in the headlines once again. Hosted by Ashurst and with a panel including their digital assets specialist Etay Katz, expert in international regulation Rebecca Thorpe from Ocorian, and NED Renaud Huck, we looked at the underlying technology, the evolution of cryptocurrencies and investment spin-offs, how different regions are reacting and what NEDs need to keep in mind.
NEDs in FS forum
Climate risk at the Board
5-8pm, 3rd June 2025
At our forum in early June, we looked at the role of the Board when it comes to climate in the current political and regulatory environment. Targets, climate risk and the myriad regulatory frameworks around them aren’t going away. Our panel, hosted by Linklaters, and including Harriet Hunnable, Charlotte Morgan and Aileen Buchanan looked at issues such as divergence and reporting, and what the iNED should do to navigate headwinds and harness the mitigation of climate change as a long term strategic opportunity.
NEDs in FS forum
Subsidiary boards – a servant of two masters?
5-8pm, 30th April 2025
Our April forum, hosted by Latham & Watkins, focused on the challenges faced by subsidiary boards, and the role of the non-executive director in balancing them. Under the guidance of an expert panel comprising Jonathan Hayward (Independent Audit), Rob Moulton (Latham & Watkins) and non-exec Director Lisa Scott we explored some of the unique issues, looked at what can go wrong and assessed how to best manage competing pressures.
NEDs in FS focus
Foreign banks – remuneration
5-8pm, 26th March 2025
Our second event for chairs and non-execs in foreign banks focused on particular challenges around remuneration. In partnership with our friends at the Association of Foreign Banks and hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills we covered the following topics: Avoiding conflicts of interest and mis-selling risk when setting performance conditions and targets; the impact of removing the bank bonus cap; how to determine an appropriate ratio between fixed and variable remuneration; balancing risk whilst providing flexibility; the role of the Remuneration Committee in setting standards for behaviour and culture; the application of malus and clawback in the context of a misconduct investigation and the FCA’s/PRA’s expectations; and ESG and sustainability metrics in remuneration structures.
NEDs in FS forum
Regulatory breaches – when and how to tell the regulators
5-8pm, 11th March 2025
At our March Forum, hosted by Greenberg Traurig, we looked at regulatory breaches and issues around notification to the FCA. Our panel led the discussion with some views on how and when to make successful breach notifications and the consequences of not making them. We shared experience of board deliberations, thoughts on the role of the NED and reflections on the extent to which these notifications can be used to encourage change.
NEDs in FS forum
Diversity & inclusion – where next?
5-8pm, 26th February 2025
The FCA’s final Diversity and Inclusion rules were due to be published in ‘early 2025’ according to the regulator. It’s an area all NEDs should be familiar with, and also one where they’re often expected to take a lead. Our February forum, hosted by our friends at Travers Smith looked at the proposals the likely outcome. The team also walked us through some examples of investigations they’ve seen in this area and how NEDs and Chairs should be fully equipped for potential challenges. Our panel also included NED Ann Roughead and we discussed wider issues around D&I – particularly given the global political climate.
NEDs in FS forum
Naming and shaming – reloaded
5-8pm, 28th January 2025
Fladgate, 16 Great Queen St,
London, WC2B 5DG
The FCA appears determined to press ahead with its controversial naming and shaming proposals, albeit in a watered down form. The second iteration of the consultation paper commits to assessing the impact of any publicity – but the principles remain the same.
Following a lively discussion last year, we returned to the topic with our friends at Fladgate to explore how the proposals have changed and what the impact might be for Boards, firms and the industry. We also considered the government’s wider FS strategy and relationship with the FCA in the light of recent publications.
NEDs in FS Networking Drinks
Wednesday 4th December 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Farrer & Co, 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH
Our community is growing! We celebrated by meeting other NEDs in FS at an informal drinks event kindly hosted by our friends at Farrer & Co.
