Tim Barrow, Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Russian Federation, welcomed the participants. The opening speech was delivered by Roger Gifford, the Lord Mayor. Frank Schauff, AEB CEO; Joerg Bongartz, Chairman of AEB Banking Committee, Chairman of the Board, Deutsche Bank Ltd; and Stuart Lawson, Chairman of AEB Finance&Investments Committee, Executive Director / Head of UK Business Centre, Ernst & Young, addressed the audience on the AEB behalf. The speeches were followed by discussion on the Russian economy, Moscow as an international financial centre, the investment climate in Russia and a Q&A session. 

The event was part of the Lord Mayor’s programme during his visit to Russia. It was a unique opportunity to meet with Roger Gifford and to discuss with UK business representatives the experience of doing business and investing in Russia. Senior representatives of AEB Banking and Finance&Investments Committees’ members – European banks and financial institutions – took part in the event.