Funds Congress 2026

Funds Congress once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated dates in the asset management calendar. The event was packed throughout the day, bringing together senior leaders from across the industry for a series of thoughtful and wide-ranging discussions.

A recurring theme this year was the maturity of the asset management conversation. The tone felt notably pragmatic. Rather than bold forecasts, speakers focused on execution, resilience and how firms are adapting to a more complex and demanding operating environment.

The CEO panel, featuring leaders from Aberdeen, Alliance Bernstein and HSBC, offered a candid perspective on the current global landscape and where the industry is heading. Their discussion underscored the importance of strategic discipline, operational strength and long-term thinking in navigating ongoing market and geopolitical uncertainty.

Technology, and particularly artificial intelligence, was another central topic. A behind-the-scenes look at how organisations such as BNY and Carne Group are approaching AI provided a grounded assessment of where the technology is genuinely delivering value today, and where expectations may still be running ahead of reality. The emphasis was firmly on practical application rather than hype.

The retailisation of private markets also featured prominently, with insights from Schroders, Blackstone and the Platforms Association. Panellists shared real-world perspectives on how access is evolving, the regulatory considerations involved, and what sustainable growth in this space could look like.

Beyond asset management, the programme broadened to include geopolitics and media. Former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt delivered a frank and personal assessment of the US relationship with Denmark, including the situation in Greenland. Her contribution provided valuable context to the shifting geopolitical backdrop against which the industry operates.

The day concluded on a lighter note, with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall of The News Agents offering sharp political analysis, alongside some well-judged humour, on developments in the UK and globally.

Overall, Funds Congress 2026 felt well curated and highly relevant. The focus on realism, operational delivery and resilience reflected an industry that is evolving thoughtfully, and with greater clarity about both its opportunities and its constraints.