London: as it was and always will be. Or maybe not

THE ALCHEMIST

The City has just held one of its periodic jamborees for self-promotion, with dozens of the local great and good mixing with the diplomatic corps, foreign financiers and regulators.

The unashamed aim was to reinforce London’s status as the world’s leading financial centre, highlighting its history, expertise, connections and style. The agenda kicked off entirely as expected, under the urbane chairmanship of Sir Win Bischoff, chairman of Lloyds Banking Group (previously Citigroup CEO, head and inspiration for many other City institutions). London, he said in so many words, was listening to the world, and would soon be able to lead the global financial sector back to full health and fitness. Indeed, it was willing to help other smaller centres along the way. He was...