NatWest Group conference brings national and international banks to Edinburgh
(Credit: George Iordanov-Nalbantov)
Edinburgh hosted the Official Institutions Conference last week, marking the first time in 11 years that the prestigious event has been held in the Scottish capital.
Convened by Royal Bank of Scotland-owner NatWest Group, the event brought together a range of global investors and national banks from Europe and further afield – including the Italian Treasury and the national banks of Canada, Chilie, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Portugal, Cyprus, Czechia, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Denmark and Bulgaria.
Over five days, attendees discussed geopolitical and financial risks and in a changing world and how private and public institutions work together in this context to encourage investment across national boundaries.
The summit showcased Edinburgh landmarks, including Gogarburn and the Castle to an international audience.
The conference showcases the convening power of the Scottish and UK finance sectors and their continuing international reputation. It also underlines the commitment of the NatWest Group to convening global financial institutions at its home city of Edinburgh.
Rick Haythornthwaite, NatWest Group chair, said: “The official institutions community plays an essential role in maintaining the stability and resilience of the global financial system.
“At a time when the world continues to navigate geopolitical uncertainty, economic transition, and the demands of sustainable growth, their stewardship has perhaps never been more important.
“They are, collectively, custodians of trust: trust in currencies, in markets, in institutions, and ultimately in the economic frameworks that support societies around the world. Their decisions shape not only financial outcomes, but also the lived realities of millions of people. That responsibility is extraordinary, and it is matched only by the level of expertise, collaboration, and foresight required to carry it.
“From our perspective at NatWest Group, it is a privilege to be a partner with them in that endeavour. We value deeply the opportunity to support their objectives - whether through market access, insight, or innovation – and to learn from your perspectives. The strength of this community lies not just in its institutional importance, but in its willingness to engage, to listen, and to cooperate across borders.”

