AFB Seminar: Key Swift Updates

AFB will partner with Swift and SWIFT UK for an in-person seminar focused on the key Swift strategic updates for 2026.

Swift is entering one of the most significant periods of change in its history. Following the introduction of a new regulatory framework and broader governance evolution, decisions made over the coming years will shape the future of global financial messaging, standards, interoperability and industry collaboration. As the second-largest contributor to Swift message traffic globally, the UK community must continue to play an active role in those discussions.

SWIFT UK is the mechanism through which institutions based in the UK can influence that future. It represents the interests of its members and users, provides input into Swift strategy and product development, reviews proposed messaging and standards changes, and ensures that priorities of firms based in the UK are heard by both SWIFT management and governance bodies.

Why attend?

This session will demonstrate how members of every size can:

• Help ensure that UK market requirements are properly represented in global discussions
• Engage directly with peers facing similar operational, compliance and technology challenges
• Gain early visibility of major industry developments, including ISO 20022, instant payments and emerging technologies
• Contribute feedback on message changes, market practices and industry initiatives
• Influence Swift strategy, governance and standards development.

The effectiveness of SWIFT UK depends on broad participation. Whether an institution has a significant UK footprint or a more specialised presence, diverse input creates stronger representation and better outcomes for the entire community. We encourage all eligible institutions to consider joining SWIFT UK, stay informed of the latest developments, and contribute to the collective voice that is represented to SWIFT leadership and the SWIFT Board.

Who should attend?

This seminar is aimed at Operations, Trade Finance, Compliance, IT and Payments teams.

What will members gain for use at their bank?

• A good understanding of all the key updates, benefits, challenges and gaps
• Key takeaways on the technical options needed to support systems, as well as answering questions on any client and market requirements that members may have

Speakers

Justin Brearley-Smith, Chair of Swift UK User Groups, SWIFT UK

Justin Brearley-Smith is a Payments Industry Advocate at J.P. Morgan and SWIFT UK User Group Chair. With more than 25 years of experience across banking, payments, technology and financial services, he is a recognised industry practitioner in Swift and ISO 20022. Justin has contributed to numerous Swift and market practice working groups and played a leading role in J.P. Morgan’s global ISO 20022 transformation, including the implementation of Swift CBPR+. As SWIFT UK User Group Chair, he works with banks, market infrastructures and industry bodies to help shape discussions on payments modernisation, standards and the future of cross-border payments.

Edward Phelps, Deputy Chair of User Groups, SWIFT UK

Edward Phelps is Deputy Chair of SWIFT UK and Interim Chair of the Securities Advisory Forum (SAF). He is a Senior Vice President in StoneX’s Global Payments Division, responsible for correspondent banking and cross-border payment capabilities across EMEA. Prior to StoneX, Edward spent six years at SWIFT in strategy, business development and sales roles, and previously held front-office positions at Ebury. He remains actively involved in industry engagement, contributing to discussions on financial messaging, standards, governance and the future of global payments.

Samer Musharbash, Banking Segment Lead, Swift

Samer is responsible for leading and driving strategic engagements with Swift’s banking clients and industry associations in the UKI region. Prior to Swift, Samer spent 16 years working for HSBC and Citibank across various functions in relationship management, programme management, product management and technology.

Logistics

Fee:         Included in AFB membership

Venue:     StoneX, 7/F, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London EC2Y 5ET

Date:        24 September 2026

Time:       09:00 – 10:15 (arrivals and breakfast from 08:30)

If you would like to submit a question or have any specific areas that you would like the session to address, please send them to AFB at secretariat@foreignbanks.org.uk. You will receive details on how to join this session a week before the event.