NEDs in FS Forum: AI at the Board
Tuesday 12th November, 5pm-8pm
Venue: RSM, 25 Farringdon St, London EC4A 4AB
When it comes to adopting AI, the role of the non-exec is wide ranging and – given the complexity of the technology – can be daunting. The Board must provide challenge around investment in AI, internal use cases and strategy, risk management, and considerations around governance and ethical usage. At our forum, hosted by our friends at RSM, we discussed these issues, sharing insights from across the spectrum of AI adoption.
NEDs in FS Focus: Foreign banks
With the Association of Foreign Banks & Herbert Smith Freehills
Tuesday 15th October, 5pm-8pm
Venue: HSF, Exchange House, Primrose St, London, EC2A 2EG
Non-executive directors at foreign banks are faced with complex, often competing expectations from the parent organisation and local regulatory requirements. Our first NEDs in FS ‘Focus’ event was specifically for those involved in these boards. In partnership with our friends at the Association of Foreign Banks and hosted by Herbert Smith Freehills it was an opportunity to share opinions and experiences with peers in similar roles.
NEDs in FS briefing
Psychology of Board Relationships
5-8pm, 18th September 2024
CISI, 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BY
At our September event we turned to the psychology of boards – and how to create the well functioning relationships needed to make an organisation successful. We were joined by authors Joy Harcup and Helen Hopper whose recent book, The Art and Psychology of Board Relationships looks behind individual and group behaviour at board level. Joy and Helen took us through some of the theory, case studies and practical tips, and we opened the floor to a wider discussion.
NEDs in FS briefing
Dealing with non-financial misconduct
5-8pm, 4 July 2024
Mishcon de Reya LLP, Africa House, 70 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6AH
At our July event, hosted by Mishcon de Reya, we discussed non-financial misconduct, a topic which hasn’t been far from the headlines in recent months. The FCA’s September consultation paper made it clear that dealing with such misconduct appropriately and creating a diverse and inclusive culture are no longer “nice to have” but are now a “non-negotiable”. Leading the discussion were Adam Epstein and Elizabeth Hope from Mishcon de Reya who advise both individuals and firms grappling with tricky regulatory issues stemming from cases of non-financial misconduct. There was plenty of opportunity to exchange views and experiences and, as ever, time to network over a glass of wine.
NEDs in FS briefing
Whistleblowing: Time for change?
5-8pm, 18 June 2024
BDB Pitmans, One Bartholomew Close, London EC1A 7BL
At this event, kindly hosted by BDB Pitmans, we shared best practice around Whistleblowing, particularly from a “Whistleblowers Champion” perspective, and looked at the employment law issues that arise in this area. We also considered current FCA policy and will be feeding back recommendations to the FCA. Our panel included employment law specialist Nicholas Le Riche, Andrew Sykes – Senior Independent Director from ICG, and Karen Jordan who sits on a number of Boards, including the UK’s whistleblowing charity, Protect.
NEDs in FS briefing
Naming and shaming: FCA’s latest CP
5-8pm, 9th May 2024
Fladgate, 16 Great Queen St,
London, WC2B 5DG
The FCA’s latest consultation paper shares the regulator’s proposals to publicise enforcement investigations.
At this event, hosted by Fladgate, we delved into the proposals, the possible outcome of the consultation and how NEDs and Chairs at regulated firms might manage such situations. Our panel included regulatory lawyers Kate Troup and Doug Cherry, and reputation management specialist Keith Brookbank from Luther Pendragon. We collated feedback anonymously to share with the FCA to inform their consultation.
NEDs in FS briefing
Power without Responsibility
5-8pm, 21st February 2024
Chancery House, London WC2A 1QS
We were delighted to be joined by Dr Susan Hawley of Spotlight on Corruption to discuss her new report. Sue gave a short overview of her findings and we facilitated a discussion on the implications for NEDs in our industry and what actions we may need to take. This event was supported by Bovill.
