[London, 08 February 2011] The Worshipful Company of International Bankers held its annual banquet on Monday, 07 February at the Guildhall, which was attended by senior figures from the financial services industry, as well as from the regulatory, central banking and diplomatic communities.
In welcoming the guests Alderman Roger Gifford, Master of the Company, said that the membership of the Company reflected the global reach of the City and demonstrated the willingness of senior financiers to commit time and resource to the Company’s educational and charitable activities. Reminding members that the company’s principles of good conduct have been updated, he encouraged all financial institutions to consider endorsing the principles too.
The Master also congratulated Edward Ellerington, the winner of The Worshipful Company of International Bankers Lombard Prize – sponsored by Lombard on his achievement, presenting him with a silver salver.
"The Lombard Prize was created as a way to recognise outstanding academic achievement, and to support and encourage a strong pool of graduates entering the financial services marketplace," said Nigel Clibbens, Chief Operating Officer at Lombard. "We too extend our congratulations to Edward Ellerington for his outstanding achievement and wish him all the best as he enters the business space."
Replying on behalf of the Corporation of London Lord Levine, Lord Mayor in locum tenens, said that London had a long tradition of welcoming foreign institutions to the London market and that he was confident that it would remain the leading international financial centre, whose presence benefited the UK's economy greatly, contributing as it did to trade and growth. But bankers must learn the lessons of the financial crisis and politicians must resist the urge to over regulate.
Anders Borg, the Swedish Minister for Finance spoke about the economic challenges facing Europe - the need for sound public finances, reformed labour markets, and financial stability – and how to address those challenges.
