AFB Annual Regulatory Conference 2026

We are delighted to invite you to the AFB’s Annual Regulatory Conference, hosted by A&O Shearman and sponsored by Whistlebrook.

The conference will focus on the following topics:

• Changes in cross-border market access: how capital regulation and international regulatory divergence may impact UK-based branches and subsidiaries’ strategic choices
• UK’s position as an international financial centre:  a discussion on the strengths and areas for improvement of London as a financial centre, with a focus on how to balance competitiveness and stability to enhance investment and growth for international banks
• Developments in digital finance: how international banks can navigate regulation and the market to explore new business opportunities
• Impact of domestic and international politics on UK financial regulation: soon after the UK local elections and in the current geopolitical turbulent context, panellists will explore how domestic and global political affairs may shape financial regulation in the UK
• Safeguarding cybersecurity: how international firms can effectively maintain operational and cyber resilience

Who should attend?

Representatives from AFB members with an interest in ongoing changes to the UK regulatory environment and the development of financial services regulation.

Why attend?

• Connect with your 200+ peers from across AFB member firms and grow your network
• Gain insights on the regulatory changes that may affect your UK operations over the next 12 months
• Hear directly from UK regulators and policymakers, including the FCA, PRA, and HM Treasury, on their priorities and expectations
• Understand the strategic implications of global political and market developments for international banks operating in the UK

Confirmed speakers include:

Mark Francis, Director of Wholesale, Sell Side, FCA

Alison Scott, Director, Authorisations, Regulatory Technology, and International Supervision, PRA

Rohan Lee, Director of Financial Services, HM Treasury

Bob Penn, Global Head of Financial Services Regulatory, A&O Shearman

Rob Moulton, Financial Services Regulatory Partner, Latham & Watkins

Further speakers, including AFB member firm representatives, will be announced in due course.

There is no additional fee for AFB members to attend this conference – book your place now.  Note that due to space limitation capacity for the event will be limited to 4 people per member bank. This ensures as many firms as possible can benefit from the discussions.

Logistics

Venue:    A&O Shearman, One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD. See here for directions.

Date:      Tuesday 19 May 2026

Time:       09:00 – 17:00 (registration and arrival 08:30 – 09:00, Lunch will be provided)

Fee:          No fee, this event is included in AFB membership

A full conference programme with timings will be published in mid May.

Please note that you will only be deemed to have attended (for CPD points) if you have made yourself known at registration.

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman transforms the way law is practiced, to deliver unparalleled results for our clients’ most complex matters – everywhere in the world. We’re a law firm at the forefront of the forces changing the current of global business. A&O Shearman’s finance team is renowned as one of the strongest and deepest in the world, with top-tier lawyers located in all the major markets. We have acted on many of the highest-profile financial services enforcement and litigation matters of recent years and are regularly called on by governments to help develop new regulatory frameworks. Fluent in U.S. law, English law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets in equal measure, we support our clients with bespoke teams of expert minds. On May 1, 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to become A&O Shearman.

Find out more on A&O Shearman website

Whistlebrook

For over 25 years, Whistlebrook has been a trusted provider of integrated, data-driven software solutions for the financial services sector. Our integrated suite of software modules enable firms to efficiently manage their accounting, regulatory reporting, financial planning, and risk management challenges.

We work with a diverse range of financial institutions, including members of the Association of Foreign Banks and collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We partner closely with our clients to develop innovative software modules that adapt to the evolving requirements in the sector.

Whistlebrook’s mission-critical software is built to deliver accuracy and efficiency. Our integrated suite of modules, connected through a centralised database, ensures data consistency, accuracy and confidence across all applications, helping firms streamline compliance and decision-making.

Whether you need a targeted solution for a specific reporting or compliance challenge or a fully integrated software suite that scales with your business, Whistlebrook has the expertise to support you.

Find out more on the Whistlebrook website