Chief Risk Officers Summit

The City of London Corporation brought together over 200 leaders from across the financial and risk sectors to spotlight the evolving role of the Chief Risk Officer in a world defined by disruption, innovation, and opportunity. It was a pleasure to open the Summit: risk is not just something to avoid - it is something to harness.

The UK’s long-term economic strength depends not just on managing risk, but on mobilising it for innovation, competitiveness, and resilience. We must break free from a post-financial crisis allergy to risk that has stifled our ambition.

My message was clear: CROs are the new growth enablers, combining oversight with foresight to help businesses seize opportunity from volatility.

We explored how responsible risk-taking, bold leadership, and a shift in mindset can reignite the City’s appetite for innovation and secure the UK’s global competitiveness.

Huge thanks to our speakers, panellists, and partners including Dr Cormac Bryce, Bayes Business School, Maxine Gee of the London Stock Exchange Group and Bim Afolami, Former City Minister now Chief of Staff & Strategy at Acrisure.