Post by BNP Paribas CIB

Last week, we held the 2026 EBEC forum, our 13th edition, welcoming 200 senior financial sectors representatives to discuss the strategic issues shaping the future of finance.   In a context of significant geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts, our latest edition asked the question: in a new game with new rules, who are the new players and what opportunities and challenges will they face in the years ahead?   The event was opened this morning by Frederic Legmann, Global Head of Banks and Intermediaries Coverage for BNP Paribas; this was followed by a keynote fireside chat with David Solomon, Chairman and Chief Executive, Goldman Sachs, moderated by BNP Paribas Chairman Jean Lemierre.   Over two days, the forum activated think-tank mode, with perspectives from a range of distinguished and influential industry voices, via panels moderated by BNP Paribas experts. We covered themes such as navigating geoeconomic turbulence; defence and security; the broadening of private asset exposure; tokenised money and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs); what’s next for FinTechs; financial M&A; and regulation on a local and global level.   The event concluded with a final fireside chat between Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, in conversation with Jean Lemierre.   Thank you to speakers, including our keynote dinner guests, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the event.