Current issues for UK financial services and markets

UK financial services and markets currently face an unprecedented set of challenges and opportunities. The sweeping, and erratic tariff policies introduced by the United States in April 2025 are causing waves in exchange rates, interest rates, stock and bond prices and more. They are also influencing central bank policies, financial risks and industrial sourcing patterns. Quite separately, digital innovations are creating new asset classes and new payment mechanisms. With the City of London and the powerful UK fintech sector, these challenges also offer big opportunities for the UK. Lauren Edwards MP, an officer in All-Party Parliamentary Group for Financial Markets and Services, with Treasury and Bank of England experience, will lead this roundtable.