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Big names to give evidence at Future of Banking Commission

02 February 2010

Some of the most influential figures in the banking industry have been confirmed as witnesses for the Future of Banking Commission*, Which? can reveal.

These include Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, City Minister, Lord Myners, and chairman of the Financial Services Authority, Lord Turner.

Unlike previous enquiries into the financial crisis, the Future of Banking Commission will also hear evidence from the public, which is being gathered from across the UK and will feed into the Which? Big Banking Debate in London on Thursday 4th February before being presented to the Commission.

The Future of Banking Commission is inviting representatives from academia, journalism, business and the banking industry itself to give evidence at three sessions to be held in central London on Tuesday 9th of February, Thursday 25th of February and Thursday 18th of March.

There will be space for members of the press, public and other interested parties to attend the events, which will be held at the Riverbank Park Plaza, Westminster, and Royal Society of Arts.

Which? chief executive, Peter Vicary-Smith, says:

“We’re delighted that some of the key players in the banking world recognise the importance of this commission. It will put at centre stage the views of the general public on how to re-structure the banking industry so that it meets the needs of all of us.”

Rt Hon David Davis MP, chairman of the Future of Banking Commission, says:

“The aim of the Commission is to determine what sort of banking system Britain needs as we emerge from the crisis. We will take evidence from industry, regulators, and consumers to establish the most constructive reforms in the interests of savers, borrowers, and the economy as a whole. The Commission will propose a model for the financial architecture that can deliver a high level of service without putting the well-being of the taxpayer at risk.”

Notes to Editor


Anyone who wants to attend the Which? Big Banking Debate or one of the three evidence sessions should visit www.which.co.uk/banking to register their interest.

*The Future of Banking Commission is chaired by Rt. Hon David Davis MP. Other members of the Future of Banking Commission include Rt. Hon John McFall MP, Dr. Vince Cable MP Philip Augar (formerly a Group Managing Director at Schroders’ and now a writer on the financial services industry), Clare Spottiswoode (former DG of OFGAS), David Pitt-Watson (Chair, Hermes Focus Asset Management) and Roger Bootle (Managing Director Capital Economics) and Peter Vicary-Smith (chief executive, Which?)

Full list of confirmed witnesses as of 29th January (Further invitations have been issued but timings and dates are yet to be confirmed. Additional names will be available as they are confirmed):