As 2026 begins, the future of London as a world-leading financial hub is at a pivotal juncture. According to Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, this year must mark a decisive shift from strategic planning to tangible delivery in the post-Brexit landscape.
A Foundation of Strength and Security
The evidence underscores London's enduring global position. It remains a top-tier international financial centre and one of the safest major cities globally, with crime rates significantly lower than many peers. The City of London Police is instrumental in this, also serving as the National Lead Force for fraud. This unique capability handles the entire fraud chain, from reporting to victim care, a system unmatched elsewhere.
London's profound diversity is a core strength, fuelling its workforce, culture, and entrepreneurial energy. Beyond finance, the capital's thriving technology and innovation ecosystem continues to attract global talent and investment.
Policy Momentum and Global Engagement
Recent policy moves are reinforcing these fundamentals. The Budget's reaffirmation of financial services as a strategic national asset was followed by the launch of the Office for Investment: Financial Services. This dedicated mechanism for coordinating global investment promotion is already yielding results, exemplified by AM Specialty Insurance Company (UK) choosing to establish operations in London.
Trade policy is advancing, with the modernised UK-South Korea trade agreement highlighting services, finance, and digital trade. Its cutting-edge digital trade chapter and expanded services access will create significant new opportunities, strengthening London's role as a bridge between Asian capital and global markets.
Regulatory Reform and the Crypto Frontier
The UK is now transitioning from post-Brexit regulatory design to implementation. The focus is on crafting rules that protect stability while fostering growth and innovation. This balance is clear in the government's approach to digital assets, where the ambition is to become a global hub. City minister Lucy Rigby tabled legislation in December 2025 to implement cryptoasset regulation.
This combination of openness and trusted regulation has long been London's comparative advantage. Hayward will champion these themes at the World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on how finance can support long-term investment and responsible innovation.
The Imperative of Pragmatic Cooperation
Closer to home, engagement with Europe remains critical. The City of London Corporation's annual EU reception in Brussels will foster pragmatic dialogue, recognising that fragmentation between the deeply interconnected UK and EU markets raises costs for all.
London's pre-eminence is not guaranteed by inertia but must be secured through active engagement and deliberate choices. The foundations are robust. The task for 2026 is execution: delivering reform at pace, maintaining regulatory clarity, and engaging globally to build inclusive, sustainable growth.
