This was the first of the CISI Southern Branch events for 2019, held at G Live in Guildford.
With a good turnout, Keith Churchouse, President of the Southern Branch, introduced the speakers for the event on the morning of 15 January 2019.
The Southern Branch was pleased to welcome Azad Zangana, Senior European Economist & Strategist with Schroders, as the first speaker. Azad gave an excellent and thought-provoking presentation on the global macroeconomic outlook over the coming months and years, with a focus on Brexit and its potential outcomes and impacts – a particularly pertinent topic given the meaningful vote scheduled for the evening of 15 January. On a broader note, Azad explored potential future trends for global markets and currencies in the light of factors such as the US-China trade war, the withdrawal of global liquidity with the ending of QE and the fading impact of Donald Trump’s tax reforms.
The second presentation was given by Heather Dunne of The Pensions Experts. Heather is a well-known figure in the financial services world, having worked in the industry since 1985. Her expertise and experience in pension transfers made for a welcome and very timely presentation, covering significant ground in this controversial field. Heather provided a clear, detailed and candid explanation of the reasons behind the recent increase and subsequent slow-down in defined benefit transfers, the significant regulatory and legislative changes that have taken place over time and her views on the future of the transfer of safeguarded benefits.
Our thanks go to both the speakers for two engaging and stimulating presentations. If you would like a copy of the slides, please visit the CISI website or contact a member of the CISI Southern Committee.
Your Committee meets on 24 January 2019 to look at the next events across Surrey and if you would like any financial topic discussed then please let Keith Churchouse know.
Keith Churchouse CFP Chartered FSCI
President, CISI Southern Committee