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Article Provided by The Times

José Viñals says geopolitical uncertainty can benefit the City

Ben Martin, Banking Editor

Monday March 24 2025, 10.35am, The Times

The City of London could emerge as a winner from the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape if it becomes a “neutral” financial hub, according to the chairman of the emerging markets banking giant Standard Chartered.

José Viñals, a veteran economist and financial regulator, said that “globalisation is changing course” and warned that “the global order is in transition towards a less rules-based and more power-based system”.

However, he argued that London could potentially benefit from the rising uncertainty.

It comes as fears have grown in both the Square Mile and Westminster in recent years that London’s status as one of the world’s top financial centres is waning, with business being lost to New York and rival hubs such as Amsterdam snapping at the City’s heels.

Viñals