A New Chapter for the Square Mile as Global Chiefs Join UK Investment Drive

The creation of the Office for Investment Financial Services advisory committee has been quietly welcomed across the City this week, signalling a fresh attempt to draw global capital back toward the UK. The new body, convened by the Office for Investment: Financial Services (OfI: FS), gathers senior figures from some of the world’s most influential financial institutions alongside ministers and policymakers.

The committee’s inaugural meeting opened at Guildhall, led by Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, together with City Minister Lucy Rigby and Investment Minister Lord Stockwood. It marks the formal launch of a service intended to give international financial firms a central point of contact when considering expansion in Britain.

At its core, the OfI: FS positions itself as a dedicated concierge for global firms seeking to establish or grow operations in the UK, offering regulatory and practical support under a single umbrella. It is a public-private partnership that unites government, regulators and industry, and is already functioning as a one-stop hub for overseas investment enquiries.

Chris Hayward said the launch represented “a game-changing moment for UK financial services”, adding that the UK had moved “from vision to delivery” in six months. “This brings together Government, regulators and industry to position the UK as the premier global hub for financial-services investment,” he said.

Senior figures from AXA UK, Bloomberg, Citi UK, State Street, Coinbase, EY, FTI Consulting, Goldman Sachs International, Lloyd’s of London, M&G and Mubadala have agreed to serve on the committee. Their role is to advise on investor expectations, reduce friction in market entry and strengthen Britain’s pitch to international capital.

Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said tailored support would “fast track more investment into the UK economy, driving growth, creating jobs and putting more money in people’s pockets”. She added that the advisory committee’s collective expertise would “supercharge” the service.

Lord Stockwood described the new unit as “great news”, arguing that it would help ensure the UK remained one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment. “With financial services being a key growth sector in our modern Industrial Strategy, today’s announcement will enable future high-quality investment growth,” he said.

The announcement comes as the City seeks to maintain its standing amid increasing competition from Europe, North America and parts of Asia. Recent studies on global capital flows, including analysis on emerging investment trends from institutions such as the London School of Economics, highlight the extent to which regulation, digital transformation and geopolitical strategy now shape boardroom decisions.

Tara Foley, CEO at AXA UK & Ireland, noted the importance of partnership. “Collaboration between government, regulators and industry is essential to unlocking the UK’s full potential as a global financial centre,” she said. She added that AXA’s international footprint gave it a “strong understanding of what firms look for when choosing where to invest”.

Omar Ali, EY Global Financial Services Leader, echoed this sentiment, describing the UK as “the most attractive destination in Europe for financial services investment” thanks to its depth of expertise and commitment to innovation. The committee, he said, would help strengthen the UK’s international position further.

Keith Grose, UK CEO of Coinbase, emphasised the significance for digital assets. “The UK is Coinbase’s largest international market and fertile ground for financial services and digital asset innovation,” he said. “The Office of Investment will play an important role in positioning the UK competitively in the global race for digital assets.”

For now, the OfI: FS appears to be staking its claim as a guide for global finance looking toward Britain. The coming months will reveal whether a shared table between CEOs, ministers and regulators can translate strategy into tangible investment across the regions.

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