WCIB – AFB Reception at Bank of China 2026

Association of Foreign Banks (AFB) and the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB) invite you to a networking reception with colleagues from across the international banking community in London. The event, kindly hosted by Bank of China, will provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the work of both organisations and how they can support you and your business.

Speakers

David co-chairs the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which seeks to redirect global financial flows towards nature-positive outcomes. TNFD has more than 1,800 member organisations across 150 countries, with over 750 adopters representing $6 trillion in market capitalisation and $22 trillion in AuM. David has over 30 years’ experience in financial markets data, technology, and infrastructure. He is the founder and former CEO of Refinitiv, acquired by London Stock Exchange Group in 2021 for $27 billion. He chairs the Investment Committee of Triple Private Equity Partners, is a trustee of the Natural History Museum as well as a member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI).

Rob Ward, Head of Department, International Division, FCA

Rob joined the FCA in January 2024, having previously spent over twenty years working at HM Treasury (HMT). His most recent position at HMT was as Deputy Director for International Financial Services, where he led on global relationships across advanced and emerging markets as well as on financial services in the UK’s trade negotiations. He was also Advisor to the UK Executive Directors to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank immediately following the 2008 financial crisis.

 
Logistics

Fee:                Included in AFB membership (No fee)
Location:        Bank of China, 1 Lothbury, London EC2R 7DB
Date:              Thursday 23 April 2026
Time:              18:00 – 20:30

Agenda:

18.00 – 18.30 Registration
18.30 – 18.45 Introductory and welcome remarks from Bank of China, AFB and The Master of WCIB
18.45 – 19.15 Fireside chat with David Craig and Rob Ward, hosted by Bobby Charalambous
19.15 – 20.30 Networking reception (with drinks and canapes)

If you book a place but are no longer able to attend, please let us know so we can offer your place to other members.